How property fees work in Abu Dhabi
Property sales in Abu Dhabi are registered with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) through the DARI platform. The main charge is a registration fee of 2% of the property value. Unlike Dubai, the law splits it equally by default, so the buyer pays 1% and the seller pays 1% unless the contract says otherwise.
What this calculator includes
- Registration fee. 2% of the price, split 50/50 by default. Switch to "I pay all of it" if your contract puts the full fee on you.
- DARI and trustee office fees. About AED 875 for the DARI sale service plus AED 1,050 for the trustee office transfer, or AED 1,575 if there is a mortgage.
- Mortgage registration. 0.1% of the loan amount plus an e-service fee of about AED 450.
- Agency commission. Typically 2% plus 5% VAT.
- Bank valuation. Around AED 3,000 plus VAT for mortgage buyers.
Fixed service fees are updated from time to time, so ask the trustee office for a cost sheet before you sign.
Worked example
A AED 2,000,000 apartment on Yas Island with an 80% mortgage, through an agent, registration fee split 50/50:
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee (your 1%) | AED 20,000 |
| DARI and trustee office fees | AED 2,450 |
| Mortgage registration (0.1% of 1,600,000 + 450) | AED 2,050 |
| Agency commission (2% + VAT) | AED 42,000 |
| Bank valuation (incl. VAT) | AED 3,150 |
| Total | AED 69,650 |
The same purchase in Dubai, where buyers normally pay the full 4%, would cost about AED 134,160 in fees.
Abu Dhabi vs Dubai
The lower registration and mortgage fees make Abu Dhabi cheaper to buy into, especially at higher prices. Ownership for foreigners is limited to investment zones, so check that the community you are looking at is freehold before you make an offer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property transfer fee in Abu Dhabi?
The registration fee for a sale in Abu Dhabi is generally 2% of the property value, collected by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre. That is half the 4% charged in Dubai.
Who pays the 2% fee in Abu Dhabi?
By default it is split equally, 1% each, under Executive Council Resolution No. 49 of 2018. Buyer and seller can agree a different split in the sale contract, so some buyers end up paying the full 2%.
How much is mortgage registration in Abu Dhabi?
Mortgage registration is 0.1% of the loan amount, plus a small e-service fee, much lower than Dubai's 0.25%. Banks also charge their own valuation and arrangement fees.
Can foreigners buy in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, in designated investment zones such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach and others, where freehold ownership is open to all nationalities.