What is the DLD transfer fee in Dubai?

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee is 4% of the property purchase price, paid at the time of property registration. This applies to all Dubai property transactions regardless of nationality or buyer type. For example, buying a AED 2M apartment incurs a DLD transfer fee of AED 80,000.

What is the trustee fee in Dubai property transactions?

The trustee fee in Dubai is the fee paid to the DLD-registered trustee office that facilitates the property transfer. The trustee fee is AED 4,200 for properties up to AED 500,000, and AED 4,200 for properties above AED 500,000 (some offices charge a small percentage above this threshold). The trustee fee is separate from the DLD transfer fee and is typically split between buyer and seller.

What is the mortgage registration fee in Dubai?

The DLD mortgage registration fee is 0.25% of the loan amount, plus a fixed AED 290 admin fee. This is paid to the Dubai Land Department to register the bank's charge (lien) against the property. For a AED 1.5M loan, the mortgage registration fee is AED 3,750 + AED 290 = AED 4,040.

What is the total cost of buying property in Dubai?

Total acquisition costs for buying property in Dubai typically include: DLD transfer fee (4%), DLD admin fee (AED 580), trustee fee (AED 4,200), mortgage registration fee (0.25% of loan + AED 290), property valuation fee (AED 2,500–3,500), title deed issuance (AED 520), and bank processing/arrangement fee (0.5–1% of loan). Total fees typically range from 6–8% of the property price for mortgage buyers.

Do first-time buyers get any DLD fee discounts in Dubai?

There is no standard DLD fee discount for first-time buyers in Dubai under current regulations. However, some developers offer to cover the DLD fee as a sales incentive on off-plan properties. The 4% DLD transfer fee applies equally to all buyers. UAE nationals and GCC citizens do not receive a DLD fee exemption either.

Dubai DLD Fee Calculator 2026

Dubai DLD Fees Calculator 2026 — Total Property Acquisition Cost

Buying property in Dubai involves more than just the purchase price. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) charges a 4% transfer fee, plus there are trustee fees, mortgage registration fees, and other processing costs. Use Mortigo's free DLD fees calculator to get an instant, itemised breakdown of your total acquisition cost.

Dubai Property Fees — What You Need to Know

The DLD transfer fee (4% of purchase price) is typically the largest single upfront cost for Dubai property buyers. On a AED 2M property, this alone is AED 80,000. Combined with mortgage registration, trustee fees, and processing costs, total upfront fees typically add 6–8% to the property price.

Fee	Amount / Rate	Who Pays
DLD transfer fee	4% of purchase price	Buyer (standard)
DLD admin fee	AED 580	Buyer
Trustee fee	AED 4,200 (cash) / AED 4,200+ (mortgage)	Buyer
Mortgage registration fee	0.25% of loan + AED 290	Buyer
Property valuation fee	AED 2,500–3,500	Buyer
Title deed issuance	AED 520	Buyer
Bank processing / arrangement fee	0.5–1% of loan amount	Buyer
Agent commission	2% of purchase price	Buyer (secondary market)

Agent commission is typically 2% for secondary (resale) properties. Off-plan purchases from developers usually have no agent commission payable by the buyer.

Off-Plan vs Ready — Fee Differences

For off-plan properties, the trustee fee is slightly different as the transfer happens via the developer's escrow structure. The DLD 4% transfer fee still applies in full at the time of NOC/transfer. Some developers offer to pay the DLD fee as a sales incentive — always confirm this in writing in the Sales Purchase Agreement.

For ready properties (completed), the full fee schedule applies immediately at the DLD office during the transfer appointment.

Plan Your Purchase with Mortigo

Mortigo's mortgage advisors can help you plan your full acquisition cost and identify banks that offer cashback or fee-waiver promotions. WhatsApp +971 50 729 7196 or apply online for a free consultation.

Dubai DLD Fees Calculator

Calculate DLD transfer fee, trustee fee, mortgage registration, processing fee, and total acquisition cost for Dubai property.

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DLD fee (4%) is the same for all buyer types — no first-time buyer discount applies in Dubai

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