The 4% and what else you pay when you buy off-plan in Dubai

Buyers worry about hidden costs, and they are right to. With off-plan the main government cost is simple. It is one number, and it comes early.

The 4%

On an off-plan purchase, the Dubai Land Department fee is 4% of the price. It is paid up front, whatever payment plan you choose. A 35/65 plan and a 70/30 plan both start with the same 4% on the full price.

On a AED 1,800,000 property, 4% is AED 72,000. You can try your own price on our Why Dubai page.

Once it is paid, your purchase is registered and you receive an Oqood, the registered contract of sale. Later, when the building is complete and you have paid everything, you receive the title deed.

Sometimes a developer covers it

Some developers offer to pay part or all of the 4% as an incentive. This changes from project to project and from launch to launch. It is always worth asking, and I will check it for you. Remember that an incentive is part of the price you are negotiating, so compare the whole offer, not only the headline.

Other costs to ask about

• Small fixed fees. There are administration fees on top of the 4%. I will list them for your project before you commit.
• Service charges. Once the building is complete, owners pay a yearly service charge. It affects your rent, so ask for the expected figure.
• Financing costs. If you use a mortgage, there are bank and valuation fees.

The one habit I would keep

Ask for every cost in writing, from reservation to handover, before you reserve a unit. A good project and a good advisor will have no trouble giving you that list.

Off-plan, property under construction, is what I do myself. Imperial Pacific also handles resale homes, plots and land deals, so if that is what you need, contact me and I will connect you with the right person.

Source: Dubai Land Department, Property Sale Registration (dubailand.gov.ae), checked on 18 October 2026. Fees and incentives change, so confirm for your project.