Abu Dhabi Property Fees: A Complete Guide for Buyers in 2025

Buying property in Abu Dhabi is an exciting step — whether it’s your first home or an investment. But before you close the deal, it’s important to understand all the property-related costs, including the Abu Dhabi property registration fees, service charges, and other associated costs.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about property fees in Abu Dhabi so you can plan your purchase without surprises.

What Are the Main Abu Dhabi Property Fees?

Here’s a breakdown of the typical fees you can expect when buying property in Abu Dhabi:

Fee Type	Amount / Percentage
Property Registration Fee	2% of the purchase price (split 50/50 buyer and seller)
Mortgage Registration Fee	0.1% of loan amount (min AED 500, max AED 1,000)
Brokerage/Agency Fee	Up to 2% of the purchase price
NOC Fee	AED 500–5,000 (varies by developer)
Valuation Fee	AED 2,500–3,500
Bank Processing Fee	0.5–1% of loan amount
Service Charges	AED 10–20 per sq. ft. annually (depending on building)

Let’s go deeper into the most important one: the Abu Dhabi property registration fees.

What Are Abu Dhabi Property Registration Fees?

The Abu Dhabi property registration fees are mandatory charges collected by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to officially register the transfer of property ownership.

 Key Details:

-Standard rate: 2% of the purchase price

-Typically shared 50/50 between the buyer and the seller

-Applies to both freehold and leasehold properties

So, if you’re purchasing a property worth AED 2 million, the total registration fee would be AED 40,000, and you would usually pay AED 20,000 as the buyer.

Tip: Always confirm whether the seller is willing to share the fee — especially for off-plan properties or developer sales.

Are Abu Dhabi Property Registration Fees Different from Dubai?

Yes, they are.

City	Registration Fee	Who Pays?
Abu Dhabi	2% of property price	Split between buyer and seller (by law)
Dubai	4% of property price	Usually paid entirely by the buyer

This makes Abu Dhabi property registration fees lower than Dubai’s overall registration cost, helping reduce the buyer’s upfront expenses.

Do I Need to Pay Mortgage Registration Fees Too?

If you’re using a home loan to finance your purchase, then yes — in addition to the property registration fee, you’ll also need to pay a mortgage registration fee.

Current Rate (as of 2025):

-0.1% of the total loan amount

-Minimum AED 500, maximum AED 1,000

-Paid to the Abu Dhabi Municipality

•Example:
On a loan of AED 1,000,000
0.1% = AED 1,000 (maximum fee applies)

Both the mortgage registration fee and Abu Dhabi property registration fees are due during the title deed registration process.

Who Handles the Property Registration in Abu Dhabi?

In Abu Dhabi, property registration is managed by the:

-Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)

-Abu Dhabi Municipality (sub-agency of DMT)

This is where your title deed is officially recorded, making you the legal property owner.

Whether you’re buying in Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat, or mainland Abu Dhabi, the property must be registered with the municipality.

What About Developer or Off-Plan Properties?

When buying off-plan properties directly from a developer:

-Abu Dhabi property registration fees are still applicable

-Some developers may offer to cover the buyer’s 1% share as an incentive

-Check if the developer provides free DLD or registration promotions (especially during property shows)

Also note: Off-plan buyers must register with the municipality upon handover to get the final title deed.

Additional Costs When Buying With a Mortgage

Here’s a checklist of other expenses you might encounter:

 -Bank Processing Fee

• •Usually 0.5–1% of the loan amount

  
  
• •Some banks cap this at AED 2,500–5,000
  
  

 -Property Valuation Fee

• •Mandatory for mortgage approval
  
  
• •Ranges from AED 2,500–3,500
  
  

-Agency Commission

• •Typically 2% of the purchase price, plus 5% VAT
  
  
• •Negotiable for secondary sales
  
  

– NOC Fees

• •Charged by the developer to approve property transfer
  
  •Varies widely (from AED 500 to AED 5,000)

FAQs About Abu Dhabi Property Registration Fees

Can I negotiate the registration fee?

-The 2% rate is fixed by law, but you may negotiate with the seller to cover their share — especially in buyer-friendly markets.

Is the registration fee refundable if the deal is canceled?

-Generally, no. Once paid to the DMT, it’s non-refundable.

Can registration fees be included in the mortgage?

-No — Abu Dhabi property registration fees and other government charges must be paid upfront by the buyer.

Tips for Managing Your Property Costs in Abu Dhabi

Here are some smart ways to plan and save:

 1. Budget for 6–7% of the property price in fees

Besides the down payment, reserve enough to cover:

-Registration fees

-Mortgage setup costs

-Legal and agency fees

 2. Ask about developer incentives

Some offer to cover the 1% buyer share or other closing costs — especially for off-plan projects.

 3. Work with a mortgage broker

Brokers like Mortgage Finder can help you:

-Compare home loan offers

-Calculate upfront costs

-Prepare a full fee breakdown so you’re never caught off guard

If you’re buying property in the capital, understanding Abu Dhabi property registration fees is essential. While they’re lower than Dubai’s, these fees still form a significant part of your upfront costs.

By budgeting wisely, exploring available incentives, and working with a trusted advisor, you can avoid surprises and complete your property purchase with full confidence.

Want help calculating your full property costs in Abu Dhabi?
Speak to a Mortgage Finder expert today — we’ll walk you through your mortgage options, registration fees, and every other detail you need to know.