Leasehold vs Freehold Dubai: How to convert leasehold property to freehold in Dubai

One of the first questions people ask when buying or renting property in Dubai is: “How much does the agent take?”

It’s a fair question and an important one. Real estate agent commission in Dubai is standard practice, but the details aren’t always clear until you’re deep in the process. Who pays it? How much is it? Is it fixed, or can it be negotiated? And what’s the difference between real estate agent commission and service fees?

This article breaks it down in plain terms so you know what to expect, what’s fair, and what to look out for.

What Is a Real Estate Agent Commission in Dubai?

It’s the fee you pay for having someone guide you through the deal. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, real estate agents earn their income through commission. It’s usually a percentage of the property price or, in the case of rentals, a cut of the annual rent.

Some people call it a service fee. Others just call it “the agent’s cut.” Officially, it’s known as the real estate agent commission, and in Dubai, it’s a well-established part of how the market works. Real estate agent fees vary depending on the deal, but one thing is constant: it’s something you should know about from the start.

Standard Real Estate Agent Fees and Percentages

If you're buying a property on the secondary market, the usual real estate agent commission in Dubai is 2% of the sale price, plus 5% VAT.

Most of the time, that’s paid by the buyer, but there are exceptions. For rentals, agents typically take 5% of the annual rent, or a flat fee, whichever is higher. That means if the rent is low, you’ll still pay something close to AED 5,000.

These real estate agent fees are fairly standard across the market. For off-plan properties, the commission is usually handled by the developer, not the buyer. That fee can range anywhere from 2% to 6%, but you won’t be the one paying it.

Who Pays the Real Estate Agent Commission?

In most resale deals, it’s the buyer who pays the real estate agent commission. That’s the norm in Dubai. But it’s not a rule, and sometimes it gets split or negotiated, especially in high-value deals.

With off-plan properties, the developer covers the fee, so the buyer doesn’t pay anything. For rentals, it usually falls on the tenant, though there are rare cases where the landlord picks it up.

The way real estate agent commission in Dubai is handled depends on the type of deal and who’s in the stronger position to negotiate. Bottom line: always ask before you get too far. The number itself matters, but so does knowing who it’s coming from.

How to Calculate Commission | No Guesswork Needed

There’s no need to guess. The numbers are simple once you know what to look for.

If you’re buying a property, take 2% of the purchase price, then add 5% VAT on that amount. That’s your agent’s fee. So for an AED 2 million home, you’re looking at AED 42,000 total. Renting? It’s usually 5% of the yearly rent. Some agents charge a flat fee instead, often around AED 5,000, whichever is higher.

If you’re unsure, a Dubai real estate commission calculator can help double-check the math. But once you know the formula, you may not need one.

What People Say About Dubai Agent Fees?

Most people don’t mind paying commission; what they mind is being surprised by it.

Some say they were told 2%, but didn’t realize that VAT comes on top. Others mention being asked for a flat AED 5,000, even on low-rent apartments. A few say they negotiated a better deal.

These kinds of real estate agent fees catch people off guard when they’re not spelled out early. And the one thing that comes up again and again is this: “I wish I had asked earlier.” It’s not just about the amount. It’s about knowing where you stand before things move too far.

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Why Commission Rates Vary and What You Get for It

Not all agents charge the same, and there’s a reason for that. Some deals take more time. Some properties are harder to move. And some agents simply bring more to the table.

A good agent doesn’t just unlock a door; they guide you through the whole thing: the paperwork, the negotiation, the back and forth that most people don’t want to deal with. That’s what the real estate agent commission really covers.

It’s not about the hour they spent showing you the place. It’s about everything they did to get you to the finish line.

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RERA Rules & Legal Protection on Commission

In Dubai, real estate agents aren’t just freelancers working off instinct. They’re licensed professionals, regulated by the RERA Real Estate Regulatory Agency.

That means there are clear rules around how real estate agent commission in Dubai is handled, how contracts are written, and how agents are expected to operate.

When you agree on a commission, it should appear clearly in the contract, and it should match what’s been said. If something feels off, you can check the agent’s license or file a complaint.

The system is built to protect both sides. But only if you know it’s there.

Why Mada Makes Agent Fees Clear from Day One

Mada Properties believes buying or renting a home shouldn’t feel overwhelming or unclear.

That’s why we take the time to explain everything, including what you’re paying and what you’re getting in return. Whether it’s real estate agent fees, closing costs, or contract details, we make sure there are no surprises.

From the first call to the final signature, they focus on real support, not sales talk. Whether you're new to the market or ready for your next move, Mada helps you make decisions that actually make sense, contact us today.

Conclusion | The Key to Navigating Commission Fairly

Commission is part of the process. It shouldn’t feel like a trick, and it shouldn’t catch you off guard.

If you understand how real estate agent commission in Dubai works and ask the right questions early, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying and why.

Whether it’s a percentage or flat real estate agent fees, the only thing that matters in the end is whether the help was worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What’s the typical real estate agent commission in Dubai?
• Usually 2% of the sale price, plus 5% VAT.

• Who pays the real estate agent fees?
• For sales, usually the buyer. For rentals, usually the tenant.

• Do I pay commission on off-plan properties?
• No. The developer covers it.

• How do I calculate agent commission?
• Multiply the property price by 2%, then add 5% VAT.

• Can the commission be negotiated?
• Sometimes, yes, especially on higher-value deals.

The idea of living in Dubai long-term has always appealed to people. But until recently, it felt like something you had to renew, reapply for, or re-explain every few years.

The Dubai Golden Visa through property investment changed that. It gave people a way to stay, not just visit. If you own a qualifying property, you could be eligible for a 10-year renewable visa.

No sponsor. No job requirement. Just a stable investment and a place to call home. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re serious about putting down roots or just want more freedom to come and go, it’s one of the cleanest paths forward to golden visa real estate residency.

Dubai Golden Visa Through Property Investment | A New Path to Stay

The Golden Visa is Dubai’s way of saying, if you're investing here, you're welcome to stay.

It's a long-term residency, five or ten years, depending on how you qualify, that gives you the freedom to live, work, and come and go without the usual sponsor requirements. You can renew it. You can include your family. And you don’t have to be in the country all year to keep it.

For a lot of people, it’s the difference between feeling like a visitor and feeling like a resident. That’s why the golden visa for property owners has become such a popular route and why more golden visa real estate investors are choosing it as a way to commit long-term.

It’s not just a stamp in your passport; it’s a kind of agreement, on both sides.

How to Qualify for a Golden Visa for Property Owners

To qualify for the Dubai Golden Visa through property investment, you need to own property in Dubai worth at least AED 2 million.

It can be a single unit or a group of properties long as the total value hits that number. Off-plan works too, as long as you’ve paid enough of it upfront. Even mortgages are allowed, as long as the bank gives you a no-objection letter.

There are no income requirements, no employment checks. Just the property. That’s what makes the golden visa on property so direct, you’re not proving your potential, just your ownership. For golden visa real estate investors, it’s one of the simplest paths with the fewest conditions.

Applying for the Golden Visa Property Investment

There’s no ceremony to it. Once you own the property, you take your documents and start the process.

The title deed, a copy of your passport, maybe a letter from the bank saying they’re fine with it, that’s the part people sometimes forget. After that, you apply. You’ll go through a medical test, give your fingerprints, and wait for the residency stamp. Some people do it through the Dubai Land Department, others use a typing center, or apply online. It doesn’t really matter.

If everything’s in place, it moves quickly. If something’s missing, it doesn’t. That’s what makes the golden visa property investment process so approachable; it’s paperwork, not bureaucracy.

Golden Visa Real Estate | More Than Just AED 2 Million

People focus on the AED 2 million. And yes, it’s a lot.

But most of the people who go this route aren’t doing it just for the visa. They’re doing it because they already wanted to buy property here. The visa is just what makes it feel like a long-term move instead of a short-term risk. It makes staying feel easier. It takes the pressure off.

And once it’s done, it changes how you see the place. You stop thinking like a visitor and start thinking like someone who made a golden visa real estate commitment. For many, Dubai Golden Visa through property investment isn’t the reason they buy; it’s the reason they stay.

Golden Visa Real Estate Projects | Where It Comes to Life

Not every property in Dubai is just an address — some are built with the Golden Visa in mind. Developments like:

• Greenway 2 at Emaar South

A community designed around open green spaces and modern townhomes. Greenway 2 gives buyers an affordable entry into Emaar’s lifestyle while also qualifying for the Golden Visa, making it a smart step for long-term living.

• Dubai Harbour Residences

Set between the Marina and Palm Jumeirah, this waterfront address combines views, prestige, and eligibility for the Golden Visa. For investors, it’s as much about owning a landmark as it is about securing residency.

• Bluewaters Bay by Meraas

Overlooking the iconic Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Bay balances resort living with city convenience. Buying here doesn’t just give you a lifestyle on the water — it also places you within reach of the Golden Visa’s long-term benefits.

Golden Visa for Property Owners | Who It’s Really For?

It’s usually the people who were going to buy anyway. Not for the visa, just for themselves. Maybe they’ve lived here for years. Maybe they’re ready to stop renting.

The visa just makes it easier to stay without having to explain yourself every two years. Some do it for their kids. Some just want to know they can come and go without thinking about expiry dates.

It’s not about the passport. It’s about feeling settled, and that’s why the golden visa for property owners has become such a quiet favorite. It turns a home into something more permanent.

Why Mada | Smart Help for Golden Visa Buyers

Mada Properties helps people make sense of the real estate world without the noise.

Whether you’re buying for a visa or just looking for the right place to land, we keep things simple, clear, and grounded.

From finding the right home to navigating the Dubai Golden Visa through property investment, our team gives you the support you need to make a decision you’ll feel good about. No hype. Just real help.

Conclusion | More Than a Visa: It’s a Long-Term Choice

The visa is the headline, but it’s not the whole story.

What you’re really getting is the freedom to stay and the space to plan without rushing. For some, that’s worth more than the property itself.

And for those who qualify through the Dubai Golden Visa through property investment, that freedom feels a little more real. A little more permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What property value qualifies for a Golden Visa?
• AED 2 million or more.

• Can I qualify if the property is mortgaged?
• Yes, as long as the bank gives a no-objection letter.

• Is the visa permanent?
• No, but it’s renewable. Usually 10 years.

• Can I include my family?
• Yes. Spouse and kids can be added.

• Does this lead to UAE citizenship?
• No. It’s residency, not citizenship.

Everyone has an opinion about Dubai. Some say it’s expensive. Others say it’s manageable if you plan it right.

The truth is somewhere in between. The cost of living in Dubai depends on how you live, where you live, and what you’re willing to spend on comfort.

This guide won’t give you one perfect number, but it will provide you with a real picture. What it costs to get by. What it takes to live well. And how does the cost of living in Dubai per month change if you’re coming here on your own or with a family?

The Real Cost of Living in Dubai per Month | Singles vs Families

If you’re living alone in Dubai, you can expect to spend somewhere between AED 7,000 and 12,000 a month. That covers rent, food, transport, and basic bills, nothing fancy, but nothing too tight either.

If you’re more frugal, it can go lower. If you eat out often or live alone in a bigger place, it’ll go higher. This is the typical Dubai living cost per month for one person.

For families, it’s a different scale. A couple with two children will typically spend AED 20,000 to 35,000 per month, depending on their location, the children's school, and the level of assistance required at home.

The Dubai living cost for a family comes with more layers but also more stability. There’s no single answer, but if you’re trying to plan for living expenses in Dubai for a single person or a household, this is the range most people fall into.

Living Expenses in Dubai | Full Breakdown

Most people don’t realize how fast the basics add up until they get here.

Rent is usually the biggest piece that can take anywhere from a third to half of your monthly income, depending on where you live. A studio in an outer area might cost AED 3,000 to 5,000, while a two-bedroom in a central spot can easily hit AED 10,000 or more.

Then there’s utilities, electricity, water, and cooling, usually between AED 500 and 1,200, depending on the season. Internet costs around AED 300 a month.

Living expenses in Dubai, like groceries, can vary too: AED 800 to 1,200 for one person, and closer to AED 3,000 to 4,000 for a family.

Transport depends on your setup you’re using the metro, it’s affordable. If you’re driving, expect fuel, parking, and maintenance.

The cost of living in Dubai isn’t always dramatic, but it adds up quietly. Not painfully steadily.

Single vs Family | Monthly Living Costs Compared

If you’re on your own, you can keep things simple. A small flat. Groceries for one. A MetroCard. You make the choices, and you live with them. Some months cost more, some less, but it’s manageable.

That’s why the average cost of living in Dubai for a single person often stays within reach. With a family, it’s different. You don’t just spend more, you have fewer shortcuts. Rent gets higher. School fees come in. Groceries double, sometimes triple. And even if you’re careful, the living expenses in Dubai for a family add up fast.

That doesn’t mean it’s not doable. It just means the numbers shift because life does, too.

What Salary Covers a Comfortable Life in Dubai?

It depends on what “comfortable” means to you.

Some people feel fine spending AED 8,000 a month in a studio, cooking at home, taking the metro, and living simply. Others won’t feel settled without a spare room, a car, a school nearby, and a bit of help at home.

If you're alone, AED 15,000 gives you room to breathe. If you're a couple, AED 25,000 covers most things without stress. For a family, AED 35,000 is where comfort starts to feel real.

The average cost of living in Dubai shifts based on what you expect from life and what you’re willing to give up. You can spend less. Many people do. But if you want a life that isn’t tight every month, that’s the range most people aim for. Because the cost of living in Dubai isn’t just a number. It’s a decision.

Hidden Pressures Behind the Average Cost of Living

Dubai looks smooth on the surface, but living here comes with pressures that don’t always show up in a budget. Rents go up. Groceries creep higher. And salaries don’t always keep pace.

If you’re in a midlevel job, you might feel squeezed in ways that don’t make sense on paper. Then there’s the lifestyle part. Everyone seems to be spending more on nicer cars, nicer restaurants, and weekend getaways. You don’t have to join in, but it’s hard not to feel it. That’s what makes the cost of living in Dubai tricky.

It’s not just what you pay, it’s what you feel you need to keep up with. And that’s where the average cost of living in Dubai can be misleading. It doesn’t always reflect the pressure people actually feel.

Why Mada | Real Help for Real Life in Dubai

Mada Properties isn’t flashy. We’re not the loudest name in the market and we’re not trying to be.

What we do is simple: we help people figure out where they belong. Whether you’re new to Dubai or just trying to find something that feels right, we take the time to listen, really listen, and walk you through it without pushing. From rent to schools to the cost of living in Dubai, we help you see the full picture before making a move.

We’re the kind of company where you don’t feel like a lead. You feel like someone we actually want to help.

Whether you are looking for a cozy studio, a stylish apartment, or a profitable investment property, Mada Properties offers a wide range of options to match your needs and budget. Explore the best rental and investment opportunities in Dubai with diverse properties designed to suit every lifestyle.

Conclusion | Making Dubai Work for Your Budget

Living in Dubai can be expensive. It can also be manageable.

It all depends on how you live, what you need, and what you’re willing to let go of. No one number fits everyone. But once you understand the cost of living in Dubai, where the money goes, and what kind of life you want, it gets easier to plan for it.

The city moves fast. Prices shift. And living expenses in Dubai can surprise you if you’re not ready. But with the right expectations and the right support, you can make it work on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the average cost of living in Dubai per month?
• Between AED 7,000 and 12,000 for a single person.

• How much do living expenses in Dubai cost for a family?
• Most families spend AED 20,000 to 35,000 each month.

• What’s the living cost in Dubai for a single person?
• Around AED 7,000 to 10,000, depending on lifestyle.

• Is the cost of living in Dubai high?
• It can be rented, and schooling is the biggest factor.

• What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dubai?
• AED 15,000 for singles, AED 35,000+ for families.