How much does it cost to buy an apartment in Dubai: the costs on top of the price

Last updated: 30.09.2026

On top of the property price, you pay a registration fee of 4% of the value to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), plus small administrative fees. In an off-plan project it is usually paid on signing. After handover, owners pay service charges for the common areas, at a rate approved by RERA. In your country of residence there are bank fees on the transfer, and reporting to the tax authority if the property is rented out or sold.

On purchase: the DLD registration fee

4% of the property value. According to the DLD, it is paid according to the agreement between the seller and the buyer. In the off-plan projects on this site, the buyer pays it on signing, together with the down payment (for example OceanZ and Greenz: 20% plus 4% DLD).
Small DLD fees: AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee, according to the DLD service page.
The developer's administrative fees: they vary from project to project. Ask for the breakdown before signing.
Promotions: some developers offer to cover the fee. So compare the full price, and not only the price per square foot.

What to check: according to the DLD, the contract must be registered in the provisional register (Oqood) within 90 days of signing, and the developer must pay the fee to the DLD within 60 days. You can check in Dubai REST that the purchase has been registered.

When transferring the money from your country of residence

Your bank at home charges fees for the transfer abroad and for currency conversion. Check the amount with your bank in advance. The preparation with the bank and the tax authority takes time, so start early (see "Transferring money to Dubai").

After handover: service charges

What they are: an annual payment for maintaining the common areas of the building or community, including district cooling for those areas.
Who pays: under Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019, the owner pays, unless the rental contract says otherwise. Even if the tenant has not paid, the owner remains responsible.
How much: the rate is approved by RERA. You can check it in advance in the Service Charge Index on the DLD website, by area, project type and year.
Why it matters: according to the DLD, accumulated service charge debt can lead to the unit being sold to cover it.

If you rent it out

Renting is usually done through a management and letting company in Dubai. Its fee is set in the agreement with it. Rental income is reported in your country of residence (see "Do I need to report the property in my country of residence?" in the FAQ).

The guidance

After the initial consultation call I can give you a quote. It depends on the sale process and the services you ask for.

Ras Al Khaimah is not Dubai

The fees and rules here refer to Dubai. In projects in other emirates, such as Arthouse on Al Marjan Island, they are set by different authorities.

Sources

The 4% is paid according to the agreement between seller and buyer, 60 days to pay it to the DLD: DLD, 31.05.2021.
Initial sale registration fees, AED 10+10, registration within 90 days: DLD, Request to register the initial sale (checked 30.09.2026).
Service charges, Law No. 6 of 2019, the owner's responsibility, sale of a unit over debt: DLD, 06.01.2020.
Rates by area: DLD, Service Charge Index.
The OceanZ and Greenz payment plans: per the developer, as shown on the project pages of this site.

This information is general, based on DLD publications, and correct as of the update date. Fees and rates change, so check them against the source before signing. It is not a substitute for legal advice or a review of the specific contract.

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Another guide: Buying an off-plan apartment in Dubai: how the payment plan works and what to check before you sign

Another guide: What is true and what is not: things people hear about buying in Dubai

Another guide: Transferring money to Dubai: how I did it from Israel, what the bank asked for, and where it got stuck