How Much Commission Do Dubai Real Estate Agents Charge?

In Dubai, the commission buyers and tenants hear about most often is 2% of the sale price on secondary-market (ready / resale) purchases, and 5% of the annual rent on residential leases — usually plus 5% VAT on the commission amount. Those figures are market convention, not a fixed RERA tariff, so the exact percentage should be written into your Form A / Form B (or tenancy brokerage agreement) before you proceed.

Quick numbers

Worked example (resale): on an AED 2,000,000 apartment, a 2% buyer commission is AED 40,000, plus AED 2,000 VAT (5% of the commission) — AED 42,000 total agency fee on the buyer side, separate from Dubai Land Department transfer fees.

Who is this guide for?

Buyers, tenants, and sellers who need a clear answer to how much Dubai real estate agents charge, including foreign buyers comparing off-plan vs ready stock.

Jurisdiction: Dubai, UAE.

Key takeaways

• Secondary-market buyers commonly budget ~2% + VAT for their agent.
• Sellers commonly budget a separate ~2% + VAT for the listing agent.
• Off-plan buyers often pay no buyer commission because the developer pays the brokerage — confirm in writing.
• Residential tenants commonly pay ~5% of annual rent + VAT.
• RERA expects commission terms to be documented (Form A / Form B / tenancy agreement); it does not lock a single percentage by law.
• Agency commission is not the same as the 4% DLD transfer fee or other government charges.

How much do agents charge on a ready property purchase?

For apartments and villas changing hands between private owners (the secondary market), the prevailing Dubai convention is:

1. Buyer’s agent: about 2% of the agreed purchase price, plus 5% VAT on that fee.
2. Seller’s agent: about 2% of the sale price, plus 5% VAT, paid by the seller under their Form A listing agreement.

So a “typical” dual-agency deal has roughly 4% of the price in total brokerage fees across both sides — not 2% shared once. If one agent represents both parties, the split is negotiated and must still be clear in writing.

Rates are negotiable. Some brokerages quote 1–2.5% depending on price band, exclusivity, and how much work the mandate includes. Never assume the brochure or WhatsApp quote is final until it is in the signed Form B (buyer) or Form A (seller).

How much commission on off-plan property?

For new launches bought from a developer, brokerages are usually paid by the developer (often in a range that can run higher than 2%, depending on the project incentive). In that structure:

• The buyer commonly does not pay a separate 2% agency commission.
• You should still ask: Who pays your fee on this project? and get the answer in writing.
• You still budget for DLD / registration-related fees, SPA payments, and any admin charges — those are separate from agent commission.

If you buy an assigned off-plan unit from another investor (secondary off-plan), treat it more like a resale negotiation: ask which side pays brokerage before you reserve.