Agent Commission on Dubai Property: Who Pays, What to Ask and What to Put in Writing
Who pays the agent when you buy Dubai property? Learn how commission usually works and what South African buyers should ask and get in writing.
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Who pays the agent when you buy Dubai property? See how commission usually works, what to ask and what South African buyers should get in writing.
Dubai Property for South Africans · Costs and Agents Agent Commission on Dubai Property: Who Pays, What to Ask and What to Put in Writing South African buyers often ask who pays the agent when buying in Dubai. The answer depends on whether you are buying new from a developer, buying a resale unit or renting the property out. In each case, the safest approach is to find out before you sign anything. This Banke South Africa guide explains how commission usually works in Dubai, what to ask and how to avoid paying twice. The Short Answer On many developer sales, the developer pays the agent, so the buyer pays no separate commission. On resale deals, commission is agreed between the parties and the agent, and who pays can vary. Do not assume. Ask who pays, how much and when, and get it in writing before you commit. New Developer Sales vs Resale New developer sales. The selling price usually includes the developer's marketing and sales costs. Ask the agent to confirm that you will not be charged a separate fee. Resale purchases. The agent is typically paid by the seller, the buyer or both depending on what was agreed. Ask which applies to your deal. Rental placement. Landlords and tenants may each be asked for a fee. Ask who pays and what it covers. Check the Agent First Only deal with a licensed agent working for a registered brokerage. Our guide to choosing a Dubai property agent from South Africa covers BRN numbers and the standard forms, and the guide to verifying Trakheesi permits shows how to check that an advert is legitimate. Put It in Writing If you agree to pay a fee, the agreement should state who pays, the amount or the basis for calculating it, when it is due and what service it covers. Be wary of anyone who asks for payment in cash, to a personal account or before a signed agreement. The standard transaction forms used in Dubai set out these points, and you should read them before signing. Questions to Ask Who pays the commission on this deal, and how much? Is any fee already included in the price I see? What exactly do I get for it, such as viewings, negotiation or paperwork support? Will you represent me, the seller or both, and how are conflicts handled? What happens to any fee if the deal does not complete? Do Not Forget the Other Costs Commission is only one part of the purchase cost. Transfer fees, registration costs, service charges and currency conversion also matter. Our guides to Dubai taxes and fees for South African buyers and to the real cost of the rand-to-dirham exchange rate show how to build a full budget. Common Mistakes Assuming the buyer always pays, or never pays. Paying a fee before there is a signed agreement. Using an agent you cannot verify. Ignoring the exchange-rate cost when comparing totals. Why Choose Banke South Africa? Banke helps South African buyers understand the full cost of a Dubai purchase and who is being paid for what. We explain the process plainly and recommend independent legal and tax advice where it matters. To discuss your plans, contact the Banke South Africa team . Conclusion Agent commission in Dubai is not complicated, but it is easy to get wrong if you assume. Ask who pays, get the answer in writing and check the agent's credentials before any money moves. This article is general information and not legal, tax or financial advice. Practices, fees and rules change. Confirm current details with the Dubai Land Department, RERA and a qualified professional before you commit.
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