The price on a brochure is never the full cost of a property. Before you sign a sales agreement in Dubai, you need to know which fees apply, who pays them and when they fall due. This matters even more for off-plan purchases, which made up around 68% of all Dubai property sales in the first nine months of 2026 (see our Q3 2026 market report).
This guide covers every cost of buying off-plan property in Dubai in 2026, from booking to handover and beyond, with a worked example and a side-by-side comparison with ready property.
The short answer
As a rule of thumb, budget about 4% to 5% on top of the purchase price in one-off costs when you buy off-plan directly from a developer. For a ready, resale property, budget about 6% to 7%, before any mortgage costs. The difference comes mainly from agency commission, which in primary off-plan sales is usually paid by the developer.
One-off costs when you buy off-plan in Dubai
1. Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration fee: 4%
The largest cost is the DLD fee of 4% of the purchase price. For off-plan units, it is paid when the sale is registered in Oqood, the DLD’s interim register for properties under construction. Oqood registration is what legally records you as the buyer before a title deed exists.
Tip: developers sometimes run launch promotions that waive or split the DLD fee. On an AED 2 million unit, that is a saving of AED 80,000, so it is worth asking.
2. Registration and developer admin fees
On top of the 4%, expect small fixed DLD charges for registering the contract, plus a developer administration fee for preparing the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA). These vary by developer, from a few hundred to a few thousand dirhams. Ask for a written fee sheet before you pay the booking deposit.
3. Agency commission: usually AED 0 for the buyer
When you buy off-plan directly from a developer through a registered broker, the developer normally pays the agency commission. You should not be charged an additional 2%. Confirm this in writing. If you buy an off-plan unit from another investor (an assignment or resale before handover), a commission of around 2% plus VAT usually applies.
4. Down payment and payment plan
This is not a fee, but it decides how much cash you need on day one. Most Dubai developers ask for 10% to 20% at booking, followed by instalments during construction and a final payment at handover. Some offer post-handover plans that spread part of the price over several years. All payments should go into the project’s RERA-regulated escrow account.
5. Costs at handover
- Title deed issuance: when the building is completed, your Oqood registration converts into a title deed for a small DLD fee.
- Utility connection: DEWA requires a refundable security deposit, typically a few thousand dirhams depending on the property type.
- Service charges: many developers collect the first year’s service charges at handover.
- Snagging inspection (optional): an independent inspection before you accept the keys usually costs a few thousand dirhams and can save far more.
6. If you use a mortgage
Most banks finance off-plan property only near or after completion. If you take a mortgage at handover, budget for the DLD mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan plus about AED 290, a bank valuation of roughly AED 2,500 to AED 3,500, and a bank arrangement fee of up to 1% of the loan. These costs are paid in cash and generally cannot be added to the loan.
Off-plan vs ready property: fee comparison
| Cost | Off-plan (from developer) | Ready (resale) | When it’s paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLD fee | 4% (Oqood) | 4% | Booking / transfer day |
| DLD admin and title deed | Small fixed fees | About AED 580 | Registration / transfer day |
| Registration trustee fee | Not usually applicable | AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 2,000 + VAT under AED 500,000) | Transfer day |
| Agency commission | Usually paid by developer | Around 2% + VAT | Transfer day |
| Developer admin / SPA fee | Varies by developer | Seller’s developer NOC, usually paid by seller | At SPA |
| Mortgage costs (if any) | 0.25% + AED 290, valuation, bank fee | 0.25% + AED 290, valuation, bank fee | Handover / transfer day |
Fees as published for 2026. Always confirm current amounts with the Dubai Land Department and your developer.
Worked example: an AED 1.5 million apartment
Buying off-plan from a developer, with a 20% down payment:
- Down payment (20%): AED 300,000
- DLD fee (4%): AED 60,000
- Registration and admin fees: up to about AED 5,000
- Cash needed at booking: about AED 365,000, of which roughly AED 65,000 (4.3%) are fees
Buying the same apartment ready, from a seller:
- DLD fee (4%): AED 60,000
- DLD admin fees: about AED 580
- Trustee office fee: AED 4,200 including VAT
- Agency commission (2% + VAT): AED 31,500
- Total fees: about AED 96,280 (6.4%), plus the full purchase price or mortgage down payment on transfer day
Off-plan has the lower entry cost and spreads the price over time. Ready property costs more upfront but can produce rental income immediately. Our article on buying versus renting in Dubai covers that trade-off in more detail.
Ongoing costs once you own the property
- Service charges: annual community and building charges, calculated per square foot and approved by RERA. They vary widely by project and are worth comparing before you buy.
- Housing fee: a Dubai Municipality fee collected through the DEWA bill of whoever occupies the property.
- Maintenance and furnishing: especially relevant if you plan short-term rentals, which also require a holiday home permit.
- No annual property tax: Dubai does not charge annual property tax, and individual investors pay no tax on rental income or capital gains from property.
Five ways to reduce your buying costs
- Look for DLD fee promotions during launches and property events.
- Negotiate the admin fee or ask for it to be included in the price.
- Compare payment plans, not just prices. A longer plan can be worth more than a small discount.
- Buy through a RERA-registered broker who can show you the full cost sheet in advance.
- Check the project on DLD’s systems and pay only into the official escrow account.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the DLD fee for off-plan property in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department fee is 4% of the purchase price, paid when the off-plan sale is registered in Oqood, plus small fixed administration charges.
Do I pay agent commission when buying off-plan in Dubai?
Usually not. When you buy off-plan directly from a developer, the developer normally pays the broker’s commission. Commission of around 2% plus VAT applies to resale purchases.
What is Oqood?
Oqood is the Dubai Land Department’s register for off-plan sales. It records your purchase while the property is under construction and converts into a title deed at completion.
Is there property tax in Dubai?
No. Dubai has no annual property tax, and individual owners pay no tax on rental income or capital gains from property. Service charges and a municipality housing fee apply.
Can buying off-plan property lead to a UAE Golden Visa?
Qualifying property investments can lead to a 10-year UAE Golden Visa. Read our guide to the Golden Visa through property for the current requirements.
Get a full cost breakdown before you commit
At Laren International Real Estate, every project we present comes with a clear view of the total cost, payment plan and expected handover. Explore our off-plan projects in Dubai, see our FAQ, or contact our team for a personalised cost sheet on any project.
Sources: Dubai Land Department; Property Finder, buying costs in Dubai; Emirates 24|7, DLD nine-month data, October 2026. Fees are indicative and may change; confirm current amounts before any transaction.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not legal, tax or investment advice.
