BackWhen buying real estate in Dubai, it’s essential to understand the various costs that come with ownership beyond the purchase price. Among the most critical of these is the service charge index, which defines the annual fees paid for maintaining residential properties across communities in Dubai. These fees ensure the upkeep of shared facilities and infrastructure and are typically billed based on the square footage of the unit or plot.
What Is a Service Charge in Dubai?
In simple terms, the service charge in Dubai refers to the amount homeowners pay each year for the ongoing maintenance charges for apartments in Dubai and villas. These cover routine expenses like cleaning, landscaping, security, and sometimes even air-conditioning (chiller fees). In addition to the regular upkeep, there's also a sinking fund component, which is used for major future repairs.
Understanding how to calculate and compare the service charges index across communities is essential for both end-users and investors. The Dubai service charge index plays a vital role in helping buyers estimate the total cost of ownership and can influence property preferences significantly.
Average Service Charge Ranges in Dubai 2025
If you zoom out from individual communities, most Dubai service charges in 2025 fall into a few broad bands. Typical villa communities sit roughly between AED 2 and AED 6 per sq ft per year, while mid market apartment areas like JLT, JVC and Dubai Sports City generally range from the low to mid teens. Prime high rise locations such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah can easily push into the high twenties or above for towers with extensive facilities, and ultra prime icons like Burj Khalifa remain at the very top of the index at close to AED 68 per sq ft. These ranges are reviewed and audited each budget year through the RERA service charge index and the DLD service charge calculator, so owners always have a benchmark to check their community against.
Note: Figures are based on the latest Dubai Land Department data and may change, so please confirm current service charges before making any decisions.
Al Barari
You will be paying a flat rate of AED 7.57 per sq ft for all of the villa developments in Al Barari, including The Residences, The Reserve and The Nest in Al Barari community, although exact figures can vary slightly between phases and budgets. Apartment charges are significantly higher, with Seventh Heaven commanding a service charge ranging from AED 15.24 to AED 28.90 per sq ft depending on the unit type and outlook.
Arabian Ranches
For Arabian Ranches 1 and 2, there are minor variations in service charges depending on which neighbourhood you’re living in. On average, however, most owners in Arabian Ranches 1 pay just over AED 3 per sq ft, while those in Arabian Ranches 2 approximately pay AED 2.44 per sq ft with small differences between the individual neighbourhoods.
Damac Hills
There is a dramatic variation in service charges across the Damac Hills community based on which project you choose. A few key projects are listed below, in ascending order of charges.
Golf Terrace - AED 4.17 per sq ft
Loreto - AED 10.63 per sq ft
Golf Vista - AED 17.74 per sq ft
Golf Veduta - AED 19.53 per sq ft
DIFC
Service charges at DIFC average out at just under AED 20 per sq ft, with some variation between towers. Skygardens sits at the lower end of the range, while the Ritz Carlton residences remain among the priciest at roughly AED 26 per sq ft.
District One
The service charge for the villas and mansions at District One is AED 7.3 per sq ft, while the charge for the apartments at District One Residences is AED 20 per sq ft.
Downtown Dubai
As one of Dubai’s most prime districts, Downtown Dubai is known to have the highest service charges. On average, the charge across the district amounts to AED 21 per sq ft, but that isn’t a particularly helpful metric as the actual charge can be more than three times that amount depending on which tower you’re in.
Below are some of the most prominent projects in Downtown Dubai and their associated charges. Not surprisingly, the Burj Khalifa tops the list.
Burj Vista - AED 21 per sq ft
The 118 - AED 23.7 per sq ft
Vida Residences Downtown - AED 39 per sq ft
The Address Fountain Views - AED 55 per sq ft
The Address Downtown - AED 60 per sq ft
The Address BLVD - AED 65 per sq ft
Burj Khalifa - AED 67.88 per sq ft
Dubai Hills Estate
The villas at Dubai Hills Estate have an average service charge of AED 3 per sq ft, going as high as AED 4 per sq ft for some of the larger homes. Apartments have an average service charge of AED 20 per sq ft.
Dubai Marina
The community average is AED 16.1 per sq ft, and there aren’t any huge variations. Some of the key projects are listed below.
Emirates Crown - AED 12.36 per sq ft
No.9 - AED 12.98 per sq ft
Sparkle Towers - AED 13.6 per sq ft
Marina Gate - AED 14.15 per sq ft
Elite Residence - AED 14.53 per sq ft
Princess Tower - AED 14.59 per sq ft
Park Island - AED 19.8 per sq ft
Emirates Hills
The service charge for Dubai’s most exclusive residential community is currently just under AED 1.6 per sq ft for most villa streets, plus a small reserve fund contribution, which keeps the overall running cost surprisingly low for such a prime neighbourhood.
JBR
You can expect to pay AED 15.4 per sq ft at Jumeirah Beach Residence, and the charge is fairly standard across all of its residential towers.
Jumeirah Golf Estates
On average, the service charge is around AED 6.24 per sq ft across most of the sub-communities of Jumeirah Golf Estates, except Hillside where you will pay roughly AED 5 per sq ft. Importantly, these figures are applied to the built-up area of the villa rather than the plot.
Jumeirah Islands
The service charge in this beautiful waterfront community is AED 4.63 per sq ft.
Jumeirah Park
You will pay AED 2.61 per sq ft on average in Jumeirah Park Dubai.
Jumeirah Village Circle
The average service charge in Jumeirah Village Circle is just under AED 10 per sq ft, although individual towers can sit noticeably above or below that figure depending on their age, amenities and management.
Mudon
In Mudon, service charges amount to roughly AED 3.1 per sq ft across most townhouse enclaves.
Palm Jumeirah
A breakdown of charges for villas and key apartment projects shows how wide the range can be. Shoreline Apartments, for example, often sit a little above the 10 to 12 AED per sq ft mark, while some newer branded residences and hotel-attached towers can run significantly higher because of the scale of facilities and services provided.
Town Square
The average service charge in Town Square Dubai is AED 13.5 per sq ft for the apartment projects and AED 3.5 per sq ft for townhouses.
Victory Heights
The average service charge in Victory Heights across the community is AED 4.54 per sq ft.
How Are Service Charges in Dubai Calculated?
The service charge per square foot is the standard metric used. For apartments, this fee often includes shared areas, and in some cases, balconies and terraces. For villas, the fee may be applied based on either the plot area or built-up area, depending on the developer. Communities like Jumeirah Golf Estates, for example, base it on built-up area. Investors often ask, how much is service charge in Dubai? The answer varies dramatically based on location, property type, and developer policies.
In Dubai, these budgets are not set at random. Owners’ Associations and facility management companies must submit their annual service charge budgets through the RERA regulated Mollak system, where they are reviewed against the official DLD service charge index before they can be approved. This process is designed to prevent unjustified increases and to give owners a clear, audited breakdown of how their community service charges are being used.
Comparing Service Charges Dubai Properties
When reviewing the service charges Dubai landscape in 2025, significant variations emerge. Premium areas such as Downtown Dubai command some of the highest rates, with the Burj Khalifa service charges reaching an average of AED 67.88 per sq ft. If you’re calculating for budget planning, using a service charge index calculator can offer helpful estimates.
On the other hand, areas like Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Park offer lower home maintenance service rates, often making them more attractive for long-term ownership.
Highlighting Key Communities and Their Fees
Damac service charges in communities like Damac Hills and Damac Hills 2 service charges show considerable variation. For instance, Loreto has fees around AED 10.63 per sq ft, while Damac Hills 2 service charge generally offers more affordable rates due to its newer development profile.
Arabian Ranches service charges are community-specific as well. For instance, Arabian Ranches 3 service charge will differ slightly from Arabian Ranches 1 and 2, reflecting infrastructure upgrades and management.
Dubai Hills service charge averages around AED 3–4 per sq ft for villas and AED 20 per sq ft for apartments, aligning with the upscale positioning of the area and quality of amenities. The nearby Dubai Hills Mall parking fee is a separate cost to consider when budgeting.
What About Apartments?
Buyers researching apartment service charges Dubai or service charges for apartments in Dubai should consider prime locations like Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah. The average service charge Dubai apartments can range between AED 12–65 per sq ft, depending on amenities, tower age, and developer.
For those curious about newer projects, Azizi Riviera service charges, Emaar Beachfront service charge, and Opera Grand service charge provide a fresh look into how newer developments structure their Dubai property maintenance charges.
Villas and Their Associated Fees
When calculating service charge for villa in Dubai, location and villa size matter. Popular villa zones such as Jumeirah Islands, Victory Heights, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Tilal Al Ghaf service charges all hover between AED 3–7 per sq ft. Communities like Mudon, Town Square, and Jumeirah Park offer competitive community service fees and are known for well-managed home maintenance services.
For elite living options, Emirates Hills, often considered Dubai's most luxurious residential area, has a remarkably low service charge index averaging AED 1.53 per sq ft, thanks to fewer communal facilities and exclusive villa plots.
Understanding Authority Fees & Other Costs
Buyers should also be aware of RERA service charge index, DLD service charge index, and authority fee Dubai benchmarks, which offer official guidance. Understanding how to navigate Dubai housing fees, especially housing fee for owners Dubai, is essential for expatriates and investors unfamiliar with the region.
Managing and Paying Service Charges Dubai
Payment schedules, usually annual, may vary slightly depending on the developer. Platforms like Loams service charges help streamline the payment process. Property owners must stay informed about when and how to pay service charges in Dubai to avoid penalties or disruptions in building services.
Why Understanding the Service Charge Index is Essential Before Buying Property in Dubai
Evaluating the service charge index Dubai is one of the most crucial steps in real estate due diligence. It affects both short-term livability and long-term investment returns. Whether you’re assessing service charge Dubai apartments, calculating the average villa sales price per sq ft in Dubai, or budgeting for property management service charge, having a detailed understanding of Dubai
service charges is indispensable.
Example calculation
To put the numbers into context, imagine a 1,250 sq ft apartment in Dubai Marina with a service charge of AED 18 per sq ft. The annual bill would be 1,250 multiplied by 18, so AED 22,500 per year, usually paid in instalments. If you are renting the apartment out for AED 180,000 per year, your service charge alone is taking just over twelve percent of your gross rent before you even factor in DLD fees, maintenance inside the unit and any mortgage costs. Run the same exercise for a three bedroom villa in Arabian Ranches 2 at roughly AED 2.44 per sq ft and you will often find the service charge component as a percentage of rent is much lower, which is one reason end users and long term investors often favour mature villa communities.
For up-to-date insights, expert advice, and property listings across communities, trust the professionals at LuxuryProperty.com to guide your real estate journey in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Charges in Dubai
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