When buying property in Dubai, it’s important to consider various expenses. These include the deposit, installment payments (if applicable), agency fees, and other related costs, which a trusted real estate agent can guide you through. One key expense to keep in mind is the service charge, commonly known as the Dubai service charge index, which covers the property’s maintenance and upkeep.

What is a service charge?

In simple terms, the service charge on a property is the annual cost of maintaining it. This fee covers general maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and in some cases, chiller fees. Additionally, property owners contribute to a ‘sinking fund,’ which helps stabilize service fees over time. The sinking fund is used for major repairs, such as weather-related damage or chiller maintenance, beyond routine upkeep.

Service charges are calculated per square foot. For villas, the charge is based on the plot area, except in Jumeirah Golf Estates, where it’s based on the built-up area. For apartments, charges vary by development, with some factoring in the balcony or terrace.

Below, we’ve listed the average annual service charges for Dubai’s most popular residential communities.

Al Barari

Property Type
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Villas (The Residences, The Reserve, The Nest)
AED 6.9
Apartments (Seventh Heaven)
AED 17

Arabian Ranches

Community
Average Service Charge per Sq Ft
Arabian Ranches 1
AED 3.08
Arabian Ranches 2
AED 2.44

Damac Hills

Project
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Golf Terrace
AED 4.17
Loreto
AED 10.63
Golf Vista
AED 17.74
Golf Veduta
AED 19.53

DIFC

Project
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Skygardens
AED 16.55
Average
AED 19.15
Ritz Carlton
AED 26.13

District One

Property Type
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Villas/Mansions
Apartments (District One Residences)
AED 20

Downtown Dubai

Project
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Burj Khalifa
AED 67.88
The Address BLVD
AED 65
The Address Downtown
AED 60
The Address Fountain Views
AED 55
Vida Residences Downtown
AED 39
The 118
AED 23.7
Burj Vista
AED 21

Dubai Hills Estate

Property Type
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Villas
AED 3 - 4
Apartments
AED 20

Dubai Marina

Project
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Park Island
AED 19.80
Elite Residence
AED 14.53
Princess Towe
AED 14.59
Marina Gate
AED 14.15
Sparkle Towers
AED 13.60
No.9
AED 12.98
Emirates Crown
AED 12.36

Emirates Hills

Community
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Most Exclusive Residential Community
AED 1.53

JBR

Community
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
AED 15.4

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Subcommunity
Service Charge per Sq Ft
JGE (Average)
AED 6.24
Hillside
AED 5.13

Jumeirah Islands

Community
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Waterfront Community
AED 4.63

Jumeirah Park

Community
Service Charge per Sq Ft

Jumeirah Village Circle

Community
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Jumeirah Village Circle
AED 9.73

Mudon

Community
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Mudon
AED 3.10

Palm Jumeirah

Property Type
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Villas
AED 10 - 15
Apartment Project A
AED 11
Apartment Project B
AED 13
Apartment Project C
AED 15

Town Square

Property Type
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Apartments
AED 13.50
Townhouses
AED 3.50

Victory Heights

Community
Service Charge per Sq Ft
Victory Heights
AED 4.54