Guide

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Real estate agency commission

497

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 20:17

Does anyone know who pays the commission when a property is being sold? I have contacted BH to advertise my property and have noticed that they want the seller to pay a commission too? Is that normal ?

Log in to post new content in the forum.

StayAtHomeMum72226

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 12:29

This negative feedback on agents and the lottery of service is exactly what I hear from everyone which is why we sold our last Dubai property privately for free as I mentioned in an earlier post below. I read somewhere last week that the average villa price in Dubai was around 5m so if the agent charges 4% in total they are earning about 200,000 dirhams which in English is £35,000! For paying someone that amount to provide a service I would expect the most amazing service ever. I mean you can buy a new Porsche in Dubai for that amount so what is so amazing about the agents service and efforts you recommend below that means they deserve this sort of renumeration? It's seriously not complicated to do as I have done it myself. The trouble is most people here just accept the rubbish that is being served as they go with the flow and after a few years are used to being ripped off and even after several years here people still get lost in the monopoly money of dirhams to home currency.

The Original BMAP

245

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 09:25

Funny, we used a company called Exclusive Links too and the agent lied by ommission and did a runner when things went wrong. This was for a rental though and I believe the agent has now moved on to another agency. It really is a lottery.

17

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 21:40

We used a company called Exclusive Links Real Estate. They are based in Media City. Extremely helpful and very professional. I can get you the agents number we dealt with if you like?

StayAtHomeMum72226

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 20:14

Hi, I am new to the forum but have lived here 10 years and owned 8 properties in that time so just found this thread. From what I have seen over the years agents all used to charge the buyers 3% and sellers 0% back when it was a sellers market. Then after the crash they turned it around (mostly led by Better Homes) and then tried to charge the sellers 2% or 3% and the buyers 0% as it was now a buyers market. At the moment it's kind of balanced so they are trying 2% to buyers and 2% to sellers but if you push them as the seller you can often avoid the 2% as they are of course keen for your listing so you can get them to 1% or even 0% as a seller. There is no law regarding commissions. We have a few properties for investment and sold our last one ourselves without paying any commission though a website called Flipityourself.com (http://flipityourself.com) who charged nothing. They have all this information on the site explaining how to do it and who to use to help you so there is not much for you to do other than deal with the viewings but then you are saving effectively 4% between buyer and seller so you can be talking a couple of hundred thousand dirhams saved on a typical Arabian Ranches villa which makes it worth the effort. For back up you can still list it with a regular agent on a non exclusive basis and then decide which offer works out best for you.

22

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 11:43

Does anyone know who pays the commission when a property is being sold? I have contacted BH to advertise my property and have noticed that they want the seller to pay a commission too? Is that normal ? We bought in AR with House Hunters: i) Both seller and buyer each pays 2% to the agent. ii) Have a read on the property law: 1% transfer fee paid buy seller, 1% transfer fee paid buy buyer (to Dubai Land Department). Good luck.

48

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 11:24

my friend who bought an apartment recently recommended this agency to me : MD Express ,she said they are very professional, helpful ,and very nice people ,especially the manager Mr Manhal , his mobile number : +971 50 9801458 you can find agency contact info on their website : mdexpress-dubai dot com .

158

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 11:18

Try Gulf Platinum Properties... they are based in Motor City.

993

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 09:49

Well, even when there wer eplenty of flats arounds, there were owners/agents having the attitude that they are doing a huge favor on tenants by allowing them to have a roof over their heads

1575

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 09:07

In any other part of the world, the seller would pay the commission. This is a fee from the seller to the agent for brining in clients, marketing the sale of the house and eventually selling it! On the subject of fees, usually in any other normal country, the owner would also pay the fee to the agency for renting the property. This is standard. However I think things are different here! It's always the other way around and it defys all logis as usual

321

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 00:54

I would also like to know of any recommendations in case the sale of our villa falls through.

497

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 23:34

Thanks everyone. I also remember being the only one that paid commisions when i purchased this property. It was strange to see that line in the BH agreement . Sandy123, I would love to have the number of the agent that helped your friend, please. I also heard BH are not that good, it was just the first name that came into my head to call. But, from the look of it they are far too complicated to deal with. Any recommendation for agents to contact will be greatly appreciated.

158

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 22:33

In any other country, the owner/seller pays the commission. In DXB, it is the reverse (usually)... the buyer/tenant pays any agency fees/commission.

48

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 22:25

one more thing .. if i were you i won't hire BH .. i don't know if this forum rules allow me to say the reason ..

48

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 22:10

Hello Eli1979 ,my friend just bought a house recently in Dubai and i believe she was the only one who paid the commission 2 % from the apartment full price to the agency ,and she paid the transfer fees another 2 % to Dubai land department ,and she told me that the seller had to pay nothing .. or to be exact he only paid some fees for Dubai property maybe 500 DHS (not sure of the amount ) to issue no objection notification (NOC ) .. if you want i cant give you contact number for the agency that helped her .. she said they were great ..very professional people ,maybe they can advertise your apartment for free ..

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?