Selling Property in Dubai: A Clear Guide to Your Costs

Understanding selling property in Dubai fees helps you set a sensible asking price and plan your next move. Start with the amount you expect to receive after the sale, then work backwards through the costs. A strong offer can still leave less cash than expected if the loan balance and charges are overlooked.

Make one seller cost sheet

Use separate lines for the agreed selling price, outstanding loan, agency fee, developer-related charges, transfer-related costs and any repairs or agreed credits. Mark each figure as confirmed or estimated. Add the person who will confirm it and the date the payment is due.

Do not put refundable deposits in the same column as final costs. Note whether an amount is money you will pay, money held temporarily, or money to be adjusted between buyer and seller.

Confirm fees and who pays them

The DLD sale registration service lists a seller share of 2% and buyer share of 2% of the sale value, plus other applicable charges. Confirm the current official bill and the cost allocation written into your transaction. Do not assume an advertisement explains every payment.

Ask your agent for a written fee agreement stating the amount, any applicable tax and when the fee becomes due. Request the developer's current clearance or no-objection charges where relevant. Each provider should explain its own invoice.

Ask the bank for a current settlement figure

If the property has finance, request a current settlement statement and the steps needed to release the bank's interest. Ask about any settlement or document charges. A balance shown in an older statement may not be the amount due on the transfer date.

Check the timing as well as the amount. The buyer's payment method, your bank's process and document validity dates need to work together. Avoid promising a completion date before these details have been checked.

Allow for property and handover costs

Review unpaid service charges, agreed maintenance work and any accounts that need closing or adjusting. If the home is rented, ask an adviser how rent and deposit balances will be handled in your transaction. Record the agreed treatment clearly.

Small preparation work can also cost money. Choose repairs that address actual problems and keep receipts. Do not spend heavily on decoration without considering whether it supports the sale.

Review the net amount before accepting

Subtract confirmed costs from the proposed price and keep a reserve for items still awaiting a quote. Read our property selling guide, then speak with our team about the property and your timing. This checklist helps you prepare; the transaction documents and current provider quotes control the final amounts.

Featured image: an illustrative residential balcony view from our property collection.