The price in the listing is only the starting point. To know what it really costs you, you need to add several items. None of them is a secret, but many people find out late.
DLD registration fee
This is the biggest extra cost. The Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the property price to register the purchase. On a property of AED 1,000,000, that would be AED 40,000. There is usually also a small administrative fee. Always check the current amounts.
Oqood registration
Off-plan sales are registered in Oqood, the DLD system for properties under construction. It has its own registration fee. This step is what gets your purchase officially recognised.
Developer admin fees
Some developers charge administrative fees for processing the contract or the registration. Ask about them before you reserve and ask for them to appear in the offer.
Agency commission
On off-plan projects, the commission is usually paid by the developer, not the buyer. Still, confirm it in writing in every case. If someone charges you, ask for the reason and the amount.
Costs that come later
Once you get the keys, the service charge, electricity, water and air conditioning start, plus insurance if you take it out. Count them in your numbers from day one, especially if you will calculate your yield.
An example to give you an idea. Imagine a unit of AED 1,000,000. The DLD fee alone is AED 40,000. Add the administrative and Oqood fees and, in the first year, the service charge. The list price was one figure. Your real outlay is another. Work it out before you reserve, not after.