What You’ll Actually Pay When Selling a Property in Dubai
What Are the Costs for Selling Property in Dubai?
Selling property in Dubai is generally more affordable than many other markets because most of the fees fall on the buyer. However, these costs can still add up.
On average, expect 2%–4% of your property sale price to go toward selling fees.
These expenses vary depending on whether you have a cash buyer, a mortgage loan, or a developer requirement such as an NOC.
Here are the key fees to watch out for.
Selling Property in Dubai – Fees
For cash and mortgage buyers, here are the extra cost to add to your property sale:
1. Real Estate Agent Commission
- 2% of the property sale price + 5% VAT
Traditionally, the buyer pays the commission, but in some cases, it can be split with the seller.
2. Sales Progression / Conveyance Fee
- AED 7,500
Covers paperwork, mortgage coordination, and liaising with banks for smooth transfer. - Sometimes the fees can be split between buyer and seller, so ask your agent upfront if this applies to your deal.
3. Dubai Land Department (DLD) Transfer Fee
- 4% of property sale price
- As an owner, you have already paid DLD fee. So, usually it’s paid by buyer.
- Administrative fee: AED 2,100 (below AED 500K) – 4,200 (above AED 500K) for processing and registering the transfer.
4. No Objection Certificate (NOC) Fee
- AED 500–5,000 + VAT
If you bought your property directly from a developer (e.g. Emaar, Damac, Nakheel), you may need to pay for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) when selling Dubai off plan properties. This isn’t always applicable, but when it is, it’s coming out of the seller’s pocket. This proves you’ve cleared all outstanding service charges.
Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Who Usually Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent Commission | 2% of property sale price + 5% VAT | Buyer |
| Sales Progression / Conveyance Fee | AED 7,500 | Buyer or Seller |
| DLD Transfer Fee | 4% of property value | Buyer |
| Transfer of Ownership Fee | AED 2,100 (below AED 500k) AED 4,200 (above AED 500k) | Buyer |
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) | AED 500 – 5,000 + VAT | Seller |
Costs of Selling Property in Dubai with a Mortgage Loan
If your property has an outstanding mortgage loan, you’ll need to settle up with your bank before selling:
| Mortgage-Related Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Settlement Fee | 1% of remaining loan or AED 10,000 (whichever is lower) | Applies if you exit mortgage early |
| Blocking Charges | AED 1,020–1,520 | Bank holding deposit till mortgage is cleared |
| Mortgage Release Fee | AED 1,290 (conventional) AED 1,560 (Islamic) | Paid after mortgage clearance |
| Bank Charges | AED 1,000–5,000 | Covers wire transfers & admin fees |
| Property Valuation Fee | AED 1,850–3,500 + VAT | Sometimes requested by buyers/banks to get more accurate pricing / strengthen negotiation |
💡 Tip: Bank love their fees. Contact your bank early to confirm exact settlement costs and mortgage release timelines.
Do You Need a Real Estate Lawyer in Dubai?
Hiring a real estate lawyer in Dubai is not mandatory, but it can prevent costly mistakes. Dubai real estate law is generally straightforward, but if your sale involves multiple owners, overseas buyers, or complex contracts, expect to pay AED 5,000–15,000 for professional legal support.
How Long Does it Take to Sell Property in Dubai?
A Dubai property sale typically takes 40–60 days, depending on:
- Market demand and pricing
- Mortgage settlement (if applicable)
- NOC processing
Quick Tips for a Smooth Dubai Selling Process
- Always clarify in writing who pays what
- Check if your property developer charges an NOC fee and how much it is
- If you have a mortgage loan, ask your bank about early settlement and release fees
- Agent commissions and conveyance fee can sometimes be negotiable
Final Word
The costs for selling property in Dubai usually range from 2%–4% of your property value, with extra fees applying if you have a mortgage loan. While most charges fall on the buyer, just make sure you understand all the costs and who does what before selling – it’ll save you headaches down the road.
