Insights · AXD Real Estate Dubai

Brokerage Commission Dubai — Who Pays in 2026?

AXD Insights · DACH Buyer Side · May 2026

Who pays the brokerage commission in Dubai?

In a direct off-plan purchase, the developer bears the brokerage commission in full — the buyer pays 0%. In the secondary market, the buyer pays 2% plus 5% VAT (effectively 2.10% gross), and the seller additionally bears 2% to the listing agent. RERA licensing with a Broker Registration Number (BRN) is mandatory.

Who bears the costs — by sales channel

Channel	Buyer pays	Seller / Developer pays
Off-plan, direct from developer	0%	Marketing allocation of the developer
Off-plan via sub-broker	0% (buyer)	Developer — brokerage receives a split share
Secondary market	2% + 5% VAT	2% to the listing agent
Resale off-plan (assignment)	2% + 5% VAT	2% + NOC fee to the developer

Source: RERA Brokerage Code, DLD transaction data 2025/2026, AXD own research.

What the brokerage commission covers

Allocation and contract processing with the developer or seller
KYC and AML initial review (UAE Financial Intelligence)
SPA review (Form 4 off-plan, Form A/B/F secondary)
DLD transfer coordination at the Title Deed Transfer
NOC procurement from the developer (secondary / assignment)

Not covered: DLD fees, service charge, property management.

Verification of the broker before contract conclusion

Check the BRN (Broker Registration Number) on the business card and in the SPA
Query the RERA licence in the Dubai REST App or on dubailand.gov.ae
Brokerage company licence (Trade License) also registered with DED
Have Form A (Listing Agreement) presented in a secondary sale
Check the brokerage's VAT registration with the FTA — otherwise no VAT obligation

Sources

Dubai Law No. 85 of 2006 — Regulating Real Estate Brokers Register
RERA Broker Code of Ethics
UAE Federal Tax Authority — VATGRE1 Real Estate Guide
DLD transaction data Q1 2026 (public, dubailand.gov.ae)

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