Abu Dhabi property buying costs: every fee explained (2026)
Abu Dhabi is one of the cheaper places in the region to complete a property purchase. On top of the price, most buyers should budget around 2–5%, depending on whether it's off-plan or resale and whether you use a mortgage. Here's every fee.
1. Registration fee: 2%
Every sale is registered with ADREC through DARI. The fee is 2% of the sale price (for ready homes, the higher of the price and the registered valuation). It applies to both off-plan and ready property.
Who pays? By default it's split between buyer and seller, but the contract can say otherwise. In practice, on off-plan, buyers usually pay it, and developers sometimes run offers that cover part or all of it. Always check the SPA or MOU.
2. Agency commission
- Off-plan: usually paid by the developer, so you typically pay nothing.
- Resale: normally 2% + 5% VAT from the buyer.
3. Mortgage costs (if you borrow)
- Mortgage registration: 0.1% of the loan amount.
- Bank arrangement fee: commonly up to 1% of the loan, depending on the bank and offer.
- Valuation: budget around AED 3,000 + VAT.
- Down payment: expats typically need at least 20% for a first home under AED 5 million (Central Bank limit of 80% loan-to-value), more for higher values or second homes.
4. Smaller admin fees
- DARI e-service fees: a few hundred dirhams
- ADREC trustee office transfer fee (resales): about AED 1,050, or AED 1,575 with a mortgage
- Developer NOC on resales: usually paid by the seller
- Utility connection deposit: around AED 1,000 (refundable)
Worked example: AED 2,000,000 home
| Cost | Off-plan, cash | Resale, cash |
|---|---|---|
| Registration (2%) | AED 40,000 | AED 40,000* |
| Agency commission | AED 0 (developer pays) | AED 42,000 (2% + VAT) |
| Admin and trustee fees | about AED 500 | about AED 2,000 |
| Total on top of price | about AED 40,500 (2%) | about AED 84,000 (4.2%) |
*If the registration fee is split with the seller, your share would be AED 20,000. Figures are illustrative; your actual costs depend on the contract and the bank.
Ongoing costs once you own
- Service charges: set per building and approved by ADREC. They vary a lot, so ask for the current rate per square foot before buying.
- No annual property tax and no tax on rental income for individuals.
- If you rent it out: Tawtheeq registration of the lease, and a holiday-home licence from DCT if you go short-term.
Want an exact cost sheet for a specific unit? Get the Area Playbook or message me and I'll send one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property registration fee in Abu Dhabi?
2% of the sale price, registered with ADREC through DARI. By default it is split between buyer and seller unless the contract says otherwise.
Do I pay agency commission on off-plan property in Abu Dhabi?
Usually not. On off-plan sales the developer typically pays the agency. On resales, buyers normally pay 2% plus VAT.
Is there property tax in Abu Dhabi?
There is no annual property tax and no personal income tax on rental income in Abu Dhabi. Owners pay building service charges.
Have a question about your own purchase? Message me on WhatsApp and I'll reply with the numbers for your situation.
Keep reading
Can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi? The 2026 guide
Yes, in Abu Dhabi's investment zones. Where you can buy, what you actually own, and how the purchase works.
6 min read →Golden VisaAbu Dhabi Golden Visa through property: the 2026 rules
AED 2 million gets you a 10-year visa. How off-plan and mortgaged homes count, who you can sponsor, and how to apply.
6 min read →Market dataAbu Dhabi property market H1 2026: what the ADREC numbers say
AED 117bn of transactions, 89% off-plan, and prices up 20%. The six numbers that matter from ADREC's first-half report.
6 min read →