Buying Property in Dubai
Step by step
How to buy a ready property in Dubai
The steps to register the purchase of a ready property with the Dubai Land Department.
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Sign the sale contract
Agree the price with the seller and sign the contract.
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Release any mortgage
If the seller has a loan, arrange the release with the bank.
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Visit a trustee office
Both parties submit their documents to the registrar within 60 days of signing.
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Pay the fees
Pay the 4% registration fee, the title deed fee and the trustee office fee.
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Receive the title deed
The new title deed in your name is issued, often the same day.
Fees for a ready property
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Registration, seller | 2% of the sale value |
| Registration, buyer | 2% of the sale value |
| Title deed certificate | AED 250 |
| Map for villas and apartments | AED 250 |
| Knowledge and innovation fees | AED 20 |
| Trustee office, sale of AED 500,000 or more | AED 4,000 plus VAT |
| Trustee office, sale below AED 500,000 | AED 2,000 plus VAT |
| Mortgage registration, if any | 0.25% of the loan |
Source: Dubai Land Department: Property sale registration; Dubai Land Department: Know your rights for real estate investors1,2
Step by step
- Agree the price and sign the sale contract with the seller.
- Clear any mortgage: if the seller has a loan, the bank releases it as part of the transfer.
- Attend a trustee office: the registrar checks both parties' documents and enters the sale in the Land Department's system.
- Pay the fees: the 4% registration fee and the other charges.
- Receive the title deed in your name, sent by email.
Source: Dubai Land Department: Property sale registration; Dubai Land Department: Know your rights for real estate investors; Dubai Land Department: Registering the sale of a mortgaged property1,2,3
A sale must be registered within 60 days of signing the contract, or a late fine is added to the fees.2
Buying off-plan from a developer
For off-plan units, the buyer pays the 4% registration fee to the developer, who registers the sale with the Land Department within 60 days. See off-plan or ready for how your payments are protected.4
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dubai Land Department fee?
4% of the sale price, paid in equal parts by the seller and the buyer unless they agree otherwise.
How long do I have to register a property sale in Dubai?
60 days from signing the sale contract. Late registration adds a fine to the fees.
Do I need to live in the UAE to buy in Dubai?
No. Non-residents can buy in the freehold areas.
Sources
- Dubai Land Department: Property sale registration
- Dubai Land Department: Know your rights for real estate investors
- Dubai Land Department: Registering the sale of a mortgaged property
- Dubai Land Department: Developers to pay property registration fees within 60 days
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.