The DLD fee schedule
These figures come from the Dubai Land Department's published service page for registering a property sale (checked on 30 September 2026):
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 4% of the sale value |
| Registration trustee fee | AED 2,100 if the price is under AED 500,000; AED 4,200 if AED 500,000 or more |
| Title deed | AED 250 |
| Map | AED 225 for a land map on the Dubai Municipality unified map, or AED 250 for a building or apartment (AED 100 for land outside Dubai Municipality's jurisdiction) |
| Knowledge and innovation fees | AED 10 each |
| Mortgage registration (if any) | 0.25% of the mortgage value, plus the same small fixed fees |
On off-plan purchases the sale is registered in DLD's interim register instead of a title deed at first. The 4% fee still applies; check the amount and timing of registration and admin charges in the SPA.
A worked example
Illustration only, not a listing: for an apartment bought at AED 2,000,000 without a mortgage, the DLD transfer fee is AED 80,000 (4%), the trustee fee is AED 4,200, the title deed is AED 250, the apartment map is AED 250 and the knowledge and innovation fees are AED 20. That is AED 84,720 in government and trustee fees before any agency fee or service charges.
If the same buyer took a mortgage of AED 1,000,000, mortgage registration would add AED 2,500 (0.25%) plus fixed fees.
Other costs to budget
- Agency fee on resale purchases, agreed in writing. DLD says a broker's commission is set by agreement under Law No. 85 of 2006.
- Developer NOC when buying a resale unit, charged by the developer.
- Mortgage costs: bank arrangement and valuation fees, and life and property insurance.
- Service charges every year once you own the unit. They are approved by RERA and published in DLD's Service Charge Index.
- Utilities connection and, if you rent the property out, Ejari registration for each tenancy.
Fees in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
- Abu Dhabi: DARI charges 2% of the contract value to register an off-plan unit sale for ownership (1% for Musataha), and the sale must be registered within 21 days of signing or a late fee of AED 10,000 applies. For ready property, DARI's help centre says the fee is calculated at 2% of the valuation or the selling price, whichever is higher.
- Sharjah: Executive Council Resolution No. 34 of 2018, as summarised by Lexology, sets the registration fee at 4% paid by the buyer when the buyer is not a UAE or GCC national. To check: confirm the current rate and any exhibition discount with SRERD before paying.
Frequently asked questions
How much are DLD fees when buying property in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department transfer fee is 4% of the purchase price. DLD also charges a registration trustee fee of AED 2,100 for properties under AED 500,000 or AED 4,200 for AED 500,000 and above, a title deed fee of AED 250, a map fee of up to AED 250, and AED 20 in knowledge and innovation fees.
Who pays the 4% DLD fee, the buyer or the seller?
In most Dubai transactions the buyer pays the 4% DLD transfer fee, but the buyer and seller can agree to split it, and some developers offer to cover it on off-plan launches. Whatever is agreed should be written into the memorandum of understanding or the SPA, because DLD collects the fee at registration.
Is the DLD fee the same for off-plan property?
Yes, the 4% DLD fee applies to off-plan sales too. The sale is recorded in DLD's interim register when you buy, rather than on a title deed, and the title deed is issued at handover. Developers sometimes add their own admin or registration charges, so check the SPA for every fee due at booking.
What is the property registration fee in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, DARI charges 2% of the contract value to register an off-plan unit sale for ownership, or 1% for a Musataha right. For ready property, DARI calculates the fee at 2% of the valuation or selling price, whichever is higher. Off-plan sales must be registered within 21 days of signing.
Get a shortlist for dld fees and the full cost of buying property in dubai
Tell Tarek your budget, timeline and whether you want to live in the home, rent it out or apply for a Golden Visa. He will send matching launches and ready alternatives with the full cost of each, and check registration and escrow with you before you pay.
Sources
- Registering the Sale of a Mortgaged Property (fee schedule), Dubai Land Department. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Frequently Asked Questions (escrow, registration, brokers, service charges), Dubai Land Department. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Register the Sale of an Off-Plan Plot or Unit, DARI (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Off-Plan Unit Sale Registration (fees and 21-day rule), DARI Help Centre (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Guide to Sell and Buy Property on DARI, DARI Help Centre (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Real Estate Development in the Emirate of Sharjah (summary of Executive Council Resolution No. 34 of 2018), Lexology. Checked 30 September 2026.