The 0.125% gift rate
Transferring a Dubai property as a gift (Hiba) between first-degree relatives — parents, children, spouse — attracts a reduced DLD fee of 0.125% of the property value, versus the 4% charged on an arm's-length sale.
Dubai gift transfer calculator
Gifting a property to a first-degree relative attracts a reduced 0.125% DLD fee instead of the 4% on a sale. Move the sliders to see the cost and how much the gift route saves.
The transfer
AED
%
AED
The reduced 0.125% gift rate applies only to transfers between first-degree relatives (parents, children, spouse). The relationship must qualify with the DLD — this is a cost estimate, not legal advice.
Gift transfer cost
AED 2,750
effective rate 0.138%
- Gift fee (DLD)
- AED 2,500
- Fixed fees
- AED 250
- Total at the gift rate
- AED 2,750
- Cost at the 4% sale rate
- AED 80,250
- You save vs an arm's-length sale
- AED 77,500
Indicative only. A trustee-office charge and any mortgage-discharge cost apply on top. Gifting also has succession and tax-residency implications — take qualified advice before transferring.
What the numbers mean
Saving versus a sale
On a multi-million-dirham property the gap between 0.125% and 4% is large, which is why intra-family restructuring and estate planning often use the gift route rather than a sale between relatives.
Fixed fees on top
Beyond the percentage fee, a title-deed issuance fee and a registration trustee-office charge apply. They are modest fixed amounts but should be budgeted alongside the headline percentage.
Three realities to keep in mind
The relationship must qualify
The reduced rate is only for first-degree relatives, evidenced to the DLD's satisfaction. A transfer to anyone else is treated as a normal sale at 4%. This calculator estimates cost; it does not confirm eligibility.
Mortgaged property is more complex
If the property carries a mortgage, the lender must consent and the loan is usually settled or reassigned as part of the transfer — adding discharge costs and bank conditions on top of the DLD fee.
Think beyond the fee
Gifting changes ownership for succession and tax-residency purposes and may interact with Sharia inheritance rules or a registered will. Take qualified legal advice before transferring — the fee is only one part of the decision.