Dubai Property Prices Explained: Hidden Fees, Extra Costs, and What You’ll Really Pay

Dubai Property Prices Explained: Hidden Fees, Extra Costs, and What You’ll Really Pay
  • November 27, 2025

When browsing listings online, most buyers assume the number they see is close to the final price. But in reality, Dubai property prices only reflect the cost of the property, not the full cost of owning or renting it. Once you move forward, additional expenses appear: registration fees, deposits, mortgage costs, and ongoing charges.

Many first-time buyers and renters are surprised because these details are rarely displayed clearly. At GLLIT, the goal is transparency, helping users understand the real cost of buying or renting property in Dubai before they sign anything.

Browse verified listings at GLLIT.


The costs most buyers and renters don’t see at first

Whether you rent or buy, the market includes fixed fees. Understanding them early prevents confusion later.

Here’s a breakdown of the main Dubai real estate fees:

  • DLD fee (4%): Mandatory fee paid to the Dubai Land Department during a property purchase.
  • Agency commission: Usually 2% for sales and 5% for rentals, unless agreed otherwise.
  • Service charges: Paid by property owners annually to maintain shared facilities.
  • Mortgage registration fee: Applicable only for bank-financed purchases and is 0.25% of the loan amount with a property valuation fee of approximately AED 2,500–3,000.
  • Trustee transfer fee: Approx. AED 2,000–4,000 depending on the transfer type.
  • Ejari fee (rentals): Around AED 220 to register the rental agreement legally.

These fees won’t appear in normal property ads, which is why knowing them helps estimate the actual cost.


Smart ways to budget before you commit

Instead of looking only at Dubai property prices, the smart approach is to calculate the all-inclusive cost. This gives a true picture of affordability.

If the full number feels manageable, not just the sticker price, then you’re budgeting realistically.

Example for buyers: Cost breakdown for property worth AED 1,500,000 

Formula: Total = Down Payment + DLD Fee + Trustee Fee + Mortgage Fees + Service Charges (+ Agency Fee only if applicable) 

Cost

Estimate

Down Payment (20%)

AED 300,000

DLD Fee (4%)

AED 60,000

Mortgage Fee (0.25%)

AED 3,750

Trustee Fee

~AED 4,000

Service Charges

AED 7,000–15,000

Optional Third-Party Cost (Only applies when buying through commissioned brokers):

Cost

Estimate

Agency Fee (Usually 2%)

AED 30,000 (not applicable when buying on GLLIT)

Approximate upfront cost (without agency fee): AED 374,750 – 382,750
Approximate upfront cost (if agency fee applies elsewhere): AED 404,750 – 412,750

With GLLIT, buyers avoid this additional broker cost, making the buying journey more transparent and budget-friendly.

Example for renters: Cost breakdown for AED 90,000 annual rent

Formula: Total = Annual Rent + Security Deposit + Ejari Fee + DEWA Deposit (+ Agency Fee only if using commissioned brokers)

Cost

Estimate

Security Deposit

AED 4,500 (unfurnished)

Ejari Registration

AED 220

DEWA Deposit

AED 2,000–4,000

Optional Third-Party Cost:

Cost

Estimate

Agency Fee (Usually 5%)

AED 4,500 (not applicable when renting with GLLIT)

Move-in estimate without agency fee: AED 96,720 – 98,720
Move-in estimate if agency fee applies elsewhere: AED 101,220 – 103,220

With GLLIT, renters can save more of their cash, as they do not have to pay unnecessary commission fees.


Things buyers should remember

When reviewing Dubai property prices, keep these things in mind to help make better decisions:

  • Buyers usually pay the 4% DLD fee, unless negotiated differently.
  • Mortgage approval depends on salary, and most banks allow repayments up to 30–35% of income.
  • Property service charges in Dubai vary widely based on amenities and community rating.
  • If you plan to resell later, budget for fees again so you know your break-even point.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many buyers and renters miscalculate the total cost because of the following reasons:

  • They forget to factor in annual service charges
  • Don’t include agency commissions
  • Underestimate mortgage setup fees
  • Ignore deposits and move-in costs

These details matter because they affect long-term affordability, not just signing day.


How GLLIT helps make the process simple

GLLIT keeps prices and details clean and easy to understand, helping renters and buyers avoid surprise costs.

  • Search verified listings from GLLIT
  • Compare prices with the no-commission model on GLLIT

Explore renting or buying with more clarity on GLLIT


Final note

In Dubai, the listed price is only the starting point. When you factor in registration fees, deposits, agency costs, mortgage fees, and ongoing service charges, you get the real financial picture.

This guide from GLLIT helps you understand the full breakdown of Dubai property prices, navigating the market clearly and smartly.

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