What is the DLD fee?

The Dubai Land Department charges 4 percent of the sale value when it registers a change of owner (source: Dubai Land Department, eServices). On top come fixed fees: a registrar fee of AED 2,100 for a value below AED 500,000, otherwise AED 4,200, plus AED 250 for the Title Deed and smaller admin and knowledge fees.

Who pays the 4 percent is not fixed by the official DLD page. In market practice the buyer usually covers it, but that is negotiable and not a statutory rule. On off-plan purchases the fee falls due with the Oqood registration; on existing properties at the DLD transfer or through a Registration Trustee.

For an international buyer’s budget: on top of the price, plan for about 4 percent plus a few thousand dirhams in fixed fees. There is no annual property tax in the UAE (source: UAE Ministry of Finance); the DLD fee is a one-off at purchase.

Our buying property in Dubai page explains the full process and all costs.