How Much is the Real Estate Agent Commission in Dubai?

When buying or selling property in Dubai, one of the most common questions we get is: “How much does the real estate agent charge?” The good news — Dubai’s property market is highly transparent when it comes to commissions. But the details vary depending on whether you're dealing with off-plan or secondary market properties.

Let’s break it down.

Standard Real Estate Agent Commission in Dubai

In most secondary market transactions, the real estate agent commission is 2% of the sale price, paid by the buyer. This is an industry standard, although in rare cases, the fee can be negotiated — especially if the property is high-ticket or part of a multi-unit deal.

For example:
Buying an apartment for AED 2,000,000 → you pay AED 40,000 as agency commission.

In some transactions (like commercial properties or premium resale villas), sellers may also pay a commission — but it’s typically agreed case-by-case.

Off-Plan Properties: 0% Commission

When buying off-plan directly from the developer, you don’t pay any commission to an agent. The agent is compensated by the developer — meaning you get professional guidance, project comparisons, and help with paperwork at no extra cost.

This is one of the reasons off-plan is so popular among investors:

• Lower entry costs;
• Flexible payment plans;
• No commission headaches.

But remember: while agent fees are waived, you’ll still have to pay DLD (Dubai Land Department) registration fees, typically 4% of the purchase price.

Who Pays the Commission

• Off-plan: Developer pays the agent (buyer pays 0%);
• Secondary market: Buyer pays 2% (sometimes shared or negotiated).

Are Agent Fees Negotiable?

In high-demand areas or when inventory is limited, agents usually stick to the standard 2%. But for larger deals (say, multiple units or villas over AED 10M), some agencies may be flexible.

If you’re a repeat buyer or working with a full-service agency like DDA Real Estate, there’s often room to customize the structure depending on the services included.

Other Costs to Keep in Mind

Apart from the agent’s fee, be prepared for:

• DLD registration fee: 4% of property price;
• Trustee office fee: ~AED 4 000;
• NOC fee (in some buildings): AED 500–5 000;
• Mortgage registration (if applicable): 0.25% of loan value.

Example Breakdown: Buying a Property for AED 1.5M (Secondary Market)

Cost Item	Amount (AED)
Property Price	1 500 000
Agent Commission (2%)	30 000
DLD Fee (4%)	60 000
Trustee Office Fee	~4 000
Total Additional Costs	~94 000

So the full acquisition cost would be approximately AED 1.594M.

FAQs

• Is it legal for agents to charge more than 2%?
  Technically yes — there’s no legal cap. But the standard across the industry remains 2%. If you’re quoted higher, ask what services are included.
• What about rental properties?
  Real estate agents typically charge 5% of annual rent, or a fixed amount like AED 5,000–10,000 for luxury units.
• Can I work with more than one agent?
  Yes, but it’s better to choose one experienced RERA-licensed agent who understands the market and has direct inventory access.
• Do developers increase prices to cover agent fees?
  No — developers offer the same price whether you go through an agent or walk into their sales office. In fact, working with a good agent can help you get early access or better units.

Why work with DDA Real Estate

Because we help you compare all the top projects, calculate ROI, secure the best units, and handle every step — from viewing to visa — with no commission on off-plan properties.

Still have questions? Reach out to a DDA Real Estate expert — we’ll walk you through the numbers and make sure your next property purchase in Dubai is both smart and seamless.