Frequently Asked Questions

The main costs are the DLD transfer fee of 4% of the purchase price, a trustee office registration fee of AED 2,000 for properties under AED 500,000 or AED 4,000 above that (plus VAT), a title deed fee of around AED 580, and the agency commission, typically 2% plus VAT. If you use a mortgage, add the mortgage registration fee (0.25% of the loan plus an admin fee) and a bank valuation fee of roughly AED 2,500 to 3,500. As a rule of thumb, budget about 7% to 8% of the price for fees. Always confirm current government fees with the DLD before transferring.

Under UAE Central Bank rules, expatriates buying their first home worth under AED 5 million need a minimum down payment of 20%, as banks can lend up to 80% of the value. For a first home of AED 5 million or more the minimum rises to 35%, and for a second or investment property it is 40%. UAE nationals have slightly higher limits. Purchase fees are paid on top of the down payment, and the final amount you can borrow also depends on your income and existing debts.

Yes. Owning property worth at least AED 2 million, in a single property or a combined portfolio, can make you eligible for the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa. Mortgaged properties can qualify if the loan is with a UAE-licensed bank, and off-plan properties can qualify subject to conditions set by the authorities. Requirements change from time to time, so check the latest rules with the DLD before you buy.

Dubai has no annual property tax and no capital gains tax on property sold by individuals. Owners do pay annual service charges for the maintenance of the building or community, and a municipality housing fee is collected through the DEWA utility bill.

Sellers typically pay the agency commission, commonly around 2% plus VAT and negotiable, the developer's NOC fee, which usually ranges from about AED 500 to AED 5,000, and any outstanding service charges. If the property is mortgaged, the bank may also charge an early settlement fee. The 4% DLD transfer fee is, by market practice, usually paid by the buyer, but who pays what can be agreed in Form F.

Yes. Your bank issues a liability letter showing the outstanding loan, and that amount is settled at or before the transfer, usually from the buyer's payment or the buyer's bank. Once the loan is cleared, the bank releases the mortgage so that the developer's NOC can be issued and ownership transferred.

Finding the right buyer depends on price, location and market conditions. Once a buyer is found and Form F is signed, a cash sale typically completes in about two to four weeks, while a sale where the buyer uses a mortgage often takes four to eight weeks because of bank approvals and valuations.

In most cases, yes. Reselling before completion is common in Dubai, but many developers only allow it once a set percentage of the price has been paid, often 30% to 40%, and they may charge a transfer or administration fee. Check the resale terms in your sale and purchase agreement before you list the property.