The Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) Authority has hiked freehold transfer fee for properties from 3.5% to 5% effective 1 April. This move aims to address the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) concerns about overinflated markets and endeavor to secure the long-term stability of the DIFC property market.The Dubai Land Department, whose laws and regulations govern rest of the emirate, increased its property transfer fee in October 2013 to 4% from 2% with the aim to curb speculative activity in the market, according to Emirates 24/7.