If you are looking for the perfect place to call home in Dubai, we are here to help. We understand that finding a place to live in Dubai can be difficult. As one of the most sought-after cities in the world for people looking to relocate and invest in real estate, property prices have risen significantly in recent years. According to the Property Monitor, the property price in Dubai is AED 1,360 per square foot, which is 10.25% higher than the previous highest price in September 2014. The flourishing economy of Dubai and its high quality of life have led to huge housing demand in the city. So, let's explore and understand the different housing options and their cost in Dubai.
Renting or buying a house in Dubai is one of the major expenses. But you can take control of this expense by choosing the housing option that fits your needs. The most common types of housing in Dubai and their costs are:
Apartments are the most popular housing option in Dubai. They are a great choice for people looking to live at a low cost in an urban setting. The common types of apartments are:
Studio Apartments
One-bedroom apartments
Two-bedroom apartments
Three bedroom apartments
Apart from these common types, the other types of apartments are:
These luxurious apartments are on the top floors of high-rise buildings. Their premium location, luxury amenities, and stunning views make them more expensive than conventional apartments. Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Downtown Dubai are desirable areas to own a penthouse.
These two-story apartments offer more space and separation between living areas. Unlike a penthouse, duplex apartments can be found on any building floor.
These furnished apartments come with additional services like regular housekeeping.
Villas are among Dubai's most luxurious and expensive housing options. These large homes offer ample space and privacy and often have gardens or outdoor spaces. They are ideal for larger families or residents requiring more space than an apartment can provide. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, and Arabian Ranches are some of the most desirable neighbourhoods to buy or rent a villa.
Townhouses are another popular option in Dubai's real estate market. They are usually between two and four stories high and offer a middle ground between apartments and villas. They provide more space than apartments but at a lower cost than villas. Jumeirah Village Circle, DAMAC Hills and Al Furjan are popular areas to buy or rent a townhouse in Dubai.
There are some additional costs which you should consider when buying a property in Dubai.
All property sales transactions must be registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This will incur the following fees:
DLD Fee: 4% of the purchase price + AED 580
Property Registration Fee: AED 2,100 for properties valued below AED 500,000 and AED 4,200 for properties valued above AED 500,000
Mortgage Registration Fee: 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290 (only applicable if the home is bought using a mortgage).
When buying a property, you should expect to pay an agency fee of 2% (plus VAT) of the purchase price.
A conveyancer will oversee the legal and administrative requirements, costing from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000.
If you are financing the purchase using a mortgage, you will have to pay:
Mortgage Arrangement Fee - 1% of the loan amount + 5% VAT
Property Valuation Fee - From AED 2,500 – AED 3,500 + 5% VAT
The additional costs which you should consider when renting a property in Dubai are:
The security deposit is 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and 10% for furnished ones.
An agency fee is usually 5% of the annual rent.
Rental contracts in Dubai must be registered with Ejari, an online system introduced by RERA. During the Ejari process, the following expenses will be incurred:
Registration Fee - AED 100 - AED 120
Knowledge Fee - AED 10
Innovation Fee - AED 10
DEWA, Dubai's electricity and water service provider, requires a refundable connection fee at the beginning of your tenancy. The fee varies based on property type:
Apartments - AED 2,000
Villas and Townhouses - AED 4,000
Non-refundable activation charges also apply, such as:
Metre Connection Charges - AED 100 - AED 300
Registration Fee - AED 10
Knowledge Fee - AED 10
Innovation Fee - AED 10
Dubai Municipality imposes an annual housing fee of 5% of the property's annual rent. It is usually included in the DEWA utility bill for residential properties.
Certain Dubai properties with shared central air conditioning systems charge chiller fees based on unit size. Empower and Emicol provide cooling services in Dubai.
These tips will help you reduce your housing costs while getting quality accommodation.
Dubai's real estate market provides great opportunities for investors and diverse housing options for residents. The market is stable and expected to grow, and the government supports it. Investors and Residents should look at popular and up-and-coming areas and keep up with market changes to make the most of Dubai's growing real estate opportunities.