A UK buyer pays the same fees as anyone else in Dubai: 4 percent to the Dubai Land Department, about AED 4,200 in trustee fees and 2 percent plus VAT in agency commission on a resale. Budget 7 to 10 percent above the price. You do not need to fly out to complete.
There is no stamp duty, no annual property tax and no capital gains tax in the UAE. Your UK position is a separate question. Figures current as of September 2026.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| DLD transfer fee | 4 percent of the price |
| DLD admin and title deed | AED 580 plus AED 250 |
| Trustee office fee | AED 4,200 including VAT |
| Agency commission | 2 percent plus VAT, on a resale |
| UK stamp duty | None. It does not apply to overseas property |
No. You can complete remotely by granting power of attorney to someone in the UAE to sign and register on your behalf. The document usually needs notarising and legalising in the UK before it is accepted, so start that early because it is the step most likely to delay a transfer.
This is the cost UK buyers most often overlook. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, not to sterling, so you carry the risk of the pound against the dollar between agreeing the price and sending the money. On a purchase of several million dirhams a small move is a large number, and a specialist currency service will usually beat a high street bank by more than the rest of the fees combined. See how to send money to Dubai.
If you are UK tax resident you are generally taxable on worldwide income and gains, so Dubai rental income and any gain on sale need reporting at home even though the UAE does not tax them. There is no UK stamp duty on an overseas purchase, but owning a second property abroad can affect your position on a later UK purchase. Take UK advice rather than assuming the UAE position is the whole picture.
See the full process in buying property in Dubai as a foreigner, or talk to us.
The same as any buyer: 4 percent Dubai Land Department transfer fee, AED 580 admin and AED 250 title deed, about AED 4,200 trustee fee, and 2 percent plus VAT agency commission on a resale. Budget 7 to 10 percent above the price.
No. UK stamp duty does not apply to overseas property. Owning a property abroad can still affect your position on a later UK purchase, so take UK advice.
Yes. You can complete remotely by granting power of attorney to someone in the UAE. The document usually needs notarising and legalising in the UK, which is the step most likely to cause delay, so start it early.
If you are UK tax resident you are generally taxable on worldwide income and gains, so rental income and any gain on sale need reporting in the UK even though the UAE does not tax them.
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, not to sterling, so you carry the risk of the pound against the dollar between agreeing a price and transferring funds. On a large purchase this can outweigh every other fee.
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TRPE Real Estate is a company registered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Trade License No. 999314 · RERA ORN 28357 · Office 1201, Ascott Park Place, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
