Costs of Buying Property in the UAE
Transfer and registration fees
| Fee | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of the sale | 4%, split equally unless agreed otherwise | 2% of the contract value |
| Office or e-services fee | AED 4,000 plus VAT at a trustee office (AED 2,000 below AED 500,000) | AED 875 |
| Title deed | AED 250 | Included |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of the loan | Separate fee, if any |
Source: Dubai Land Department: Property sale registration; Dubai Land Department: Know your rights for real estate investors; DARI: Registration of sale and purchase of land and real estate2,3,4
Agency commission is agreed with your broker and is not set by law. The Investor Abu Dhabi Guide says agencies typically charge 2% to transfer a property.5
How much you can borrow
| Property | Expatriates | UAE nationals |
|---|---|---|
| First home, up to AED 5m | 80% | 85% |
| First home, above AED 5m | 70% | 75% |
| Second home or investment | 60% | 65% |
| Off-plan, any buyer | 50% | 50% |
Source: Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook: Regulations regarding mortgage loans1
These are maximum loan-to-value ratios. Total monthly debt repayments may not exceed 50% of income, and an expatriate can borrow at most seven years' annual income.1
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit do expatriates need for a UAE mortgage?
At least 20% for a first home up to AED 5 million, 30% above that, 40% for a second home and 50% for off-plan property, under Central Bank rules.
What fees do I pay when buying in Abu Dhabi?
DARI charges a registration fee of 2% of the contract value plus an e-services fee of AED 875.
Sources
- Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook: Regulations regarding mortgage loans
- Dubai Land Department: Property sale registration
- Dubai Land Department: Know your rights for real estate investors
- DARI: Registration of sale and purchase of land and real estate
- Investor Abu Dhabi Guide (UAE Government Portal)
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.