Commission splits in Dubai real estate, explained
In Dubai, most brokers are paid mainly by commission. The client pays a commission to the agency, and the agency shares it with you. That share is your split.
The usual commission rates
These are market practices, not fixed by law. Everything is negotiated in the contract.
| Deal | Usual commission |
|---|---|
| Secondary sale | About 2% of the price, usually paid by the buyer |
| Off-plan sale | Paid by the developer, often between 2% and 8% |
| Commercial sale | Often between 2% and 5% |
| Residential rental | About 5% of the annual rent |
| Commercial rental | Often between 5% and 10% of the annual rent |
Source: Bayut Agent Portal (2023, updated 2024). For secondary sales, Bayut notes that 5% VAT is charged on top of the commission.
What the split means
The split is the percentage of the agency commission that goes to you.
- 50:50 has long been the most common structure in Dubai. Bayut describes it as the split used “in most cases”, and Gulf News called it the “usual 50:50 split in most agencies” in 2021.
- Engel & Völkers Dubai describes splits “ranging from 50% to 70% to the agent depending on experience, performance, and company structure” (December 2025).
- A higher split often comes with fewer services: fewer leads, no visa, or monthly desk fees. Compare the whole package, not just the number.
A worked example
A secondary sale at AED 2,000,000 with a 2% commission brings AED 40,000 to the agency.
- With a 50:50 split, you receive AED 20,000.
- With a 70:30 split, you receive AED 28,000.
Before VAT and any deductions agreed in your contract. Try your own numbers in the commission calculator.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What is my split, and does it change after a number of deals?
- Is the split calculated before or after VAT, referral fees and marketing costs?
- Are leads provided, and does the split change on agency leads?
- When am I paid: when the deal is registered, or when the agency receives the money?
- Is any of this deducted if I leave?
On CloserPass, every job shows the split when the agency gives it. When it does not, we write “Not specified”, never “Not provided”.