Total Cost of Buying Property in Abu Dhabi

## The Complete Cost Breakdown **ADM Registration Fee — 2%** The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport charges 2% of the purchase price on all property transfers. Paid by the buyer at transfer. On AED 2M that is AED 40,000. **Agent Commission — 2%** Standard buyer agent commission in Abu Dhabi is 2% of purchase price. On AED 2M that is AED 40,000. Unlike Dubai, there is no separate seller commission convention — agents typically represent one party. **Trustee/Transfer Fee — AED 2,000–4,000** ADREC charges a fixed processing fee for the transfer registration, typically AED 2,000–4,000 depending on property value. **Mortgage Registration Fee — 0.1% (if financing)** Abu Dhabi's mortgage registration fee is 0.1% of the loan value — significantly lower than Dubai's 0.25%. On a AED 1.5M loan that is AED 1,500. **NOC Fee — AED 500–3,000** The developer issues a No Objection Certificate confirming no outstanding charges. Typically paid by the seller. **Total Cost Summary** | Cost | Amount (AED 2M purchase) | |---|---| | ADM registration fee 2% | AED 40,000 | | Agent commission 2% | AED 40,000 | | Transfer fee | AED 3,000 | | Mortgage registration 0.1% | AED 1,500 (if financed) | | Total | ~AED 84,500 (4.2%) | ## Dubai Comparison Dubai charges 4% DLD fee versus Abu Dhabi's 2% ADM fee. Total transaction costs in Dubai are typically 6–8%. Abu Dhabi is more cost-efficient to enter, which partly explains stronger yields — lower entry cost on similar rental income. ## DRE Advisory Note Abu Dhabi has no property tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. The 2% ADM fee is a one-time cost. Annual holding costs are limited to service charges (AED 10–30 per sqft per year depending on building).