Is it true off-plan property only pays a 2% DLD fee instead of 4%?

No. The Dubai Land Department registration fee is 4% of the property value whether you buy off-plan (Oqood) or ready - there is no discounted 2% rate for off-plan. Some developers run promotions absorbing or waiving part of the DLD fee, which fuels the myth, but the statutory rate is 4% plus admin fees. Budget the full 4%.