Is VAT charged on residential property purchases in Dubai?

Overall, residential properties are largely exempted from VAT unless you buy a hotel apartment from the developer for the first time e.g., if you buy in Rove Citywalk from Emaar, then you should pay 5% VAT.

VAT does not apply to the 4% Dubai Land Department registration fees, but VAT does apply to the broker commission and to the trustee office fees.