Short answer
The main cost is a 2% registration fee paid to the Abu Dhabi authorities, on top of the price. Off-plan launches often need around 5% down to reserve. Budget also for annual service charges, and for a mortgage arrangement fee if you finance. Some developers waive the 2% fee or offer years of free service charges on launch.
One-off costs
- Registration fee: 2% of the purchase price, paid when the sale is registered.
- Down payment: often from 5% on off-plan launches. Some projects ask for 10% or more.
- Brokerage: on most new launches the developer pays the broker. On resales the buyer usually pays.
- Mortgage costs, if you finance: valuation and arrangement fees set by the lender.
Ongoing costs
- Service charges for building and community upkeep, set per square foot each year.
- Letting and management if you rent the property out.
- No annual property tax and no UAE tax on your rent or gains.
Launch incentives to look for
Developers compete with incentives that change the real price. One Yas Island villa Mitch compared came in about AED 1.4 million cheaper than a similar villa nearby once the 2% registration waiver and five years of free service charges were counted.
General information, not financial advice. Figures attributed to Mitch come from transactions he tracks.