What is the real total cost of buying property in Dubai beyond the price?

Beyond the price, budget around 7-8% in one-off costs: the 4% DLD transfer fee plus admin fees, about 2% agency commission plus 5% VAT, the trustee registration office fee (roughly AED 4,000 + VAT), and if mortgaged, 0.25% mortgage registration plus bank arrangement and valuation fees. Add NOC and title-deed fees. Under-budgeting these is a common, avoidable shock.