All Costs When Buying Property in Dubai (2026)

DLD registration fee: the big one

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) charges a registration fee of 4% of the property purchase price. This is non-negotiable and applies to all transactions, whether the buyer is a resident or non-resident. For a property worth AED 2,000,000 (approximately EUR 500,000), the DLD fee alone is AED 80,000 (approximately EUR 20,000).

The fee is payable at the time of ownership transfer. In some cases, the buyer and seller negotiate to split this cost, though the market convention is for the buyer to pay the full 4%. Off-plan purchases from developers sometimes include DLD fee waivers or reductions as part of promotional offers.

Agent commission

The standard real estate agent commission in Dubai is 2% of the purchase price, typically paid by the buyer. For resale properties, you may encounter situations where both buyer and seller have separate agents, each charging 2%. For off-plan purchases directly from developers, the agent is paid by the developer and there is no buyer commission.

Agent commissions are subject to 5% VAT. Ensure the commission terms are agreed in writing before proceeding with any transaction.

NOC (No Objection Certificate)

The seller must obtain a No Objection Certificate from the developer or master community before the property can be transferred. This confirms that all service charges are paid and there are no outstanding obligations. The NOC fee varies by developer: some charge AED 500, others up to AED 5,000. The fee is usually paid by the seller but can be negotiated.

Processing time: 1-5 business days for most developers. Some developers (Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel) have online NOC portals for faster processing.

Trustee fees

The DLD transfer is processed through an authorized trustee (registration trustee). The fee is typically AED 2,000 for properties under AED 500,000 and AED 4,000 for properties above AED 500,000, plus 5% VAT. Both parties must be present (or represented by power of attorney) at the trustee office for the transfer.

No annual property tax

Unlike Spain (and the Netherlands), Dubai does not impose an annual property tax. There is no equivalent of IBI, onroerende zaakbelasting, or council tax. This is one of the key financial advantages of property ownership in Dubai. However, you do pay annual service charges and, if renting out, a 5% municipality fee on rental income.

Service charges (annual)

Every property in Dubai pays annual service charges to the building or community management. These cover maintenance, security, common areas, pools, gyms, and landscaping. Rates vary significantly by building and area (per Q2 2026):

Service charges are set by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) and can be challenged if they exceed the RERA service charge index. Check historical service charges before buying. Detailed service charge guide.

Dutch tax implications

Dubai property is declared in Box 3 of your Dutch income tax return, similar to Spanish property. The property is valued at the purchase price (or most recent appraised value) minus any outstanding mortgage. There is no double taxation treaty between the Netherlands and the UAE, but since the UAE does not impose income or property tax, there is no double taxation issue in practice.

The forfaitair rendement in Box 3 means you pay Dutch tax on a deemed return, regardless of actual rental income or capital gains. Rental income from Dubai is not taxed in the UAE but must be considered in your Dutch return. See: Box 3 guide for foreign property.

All figures as of Q2 2026. Verify current rates with your advisor. Source: Dubai Land Department | RERA

Cost example: AED 1,500,000 apartment in Dubai Marina

EUR conversion at approximate rate AED 1 = EUR 0.25 (per Q2 2026). Use the Zaminor cost calculator for current rates.