The emirate of Dubai real estate has always been an alluring place for both residents and foreign investors alike. Very sophisticated in its workings, the property sector does stand evidence of the growing demand for residential as well as commercial properties. 

However, in keeping with any property investment, it is important to know the different charges and taxes in Dubai involved in the purchase and sale of property. 

This article will help you understand what are real estate taxes and fees related to property sales in Dubai, with the idea to help you through the Dubai property market with confidence and clarity.

Taxes in Dubai

The most relaxed form of taxation globally is, by that yardstick, the measure under which Dubai measures its taxable jurisdiction, therefore qualifying to be a property investment destination. As interesting as it sounds, Dubai granted tax exemptions to foreign traders in 1894 as one of its first cities that set the pace for its global business reputation. The main feature that contributes to the continued boom in the property market is the absence of property tax in Dubai.

In general, the UAE does not impose any property taxes in Dubai on residential properties; therefore, investor is exempt from capital gains and income taxes as well as property taxes on their properties. There certainly are other fees that buyers and sellers should be aware of, especially regarding the purchase and selling of properties.

Property Tax on Dubai

Every person is made to think that the best thing about investment in Dubai is that there are free property taxes. Be it in buying or selling a residential property, there is no requirement for one to go through the process of paying capital gains or property taxes. For commercial properties, that are non-residential, the sales are levied a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT), whether as vacant or off-plan commercial property. This is a tax policy of the Federal government but predominantly not applicable to the real estate transaction on the sale of residential properties.

One must also remember that property-related services may have a VAT at 5%, such as real estate consultancy, brokerage, or property management. This has, however, not had much of an effect on overall costs incurred in real estate transactions in Dubai. Fees to Buy Property in Dubai.

Even though there is no property tax in Dubai, there are many different charges related to purchasing real estate. 

Here is a closer insight into the different types of costs likely to be incurred by property buyers:

DLD Fee (Dubai Land Department Fee)

The DLD fee is a one-time payment made to the government and is one of the primary fees in property transactions. It is charged at the rate of 4% of the property value. In the case of mortgage purchases, the registration of the mortgage with DLD will incur additional charges of 0.25% of the loan amount.

Registration Fee

When an asset is being purchased in Dubai, it must be registered with the appropriate DLD authorities. If the asset has a declared value below AED 500,000, the registration fee would be AED 2,000. In contrast, AED 4,000 will apply if the declared value exceeds AED 500,000. It should also be emphasized that registration must occur within 60 days after the transaction; otherwise, the registration will be deemed invalid.

Agent’s Fee

Real estate agents make the purchase process easier by providing expert advice and facilitating the transaction. No agent’s fee applies to purchases in the off-plan stage; existing property buys have a fee of 2% of the value of the property.

Conveyancing Fees

Conveyancing refers to the legal process for the changing of ownership rights in property. The concern of the conveyancer is to ensure that the required legal documents are properly drawn and that the transaction complies with the laws of the United Arab Emirates. Their fees are typically in the range of about AED 6,000 to AED 10,000. 

Mortgage Fees

When buying property through a mortgage, many other expenses come into play. The arrangement fee charged by the bank is 1% of the loan amount. Additionally, valuation fees for the property are between AED 2,500 and AED 3,500. Some banks allow such initial expenses to be added to the mortgage. 

It is worthy of note that if there is a mortgage already on the seller’s name, during the transfer of ownership, the buyer must pay-off the seller’s debt first in order to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DLD.

Housing or Municipality Fee

The housing fee (or municipality fee) is an annual fee levied by Dubai on property owners and renters alike. Usually set at 5% of the annual projected rent value of a property, this fee is owed by both tenants and property owners. The tenants pay the larger amount of 5% of their rent to the building owner, who, in turn, is liable to pay the housing fee based on the rental value. 

Service Fees

Service fees are collected for the upkeep of buildings and communities in areas such as landscaping, swimming pools, elevators, and security. These are subject to change based on the RERA Service Charge and Maintenance Index, with particulars varying among communities or property types.

Fees for Selling Property in Dubai

Property selling in Dubai does not come with seller-free fees. They include the following:

DLD Fee

Corresponding to the buyer side, the seller is also required to pay a fee to the DLD equivalent to 4% of the sale price of the property while selling a property.

NOC Fees

The seller must collect No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer before initiating the sale, as this certificate assures that the seller has cleared all dues with the developer/property management company and proposes the completion of the deal. NOC relates costs from AED 500 to AED 5,000.

Agent’s Commissions

Using a real estate agent means 2% of the value the property is sold for is payable to the agent.

Transfer Costs 

Like with purchasing, the seller too would be expected to pay for conveyancing fees for making the sale a legal and safe affair. These fees are subjective depending on the nature of the sale.

Mortgaged Property Charges 

Selling mortgaged property applies a separate charge. This can be early settlement fees (in case the mortgage is paid off before maturity), a fee released from mortgages (to release the mortgage), and blocking fees (preventing selling to another party before it pays off the mortgage). You can consult advisory solution providers such as PwC and can learn more about PwC real estate tax. 

Conclusion

No direct taxes in Dubai on the property, several fees and charges apply when a property is purchased or sold. Buyers and sellers must understand what costs may arise regarding DLD fees, registration fees, and agent fees to avoid surprises. 

Dubai’s real estate market remains one of the most attractive investments made in a tax-friendly manner. By understanding the costs associated with investing in this market and aligning with the legal framework, one can make informed investment decisions while safeguarding them in this growing market.

FAQs

• How much is Dubai property tax?

No property taxes in Dubai exist on residential real estate, except under certain circumstances when commercial properties may become liable for VAT. 

• How much is the housing tax in Dubai?

The housing fee or municipality fee, as it is also called, is usually 5% of the rental value of the property on an annual basis. 

• What is property rent tax in Dubai? 

There are no property rent taxes in Dubai, although property owners must pay the housing fee, which is based on annual rental payments. 

• Is there a property tax in Dubai for foreigners?

No, foreigners do not pay property tax in Dubai. Foreigners get the same tax exemptions as nationals of the emirate. 

• Is there VAT on property purchases in Dubai?

Purchasers of residential properties are normally exempt from VAT. In contrast, VAT applies to the transfer of either vacant or off-plan commercial properties. 

• How much is the property transfer fee in Dubai?

Property transfer fees are 4% of the sale price of the property and are payable to the Dubai Land Department. 

• Is there any tax on rental income in Dubai? 

No, income generated from rental properties is not taxes in Dubai.