Selling a home in Abu Dhabi has a short list of official costs, plus a few that depend on your home. Here they are, with the source for each, so you can plan the sale with fewer surprises.
Key points
- DARI lists a 2% registration fee and an AED 875 e-services fee for a sale.
- The 2% is calculated on the valuation or the sale price, whichever is higher; the fee rules published by ADREC split it equally unless agreed otherwise.
- A valuation certificate for a single unit costs AED 1,000 and must be no older than 30 days.
- Mortgage release is AED 900 plus AED 55, on top of what you owe the bank.
- Developers may not charge more than AED 5,000 in administrative fees on a transaction.
The official fees
| Item | Amount listed by DARI |
|---|
| Real estate registration fee | 2% of the contract value |
| E-services fee | AED 875 |
| Valuation certificate for a single unit | AED 1,000 |
| Mortgage release, if the home has a mortgage | AED 900, plus an AED 55 electronic service fee |
DARI's selling guide calculates the 2% on the valuation or the sale price, whichever is higher. The fee rules published by ADREC (Resolution No. 49 of 2018) split the sale registration fee equally between seller and buyer unless the two agree otherwise. Write who pays what into the sale agreement, and check the final figures DARI shows on the application before you pay.
Papers DARI asks for before a sale
DARI's selling guide lists what must be in place before a sale can go ahead:
- A valuation certificate no older than 30 days.
- A title deed no older than 6 months.
- A letter from the developer stating whether the unit is in an investment or development area.
- No mortgage on the unit, no long-term lease contract and no court order.
If your title deed is older than six months, issue a new one in DARI before you start, and note the fee it shows.
Costs that depend on your home
Mortgage settlement. If you still owe the bank, the loan must be settled and the mortgage released before the transfer. Ask your bank for the settlement figure and any early settlement charges in writing. The release itself runs in DARI: the bank uploads its no objection letter, the application is approved, and you pay the fee shown.
Developer clearance. The seller obtains a no objection certificate from the developer, which confirms there are no late payments and lets the bills move to the new owner. Clear any service charges due first. The rules published on ADREC's site (Resolution No. 183 of 2017) bar developers from charging fees on property transactions beyond administrative fees of up to AED 5,000.
Advertising permit. Brokers advertise a home under a DARI permit. For a sale, the listed fee is AED 125 for one month or AED 250 for two or three months, plus 5% VAT. In DARI's process, the broker completes the payment step after you approve.
Your own costs. Final electricity, water and cooling bills, moving, and any repairs you agree with a buyer after a viewing.
Selling with a tenant in the home
A sale does not end a lease. Under Law No. 20 of 2006, the tenancy contract carries on with the new owner. Tell buyers early, share the lease terms, and agree viewing times with your tenant.
Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands
Homes inside ADGM's jurisdiction on these islands are sold through ADGM's AccessRP platform. Check with ADGM that your building is inside its jurisdiction, then check the fees AccessRP shows for your transfer before you agree terms with a buyer.
Before you list: checklist
- A plan to order the valuation certificate within 30 days of the sale.
- A title deed less than 6 months old.
- A settlement letter from your bank, if the home is mortgaged.
- Service charges paid and the developer's no objection certificate requested.
- Who pays the registration fee, agreed in writing.
Official sources
Read on 29 October 2026. Rules and fees can change: check the official page before you act.
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