What does it take to sell your property?
Worth knowing before you buy, not just when you sell. Here's the process and what comes out of your sale price.
Agree a price, sign an agreement, get the developer's clearance, pay off any mortgage, then transfer at registration. Expect to pay around 3% of the price in selling costs, plus mortgage settlement if you have one. There's no capital gains tax in Abu Dhabi. [1]
What are the steps?
- Price it and list it: get a valuation, and choose whether to use an agent.
- Agree terms: you and the buyer sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU), and the buyer pays a deposit.
- Get the developer's NOC: the no objection certificate confirms your service charges are paid. Clear any arrears first, because unpaid charges stay with the home. [4]
- Clear your mortgage: your bank confirms what you owe, and it's paid off from the sale proceeds at transfer.
- Transfer: the sale is registered and the title deed moves to the buyer.
What does selling cost you?
| Cost | How much |
|---|---|
| Agency commission | 2% of the price, plus VAT [1] |
| Your share of the registration fee | Around 1% if you split the 2% fee with the buyer [1][3] |
| Developer NOC | Typically Dh500 to Dh1,500 [1] |
| Mortgage early settlement | Capped at 1% of what you owe, or Dh10,000, whichever is less [2] |
| Legal fees | Roughly Dh2,000 to Dh5,000, if you use a lawyer [1] |
What about tax?
Abu Dhabi has no capital gains tax and no annual property tax. [1] Your home country may still tax the gain, so check with a tax adviser there.
How long does it take?
Once you've found a buyer, a straightforward sale takes a few weeks. Finding the buyer is the slow part, and it depends on the area and the price. Our AD vs Dubai guide explains why resale is slower in Abu Dhabi.
What's the catch?
Read these before you sign anything.
Fewer buyers than Dubai.
Abu Dhabi's resale market is thinner, so selling can take longer. If you might need your money back quickly, factor that in before you buy.
Off-plan resale is restricted.
Many developers only allow you to sell before handover once you've paid a set share of the price. Check your agreement.
Costs come off your profit.
Add your buying costs and selling costs together before you decide whether a sale made money.
Sources
- Property Finder: Abu Dhabi property tax (June 2026)
- Khaleej Times: UAE Central Bank sets early settlement fee limit for mortgages (October 2019)
- Bloom Holding: Abu Dhabi property fees 2026 (February 2026)
- A&O Shearman: Abu Dhabi jointly owned property, governance, service charges and asset quality (September 2026)
What should you read next?
Three guides that follow on from this one.
See all guides
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