Selling property in Dubai involves various financial considerations, from real estate commissions to government fees. Being aware of these costs ensures a smooth, legally compliant transaction while maximizing your returns. In this guide, we break down all the essential costs of selling property in Dubai.
1. Real Estate Agent Commission
A real estate agent plays a crucial role in marketing, negotiations, and securing the best possible deal. The standard agent commission in Dubai is 2% of the final sale price. This fee is payable only upon the successful completion of the transaction.
✅ Example Calculation:
If you sell your property for AED 2,500,000, the agent commission would be AED 50,000.
2. No Objection Certificate (NOC) Fee
The No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required from the property developer to verify that there are no outstanding service charges or financial obligations. The cost varies depending on the developer, generally ranging between AED 500 and AED 5,000.
Processing Time:
📌 3–7 business days
Where to Obtain It:
- Emaar (www.emaar.com)
- Nakheel (www.nakheel.com)
- DAMAC (www.damacproperties.com)
3. Dubai Land Department (DLD) Transfer Fees
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) imposes a 4% transfer fee on the sale price of the property. While this is generally paid by the buyer, some sellers may agree to split the cost as part of the negotiation process.
Breakdown of Fees:
- DLD Transfer Fee: 4% of the sale price
- Administrative Fee:
- AED 580 (for properties below AED 500,000)
- AED 4,200 (for properties above AED 500,000)
✅ Example Calculation:
For a AED 2,500,000 property, the DLD transfer fee would be AED 100,000, plus an AED 4,200 administrative fee.
4. Mortgage Settlement Fees (If Applicable)
If your property is under a mortgage, additional costs will apply. These include:
- Early Settlement Fee: 1–3% of the outstanding loan amount
- Mortgage Release Fee: AED 1,000 – AED 3,000
5. Service Charge Clearance Certificate
Before completing the property sale, all outstanding service charges must be settled with the building or community management. To verify this, sellers must obtain a Service Charge Clearance Certificate from the relevant authority.
Cost Range:
📌 AED 500 – AED 1,500 (depending on the developer and community)
6. Ownership Transfer Trustee Fees
All property ownership transfers in Dubai are handled through DLD-approved trustee offices. These offices charge an additional fee:
- Properties below AED 500,000: AED 2,100
- Properties above AED 500,000: AED 4,200
📍 Where to process ownership transfers:
- Dubai Land Department (www.dubailand.gov.ae)
- Trusted real estate service providers (www.bhomes.com)
7. Marketing & Advertising Costs
If you choose to market your property independently or enhance visibility on premium real estate platforms, consider the following costs:
- Professional Photography & Videography: AED 500 – AED 2,000
- Featured Listings on Property Portals:
- Property Finder (www.propertyfinder.ae) – AED 500 – AED 3,000
- Bayut (www.bayut.com) – AED 1,000 – AED 3,500
8. Capital Gains Tax (NOT APPLICABLE IN DUBAI)
One of the biggest advantages of selling property in Dubai is that there is no capital gains tax. However, sellers should still be mindful of transaction fees and service charges.
9. Selling Off-Plan Property: Special Considerations
If you are selling off-plan property in Dubai, check with the developer for any restrictions or fees associated with early resale. Some developers require a minimum percentage of the payment plan to be completed before resale is allowed.
Key Considerations:
- Developers may charge a resale fee of 1–5%
- Restrictions on selling before 30-40% of the payment plan is completed
- Developer approval is required before transferring ownership
✅ Example Developers with Off-Plan Projects:
- Emaar Off-Plan Sales (www.emaar.com)
- DAMAC Off-Plan Sales (www.damacproperties.com)
10. Legal & Miscellaneous Costs
Though not mandatory, legal consultation can help sellers navigate complex transactions. Legal fees vary but typically range from AED 5,000 – AED 15,000 depending on the complexity of the sale.
Example: Estimated Costs for Selling a Property in Dubai
| Expense Category | Cost Estimate (AED) |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent Commission | 50,000 |
| DLD Transfer Fee | 100,000 |
| Admin Fee | 4,200 |
| NOC Fee | 2,000 |
| Service Charge Clearance | 1,000 |
| Ownership Transfer Fee | 4,200 |
| Mortgage Release (if applicable) | 2,500 |
| Marketing Costs (Optional) | 2,000 |
| Total Estimated Costs | 163,900+ AED |
💡 These estimates vary based on the property value and individual agreements.
How to Reduce Selling Costs in Dubai
✅ Negotiate Agent Fees: Some agents may offer discounted commission rates.
✅ Understand Developer Policies: Avoid unnecessary resale fees.
✅ Choose the Right Time to Sell: Market trends impact selling prices.
✅ Use Cost-Effective Marketing: Opt for strategic listings instead of excessive paid advertising.
Final Thoughts: Is Selling Property in Dubai Worth It?
Despite the various costs, Dubai remains a highly lucrative real estate market due to zero capital gains tax, strong rental yields, and high demand from investors worldwide. Understanding the associated costs allows sellers to make informed decisions and maximize their returns while ensuring a seamless transaction.
For assistance in selling your property, explore trusted real estate agencies such as:
🔗 Better Homes (www.bhomes.com)
🔗 Allsopp & Allsopp (www.allsoppandallsopp.com)
🔗 Driven Properties (www.drivenproperties.com)
Need Expert Advice?
If you’re considering selling your property in Dubai, consult a real estate expert to guide you through the process.
