Costs & planning
The price is only the beginning.
Understand the cash needed to buy, own and eventually sell.
Allegiance Real Estate · Updated 27 September 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER
Your budget should cover the property price, transaction charges and an ownership reserve. In Dubai, DLD’s published sale-registration schedule lists 2% for the seller and 2% for the buyer, plus other charges. Confirm who pays each item in your agreement.
Official guidance ↗Plan across three stages.
01 / Buying
Request a written breakdown of registration, trustee, certificate, brokerage and any financing or representation costs. Agree the allocation between buyer and seller before signing. Fee schedules and requirements differ by transaction and emirate.
02 / Owning
Allow for service charges, maintenance, insurance, management and periods without a tenant. If financed, include debt repayments. Obtain property-specific figures rather than relying on a headline rental yield.
03 / Selling
Budget for agreed brokerage, any mortgage settlement and applicable documentation or transfer costs. Consider currency conversion and the tax position in your country of residence.
ILLUSTRATIVE NUMBERS
An ownership example, not a forecast.
Illustrative cash purchase: AED 1,000,000. Assumed acquisition costs: AED 60,000. The cost allowance is an example, not a DLD fee quote.
- Total cash invested
- AED 1,060,000
- Assumed annual rent
- AED 75,000
- Assumed annual operating costs
- − AED 15,000
- Net operating income
- AED 60,000
- Net operating yield on total cost
- 5.66%
BEFORE YOUR NEXT STEP
Your checklist.
- Get current service charges for the exact unit or building.
- Ask which fees include VAT and which are payable separately.
- Keep a reserve for vacancy and unexpected repairs.
- Compare net income with your total acquisition cost.
Questions worth asking.
Is gross yield my return?+
No. Gross yield leaves out expenses. Net operating yield deducts operating costs; your after-financing and after-tax outcome can differ further.
Does every UAE purchase use Dubai’s fee schedule?+
No. Confirm charges with the relevant emirate’s authority and the parties handling your transaction.
LET’S TALK
Your plans.
A personal conversation.
Share your plans and we’ll help you take the next step.