Buying costs · Abu Dhabi
Buying in Abu Dhabi, every cost
Ready or off-plan, cash or mortgage: see each fee, the total cost including fees and commission, the cash you need upfront and your monthly payment.
Rates as of Nov 2026, indicative, confirm with Beyond.
Buying · Residential
Work out every cost
Your costs
Itemised costs
- Property price2,000,000
- Registration fee (2% of the price, paid by the buyer)40,000Sale registration with ADREC on DARI. Source: DARI / ADREC
- DARI e-services and title deed875Electronic services fee on a ready transfer. estimate
- Developer NOC fee (up to 5,250)5,250Charged by the developer on resale and paid by the buyer. Beyond
- Beyond commission (2% of the price)40,000Beyond
- VAT on commission (5%)2,000Source: Federal Tax Authority
- Mortgage registration (0.1% of the loan)1,600Source: ADREC
- Mortgage registration e-services450estimate
- Bank valuation (incl. VAT)3,150estimate
- Bank processing fee (1% of the loan + VAT)16,800Often reduced or waived on bank promotions. estimate
Your totals
- Fees and commission110,125
- Total cost including fees and commission2,110,125
- Down payment (20%)400,000
- Loan amount (80% LTV)1,600,000
- Upfront cash needed510,125
- Monthly mortgage payment8,89325 years at 4.5%
- Year-1 total (upfront + 12 months of payments)616,845
Rates as of Nov 2026, indicative, confirm with Beyond. Lines marked estimate vary by bank, landlord or provider.
How each cost works
Every fee, explained
Registration fee: 2% of the price
Every sale in Abu Dhabi is registered with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) through DARI. The fee is 2% of the price (for a ready home, of the price or the registered valuation, whichever is higher). With Beyond, the buyer pays the full 2%, whether you buy a resale home or buy off-plan or first-hand from the developer.
Source: DARI and ADREC fee rulesOff-plan registration
An off-plan purchase is registered on DARI once the Department of Municipalities and Transport approves it. The fee is 2% of the total sale price. A late fee of 10,000 applies if the sale is registered more than 21 days after the contract date.
Source: DARIDARI e-services and title deed
A ready transfer carries an electronic services fee, quoted at 875, on top of the 2%. The new title deed is issued through DARI.
Estimate, based on published 2026 guidesDeveloper NOC fee on resale
On a resale, the developer issues a no-objection certificate before the transfer. It usually costs up to 5,250, and the buyer pays it. The seller pays nothing for it. It does not apply when you buy from the developer.
Beyond Real EstateAgency commission: resale only
Beyond Real Estate charges a fixed 2% of the price, plus 5% VAT on the commission, on resale (secondary-market) purchases. When you buy off-plan or first-hand from the developer through Beyond, you pay no commission: the developer pays the agent.
Beyond Real EstateMortgage registration
A mortgage is registered against the title for 0.1% of the loan (one dirham per thousand, capped at 1 million), plus an electronic services fee of about 450.
Source: ADREC fee rulesBank valuation and processing
The bank values the home before it lends, typically 2,625 to 3,150 including VAT. Most banks also charge a processing fee of up to 1% of the loan plus VAT, often reduced on promotions.
Estimate, based on published bank fee sheetsHow much you can borrow
Central Bank of the UAE limits: expatriates can borrow up to 80% of a first home worth under 5 million (70% above), and 60% on a second or investment home. UAE nationals: 85% (75% above 5 million) and 65%. Off-plan: 50% for everyone. The longest term is 25 years.
Source: Central Bank of the UAEFAQ
Questions, answered
What are the total costs of buying a property in Abu Dhabi?
On a resale home, budget about 4.4% of the price on top of the price itself: the 2% registration fee, about 875 in DARI e-services, a developer NOC fee of up to 5,250, and Beyond's 2% commission plus VAT. A mortgage adds 0.1% registration, valuation and the bank's processing fee. On an 2,000,000 resale apartment with an 80% mortgage, the total comes to about 110,125 in fees and commission.
Do I pay commission on off-plan?
No. When you buy off-plan or first-hand from the developer through Beyond Real Estate, you pay no commission, because the developer pays the agent. You still pay the 2% registration fee.
Who pays the 2% registration fee in Abu Dhabi?
With Beyond Real Estate, the buyer pays the full 2% of the price, on resale and when buying from the developer.
What is the developer NOC fee and who pays it?
On a resale, the developer charges for a no-objection certificate before the transfer, usually up to 5,250. The buyer pays it; the seller pays nothing for it.
How much down payment do I need for a mortgage?
Expatriates need at least 20% on a first home under 5 million (30% above), and 40% on a second home. UAE nationals need 15% (25% above 5 million) and 35%. Off-plan needs at least 50%. The fees are paid in cash on top.
How much is the mortgage registration fee in Abu Dhabi?
0.1% of the loan amount, plus an electronic services fee of about 450. On a 1,600,000 loan, that is 1,600 plus the e-services fee.
Figures are indicative, based on published fees as of November 2026, and can change. Beyond Real Estate confirms the exact costs for your deal.
Enquire
Tell us what you’re looking for
Your message goes straight to WhatsApp or your email app. Nothing is stored on this website.
Visit us in Al Hisn
12th Floor, The Private Office, Falcon Tower, Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi
Loads Google Maps when you tap.