UAE off-plan glossary
DLD fee
The 4% Dubai Land Department registration fee charged on every property transfer, payable on top of the unit price.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) charges a one-off 4% registration fee on the sale price of any Dubai property transaction. The fee is paid by the buyer at the time of the initial off-plan purchase (often split with the developer in promotional waivers) or on the secondary-market transfer.
On top of the 4%, buyers usually pay an Oqood registration administration fee (AED 5,000–3,000) plus broker commission (2% of price + 5% VAT) if a broker was involved. Equivalent registration fees apply in Abu Dhabi (4%) and Sharjah (2–4%).
FAQ
How is the DLD fee calculated?
4% of the sale price plus a fixed admin fee. On a AED 2,000,000 purchase, the DLD fee is AED 80,000 plus around AED 580 in admin and trustee fees. Most off-plan launches offer some form of waiver — either 50% covered by the developer or fully waived as a launch incentive.
Who pays the DLD fee, buyer or seller?
By default the buyer pays the full 4% in Dubai. In off-plan launches the developer may absorb 50% or 100% as a promotional discount; this is always specified in the SPA and the launch offer.
What is a DLD waiver?
A promotional discount where the developer pays part or all of the buyer's 4% DLD registration fee. Common in slow markets or as a launch incentive for early buyers. The waiver is paid by the developer directly to DLD on the buyer's behalf.
Is the DLD fee refundable if I cancel?
No. Once paid to DLD the registration fee is non-refundable, even if the developer cancels the project or you withdraw. If the developer cancels, RERA escrow rules may permit a separate refund of the unit price from the escrow account.