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.
Al Barari
You will be paying a flat rate of AED 6.9 per sq ft for all of the villa developments in Al Barari, including The Residences, The Reserve and The Nest. Apartment charges are significantly higher, with Seventh Heaven commanding a service charge of AED 17 per sq ft.
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, you can expect to pay AED 3.08 per sq ft in Arabian Ranches 1 and approximately AED 2.44 per sq ft in Arabian Ranches 2.
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 AED 19.15 per sq ft, with the least expensive project being Skygardens at AED 16.55 per sq ft and Ritz Carlton the priciest at AED 26.13 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 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 AED 1.53 per sq ft.
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 AED 6.24 per sq ft across all of the subcommunities of JGE except Hillside, where you will pay AED 5.13 per sq ft. It should be noted that service charges in Jumeirah Golf Estate apply to the built-up area of the villa, not 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 AED 9.73 per sq ft, and there isn’t a huge variation across projects.
Mudon
Mudon, service charges here amount to AED 3.10 per sq ft.
Palm Jumeirah
While the average service charge for the island is AED 12 per sq ft, how much you pay depends a lot on what kind of property you’re in. A breakdown of charges for villa and a few different apartment projects.
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.
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.
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.
