Mortgage transfer fees UAE are an important cost to understand when moving an existing property mortgage from one bank or finance provider to another. In Dubai, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) publishes a specific fee for registering a mortgage transfer, but the person responsible for paying the costs can depend on the transaction, the agreement between the parties and the provider’s terms.
If you are considering transferring conventional mortgage finance or Islamic home finance to another provider, check the official charges and your existing finance agreement before proceeding.
Who Pays Mortgage Transfer Fees in the UAE?
In Dubai, the property owner or mortgagor should check the transfer agreement and the bank’s terms to establish who will pay the fees. The Dubai Land Department states that the mortgagor bears the costs of a mortgage contract unless both parties agree otherwise. This is a useful starting point, although the exact treatment of a mortgage transfer should be confirmed for your specific transaction. Dubai Land Department FAQ.
When a mortgage is transferred from one financier to another, DLD also requires a no-objection certificate from the existing bank. The new finance provider and the existing bank may have their own documentation and processing requirements.
In practice, confirm these points before signing:
- Who is responsible for DLD registration fees?
- Are trustee or service-partner charges payable?
- Does either bank charge its own administration or settlement fee?
- Are there early-settlement costs under the existing finance agreement?
- Does the new provider require a fresh property valuation?
What Are the Mortgage Transfer Fees in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department’s published mortgage-transfer service lists a charge of 0.25% of the mortgage value. Other charges may apply, depending on the title deed, the transaction type and the service channel.
For example, if the mortgage amount being transferred is AED 1,000,000, a fee of 0.25% would equal AED 2,500.
This is an illustration of the percentage fee only, not the full transaction cost. The DLD service page also lists possible title deed issuance charges, knowledge and innovation fees, and service-partner fees. Confirm the current total directly with DLD or the relevant registration trustee before budgeting.
What Other Costs Should You Check?
The DLD registration charge may not be the only expense involved in transferring a mortgage. Ask your current and proposed finance providers for a written breakdown of any applicable costs.
| Possible cost | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| DLD mortgage transfer fee | The current registration charge and calculation basis |
| Title deed and administrative charges | Whether additional issuance or processing fees apply |
| Registration trustee fee | The service-partner charge, including VAT where applicable |
| Existing bank charges | Settlement, early-settlement or account-closure fees, if applicable |
| New finance provider charges | Valuation, processing or other charges under its terms |
| Documentation costs | Any applicable certification, NOC or legal-document costs |
Not every charge applies to every transaction. Ask for a complete quote rather than assuming that the percentage-based DLD fee represents the entire cost.
Can You Transfer an Islamic Home Finance Agreement to Another Bank?
It may be possible to transfer Islamic home finance to another provider, subject to the providers’ approval, the property’s eligibility and the requirements of the existing agreement.
The Dubai Land Department confirms that a mortgage can be transferred from one financier to another when a no-objection certificate is obtained from the existing bank.
For Islamic home finance, ask both providers to explain:
- How the outstanding finance will be settled.
- Whether the existing agreement includes early-settlement charges or other conditions.
- What new Sharia-compliant finance structure will be offered.
- Whether the new agreement changes the monthly instalment, overall cost or finance term.
- Which registration, valuation and administrative costs will apply.
Do not compare providers based only on a lower monthly instalment. Review the total cost, the remaining finance period and the terms of the new agreement.
How to Prepare for a Mortgage Transfer
Follow these steps before moving your mortgage or Islamic home finance to another provider.
- Request an outstanding balance statement. Ask your current bank for the amount required to settle the existing finance and details of any applicable charges.
- Obtain a written offer from the new provider. Review the proposed finance amount, profit rate or pricing structure, instalments and term.
- Confirm the transfer requirements. Check which NOCs, finance letters and supporting documents are required.
- Calculate the full transfer cost. Include DLD fees, service-partner charges and any bank-specific costs that apply.
- Compare the total financial impact. Determine whether the transfer offers a meaningful benefit after all charges.
- Complete the required registration. Follow the instructions provided by the banks and the relevant land department or registration office.
The DLD’s official mortgage transfer application explains the process, documents and published service fees for Dubai transactions.
Does the Same Fee Apply Across the UAE?
Not necessarily. Dubai’s published charges and procedures should not automatically be treated as the rules for every emirate. If your property is in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or another emirate, confirm the applicable registration authority’s requirements and charges.
You should also distinguish a mortgage transfer between finance providers from selling a property with an existing mortgage or simply releasing a mortgage after settlement. These are different transactions and may involve different procedures and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much are mortgage transfer fees in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department lists a mortgage transfer fee of 0.25% of the mortgage value. Additional charges may apply, so request a transaction-specific breakdown from DLD or a registration trustee.
2. Who pays mortgage transfer fees in the UAE?
Responsibility depends on the transaction and the applicable agreement. Dubai Land Department guidance says the mortgagor bears mortgage contract costs unless the parties agree otherwise. Confirm the allocation of mortgage-transfer charges with the relevant parties.
3. Can I transfer my mortgage to another bank?
In Dubai, a mortgage can be transferred from one financier to another, subject to obtaining the existing bank’s no-objection certificate and meeting the relevant requirements. The new provider must also agree to the proposed finance arrangement.
4. Are bank fees included in the DLD mortgage transfer fee?
Not necessarily. The DLD’s published registration fee is separate from any additional charges that a finance provider may apply under its agreement. Ask both banks for a written list of applicable fees.
5. Can Islamic home finance also be transferred?
A transfer may be possible, subject to the providers’ approval, the existing contract and the applicable registration rules. Request a detailed settlement calculation and a written proposal for the replacement Islamic home finance agreement.
Conclusion
Understanding mortgage transfer fees UAE can help property owners avoid unexpected expenses when changing finance providers. In Dubai, the published DLD mortgage-transfer fee is 0.25% of the mortgage value, with possible additional charges depending on the transaction.
Before proceeding, obtain written fee estimates from your existing bank, the new provider and the relevant registration authority. For Islamic home finance, compare the full cost and contract terms—not just the proposed monthly instalment.
