Apartments vs. Villas in Dubai: A Guide to Service Charges
When buying property in Dubai, one cost many buyers overlook is the annual service charge. These fees cover the maintenance of shared spaces and amenities—but how do they differ between apartments and villas?
Let’s break it down to help you make smarter real estate decisions.
What Are Service Charges?
Service charges are mandatory annual fees paid by property owners. They cover:
- Landscaping and cleaning
- Security services
- Maintenance of common areas
- Shared facilities (like pools, gyms, elevators)
Service charges in Dubai are calculated per square foot and can range from AED 2 to AED 30+, depending on the location and the amenities available.
Service Charges for Apartments
Apartments generally have higher service charges per sq. ft. Why? Because they include access to:
- Elevators
- Gyms and pools
- Concierge or front-desk services
- Shared utilities and infrastructure
Typical Range: AED 10–30 per sq. ft. per year
Dubai Marina: ~AED 18.25/sq. ft.
Business Bay: ~AED 21.25/sq. ft.
Service Charges for Villas
Villas often come with lower per sq. ft. service charges, mainly because they don’t rely heavily on shared facilities. However, their larger size means the total annual fee may still be significant.
Typical Range: AED 2–8 per sq. ft. per year
Al Furjan: ~AED 5.60/sq. ft.
Dubai Silicon Oasis: ~AED 6.75/sq. ft.
Apartment vs. Villa: Key Differences
| Criteria | Apartments | Villas |
| Per Sq. Ft. Charges | Higher (AED 10–30) | Lower (AED 2–8) |
| Total Cost | Lower due to smaller size | Higher if villa is large |
| Shared Amenities | More (elevators, gyms, pools) | Fewer shared facilities |
| Privacy | Less | More |
| Maintenance Scope | Communal + structural areas | Mostly individual upkeep |
How to Calculate Service Charges
Formula:
Total Property Area (sq. ft.) x Rate per sq. ft. = Annual Service Charge
Example:
A 1,500 sq. ft. apartment @ AED 15/sq. ft. = AED 22,500/year
Factors That Affect Service Charges
- Amenities: More facilities = higher fees
- Location: Prime areas cost more to maintain
- Developer reputation: Premium communities tend to have higher standards (and fees)
- Property size: Larger homes mean higher total charges, even if the per sq. ft. cost is lower
Final Takeaway
Apartments come with higher per sq. ft. fees but offer more shared luxuries. Villas provide privacy and lower fees per foot—but total charges may still be high due to size.
Want to know the exact service charge for a property you're considering? Contact our team—we’ll give you a full cost breakdown and help you make an informed investment.
FAQs
Usually not. Landlords cover service charges, unless agreed otherwise in the lease.