Dubai Land Department Transfer Fee
The most significant additional cost when buying a house in Dubai is the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transfer fee, which is currently set at 4% of the property value. This is paid at the point of transfer and is non-negotiable. On a villa priced at AED 5 million, that is AED 200,000 that needs to be factored into your budget from day one.
Some developers offer promotions where DLD fees are covered as part of the purchase incentive. It is always worth asking your sales consultant directly whether this applies to the unit you are considering.
Agent Commission
If you are buying through a real estate agent rather than directly from a developer, the standard commission in Dubai is 2% of the purchase price. Buying directly from the developer eliminates this cost entirely and gives you direct access to the project and payment plan teams.
Mortgage Registration Fee
For buyers financing their purchase through a mortgage, the Dubai Land Department charges a mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan amount. Your bank may also charge arrangement and valuation fees on top of this, which vary by institution.
NOC Fees
When buying a house in Dubai in a completed community, a No Objection Certificate from the developer is required before the transfer can proceed. NOC fees vary between developers and communities, typically ranging from AED 500 to AED 5,000. At Sunrise Capital Dubai, we ensure our buyers are fully briefed on any applicable fees before they reach the transfer stage.
Service Charges
Once you own the property, annual service charges apply. These cover the maintenance of common areas, security, landscaping, and shared facilities within the community. Service charge rates in Dubai are regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and vary by community. Buyers should request the current service charge rate per square foot for any property they are considering before committing.
Utility Connections and Move-In Costs
Connecting DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) to a new property requires a refundable deposit, typically AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 for villas. If you are moving into a Sunrise Capital Dubai property, our team will guide you through the DEWA connection process as part of our handover support.
Furnishing and Fit-Out
This is the cost most buyers underestimate. A luxury villa in Dubai delivered to shell and core standard, or even with basic finishing, will require significant investment to furnish and equip to the standard the home deserves. Factor this into your overall budget before you commit to a purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. However, some developers absorb this cost as part of promotional offers.
Dubai has no property purchase tax. The main government fee is the 4% DLD transfer fee.
Yes. Buying directly from us means no agent commission and direct access to our sales and handover teams throughout the process.
Visit our website to explore our properties and speak with our team about pricing, payment plans, and current incentives.