Are you thinking of buying a property in Dubai? Among the other costs, service charges are a monthly maintenance expense charged by the Dubai Land Department. When calculating property expenses, it is crucial to factor service charges into your budget. But how do apartments vs villas service charges in Dubai differ?
Let’s discuss the service charges of different apartment and villa communities in Dubai.
- A Brief About Service Charges in Dubai
- Comparison of Apartments Vs Villas Service Charges in Dubai
- Summing Up: Apartments Vs Villas Service Charges in Dubai
- FAQs
A Brief About Service Charges in Dubai
Service charges in Dubai are monthly maintenance fees charged per square foot of residential and commercial properties. Every community, from apartments and villas to townhouses and penthouses has fixed service charges that change annually. The service charges are utilised to provide top-notch facilities such as swimming pools, community centres, gyms, parks and more.
On average, service charges can vary between AED 3 and AED 30. Homeowners can use the Service Charge Index on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website to calculate service charges for different properties.
Comparison of Apartments Vs Villas Service Charges in Dubai
Apartments or villas service charges in Dubai depend on location, size, and amenities. According to DLD data, most apartment communities have higher service charges than villas. This is because apartment communities are facilitated by elevators, gyms, parks, community pools, and playgrounds that require routine maintenance.
Note: The below-mentioned service charges are derived from DLD 2024 and 2025 data.
Affordable Communities
Dubai is home to affordable and luxury communities, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Let’s first look at a comparison of apartment vs villa service charges in Dubai for affordable communities:
Apartments
Here is an overview of service charges for apartments in two of the most affordable communities in Dubai:
1. International City
Developed by Nakheel, International City is known for its affordable apartments. It houses 60,000 residents in multiple country-themed clusters. The community is home to Dragon 1 & 2 malls, where residents can enjoy budget-friendly shopping.
Service Charge (Per Sq.Ft.)
The service charge for apartments in Ritz Residences, a popular tower in International City, is AED 15.34.
2. Jumeirah Village Circle
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is a sought-after residential area, surrounded by lush gardens. Thanks to its impressive portfolio of reasonably priced properties, it is an attractive choice for singles, couples and families. Living in Jumeirah Village Circle offers everything at a short distance, from gyms and schools to parks.
Service Charge (Per Sq.Ft.)
Here are the service charges for different buildings in Jumeirah Village Circle:
- Binghatti Corner: AED 17.05
- Binghatti Crescent: AED 15.78
- Binghatti Crest: AED 17.94
- Binghatti Emerald: AED 19.69
Villas
Villas are known for their upscale and comfortable lifestyle, justifying the high property costs. However, some affordable villa communities offer low service charges compared to apartments. Let’s review the service charges of two of the most affordable villa communities in Dubai:
1. DAMAC Hills 2
DAMAC Hills 2 is a golf community known for its sustainable and green lifestyle. From a tranquil atmosphere to affordable property prices, this is a popular villa community in Dubai.
Service Charge (Per Sq.Ft.)
The service charge for Acuna in DAMAC Hills 2 is AED 5.03.
2. Jumeirah Village Circle
Along with apartments, JVC also features diverse villa layouts. The spacious villas are perfect for singles, couples, and families. Moreover, it is a freehold community attracting foreigners to invest in villas.
Service Charges (Per Sq.Ft.)
The service charges for different buildings in JVC are as follows:
- La Riviera Estate: AED 3.85
- Mulberry Park: AED 1.92
Luxury Communities
Luxury communities in Dubai seamlessly blend elegance, comfort and high-end amenities. If you want to buy an apartment or villa in a luxury community in Dubai, consider the following service charges:
Apartments
Want to buy a luxury apartment in one of the prime areas in Dubai? Let’s look at the service charges for apartments in two popular luxury communities in Dubai:
1. Dubai Marina
Known as the ‘Tallest Block in the World’, Dubai Marina is an appealing choice for buying luxury apartments. It is home to high-rise buildings, each thoughtfully designed to provide convenience. Moreover, the community has all the facilities to make life convenient and enjoyable.
Service Charges (Per Sq.Ft.)
Service charges for some of the towers in Dubai Marina are as follows:
- KG Tower: AED 12.04
- Marina Star: AED 14.34
- No.9: AED 16.43
- Trident Bayside: AED 16.53
2. Downtown Dubai
When it comes to luxury apartments, nothing stands a chance before Downtown Dubai. It is home to the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Due to impressive facilities like shopping and entertainment options, parks and kids’ play areas, the service charges are higher in this community.
Service Charge (Per Sq.Ft.)
Bellevue Towers is one of the popular residential buildings in Downtown Dubai charging an AED 24.09 service fee.
Villas
Let’s review the service charges for villas in the following two luxury communities in Dubai:
1. Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches is a popular community featuring spacious villas. As a family-friendly neighbourhood, it is facilitated with essential amenities like schools, parks, dining options and healthcare facilities.
Service Charge (Per Sq.Ft.)
The service fee of Polo Homes in Arabian Ranches is AED 1.05.
2. Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made island is one of the best residential communities for tranquillity seekers. It features beachfront villas, where every residential unit has private swimming pools and gardens. The resort-like lifestyle contributes to higher service charges in this villa community.
Service Charge (Per Sq.Ft.)
Balqis Residence Villas in Palm Jumeirah charges an AED 9 service fee from homeowners.
Summing Up: Apartments Vs Villas Service Charges in Dubai
To conclude, it is evident that apartment communities charge a higher service fee than villa communities. This is because of the shared amenities and facilities in apartment buildings, which require regular maintenance. Let’s look at a quick summary of apartment vs villa service charges in Dubai:
Apartments
| Area | Property | Service Charge (Per Sq.Ft.) |
| International City | Ritz Residences | AED 15.34 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | Binghatti Corner | AED 17.05 |
| Dubai Marina | KG Tower | AED 12.04 |
| Downtown Dubai | Bellevue Towers | AED 24.09 |
Villas
| Area | Property | Service Charge (Per Sq.Ft.) |
| DAMAC Hills 2 | Acuna | AED 5.03 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | La Riviera Estate | AED 3.85 |
| Arabian Ranches | Polo Homes | AED 1.05 |
| Palm Jumeirah | Balqis Residence Villas | AED 9 |
FAQs
The average apartment service charges vary between AED 3 and AED 30 depending on location and property type.
Apartment or villa, the ideal investment choice depends on factors like budget and personal preferences. While villas are best for high-budget ranges, apartments are ideal for affordable purchases.
One common way to calculate service charges in Dubai is by using DLD’s official website. Go to ‘Service Charge Index’, enter project and property details and calculate service charges.
To sum up, apartment vs villa service charges in Dubai vary by property type, location and amenities. While apartments have higher service charges, they are equipped with top-tier community facilities. When calculating expenses, make sure to factor the service changes into your cost of living in Dubai.
You can also learn about the costs of buying vs renting a house to make a well-informed decision.
