Most buyers focus on the deposit, but the fees on top typically add 7–8% of the purchase price. Here's what they are.
Government fees
- DLD transfer fee — 4% of the price plus around AED 580 in admin. Usually paid by the buyer.
- Mortgage registration — 0.25% of the loan plus AED 290, paid to the Dubai Land Department.
- Trustee office fee — roughly AED 2,100–4,200 including VAT, depending on the price.
Bank fees
- Arrangement / processing fee — up to 1% of the loan (some banks waive it).
- Valuation fee — typically AED 2,500–3,500, paid before the final offer.
- Life and property insurance — required by most lenders and paid monthly or annually.
Agency fee
If you buy through an agent, expect 2% of the price plus 5% VAT.
A worked example
For a AED 2,000,000 apartment with an 80% mortgage (AED 1,600,000 loan):
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Deposit (20%) | AED 400,000 |
| DLD fee | AED 80,580 |
| Agency fee + VAT | AED 42,000 |
| Mortgage registration | AED 4,290 |
| Arrangement fee (1%) | AED 16,000 |
| Valuation | AED 3,150 |
| Trustee fee | AED 4,200 |
| Total cash needed | ≈ AED 550,000 |
Use our cost calculator to run the numbers for your own purchase.
Figures are indicative. Fees change and vary by bank, developer and agent.
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