On top of the price, Dubai buyers budget one-off fees: a DLD fee of about 4% + admin, agency commission of about 2% + 5% VAT, registration and developer NOC fees, and for a mortgage a 0.25% charge registration. One-off costs total roughly 5–8% above the price. Ongoing, you pay a service charge (per sq ft) and DEWA utilities.
One-off fees on purchase
- DLD fee ~4% of the price + a fixed admin fee — the main payment at registration.
- Agency commission ~2% of the price + 5% VAT.
- Trustee (registrar) office fee and processing; developer NOC on resale.
- With a mortgage — mortgage registration of 0.25% of the loan + bank fees.
How much to budget above the price
One-off transaction costs total roughly 5–8% of the price (closer to the lower end without a mortgage). Budget this upfront so it doesn't eat into your down payment.
Ongoing ownership costs
The service charge is an annual community fee for running the building, charged per sq ft and varying widely by area and building class. Add DEWA utilities (water/electricity), district cooling, and, if you let the property, rental management.
What is NOT a tax
Service charges and utilities are fees for services, not a tax. There is no annual property-ownership tax for individuals in Dubai (see the taxes guide for details).