What DLD does
DLD has recorded Dubai's real estate transactions since 1960 and operates under Law No. 7 of 2013. It registers sales and transfers, issues title deeds and keeps the property registers. Its affiliated bodies include RERA for regulation, the Dubai Real Estate Institute for education and the Rental Dispute Center.
DLD in an off-plan sale
- Project registration. The developer registers the project and opens an escrow account before selling.
- Sale registration. Each sale is entered in the interim register through Oqood within 90 days of signing.
- Handover. When the project is complete, fully paid units move to the main register and DLD issues the title deed (see handover).
The 4% registration fee
| Fee (initial sale) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | 2% of the sale value from the seller + 2% from the purchaser |
| Knowledge and innovation fees | AED 10 + AED 10 |
| Developer's registration of the sale | AED 1,000 |
On an AED 1,500,000 unit, 4% is AED 60,000. The sale contract sets who pays it. Add it to the cash a buyer needs on day one with the payment plan calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DLD fee for an off-plan purchase?
For registering an initial (off-plan) sale, DLD lists 2% of the sale value from the seller and 2% from the purchaser, AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees, and an AED 1,000 fee for the developer's registration of the sale.
Who pays the 4% DLD fee?
Officially it is split 2% / 2%. In practice the sale contract decides. Many off-plan offers ask the buyer to pay all 4%, and some launches advertise a DLD fee waiver where the developer covers it.
What is the difference between DLD and RERA?
DLD registers and documents property transactions. RERA is DLD's regulatory arm and licenses and regulates developers, brokers, escrow accounts and advertising.
Sources
- Dubai Land Department — about DLD (26 Oct 2026)
- DLD e-service — request to register the initial sale (fees) (26 Oct 2026)
- Dubai Land Department — frequently asked questions (26 Oct 2026)
Talk to us for pricing
Developer plans are scoped to your projects and launch services, so we price them on a short call. The broker app is free.