Service Charge Index Dubai 2025

Services charges for Dubai property

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All data sourced from Dubai Land Department transaction records.

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What is the service charge on Dubai properties?

Service charges on Dubai properties are nothing but the monthly maintenance charge to be paid to the Dubai Land Department. These charges will be collected from the homeowners and used to maintain common areas and amenities.

  • Average Service Charge

The average service charge will be calculated on a square foot basis and can range anywhere between AED 3 and AED 30 per month based on the area and community in Dubai.

  • How to check the service charge?

The service charges or fees can be checked with the property developer before buying any property in Dubai. The developer sets Other costs, especially for the standard amenities you share with other homeowners or tenants of the community you live in. So, checking the fee details before you own a property is very important.

  • Is it a mandatory charge?

The property service charges will be paid to the Dubai Land Department, and the maintenance charges will be based on the RERA service and maintenance index.

  • What is a property management service charge?

The property management service charges include property transfer, registration fee, agency fees, security deposit, insurance fees, and Dubai electricity and water authority fees. One should plan all these things before buying an apartment in Dubai.

What are the components of service in Dubai?

  • Maintenance

The maintenance charges collected from the property owners will be utilized to develop and maintain the amenities offered in that particular property. It involves keeping the common areas like lobbies, pools, landscaping, and gyms. The funds are maintained to be clean, functional, and pleasing for all residents or tenants.

  • Utility

The utility charges included electricity, water, and other services that are shared in common areas. It may cover hallways, elevators, water supply to gardens, and more. One should know all these charges before entering any property-buying agreement in Dubai.

  • Other Components

Apart from the above components, homeowners must also pay property transfer, registration, agency, security deposit, and insurance fees. The property management company generally sets these components; some are under government handover.

How to Calculate Service Charges on Property in Dubai?

The service charges for properties in Dubai are calculated based on the area of the property. It ranges from AED 3 to AED 30 per square foot based on the location and purpose of the property. There are service charge index calculators that help you figure out how much you need to pay. So apartments, parking areas, commercial properties, and retail spaces may have different service charges, including maintenance, utility, security services, etc.

The service charges usually collected from residents cover services, utility services, maintenance, insurance, reserved funds, and management services.

If you are looking for a service charge index calculator / dubai, you can visit Dubai Land Department’s website to calculate the service charges you should be paying.

ALSO READ: Dubai Smart Rental Index

How to Use the Service Charge Index

The service Charge Index is the most essential tool from the Dubai Land Department. It helps property buyers and owners to understand the service charges across the various properties.

Steps to find and interpret the Service Charge Index

  • Visit the Dubai Land Department’s office website and navigate to the service charge section
  • Enter your property details, including building name or community name and other details

How to compare service charges using the Index?

  • Compare the service charges with similar properties within the same area or location.
  • Assess which service charges are in line with market standards in Dubai.
  • You can negotiate the charges based on the Index for competitive rates.

Tips for negotiating service charges based on the Index

  • Before negotiating the fee, check the service charge index to find reasonable ones in similar areas to get a solid point to negotiate.
  • You can also question the service fee hikes if there are no improvements in property or an increase in services.
  • Ensure the fee you are paying for being delivered at expected quality. You can reduce charges if you don’t find the quality.
  • Collaborate with your fellow owners to start collective negotiation, an effective way to lower the fees.

How do you pay the service fee for properties in Dubai?

The process of paying the service charges for your properties is easy. Property owners can pay their property management company directly through online banking or in person in their offices. They can also do bank transfers. The schedule for the service fee payments is set on a quarterly or annual basis based on the property management policies in place. It is also important that owners pay the service fee promptly to avoid penalties or disruptions in the services provided.

What Happens If the Service Charges on a Property Are Not Paid?

If an owner in the members’ association defaults on their service charges payment, they will face numerous repercussions.

1. Their apartment will be denied any maintenance, insurance, and repair work which are usually paid for by these charges.

2. They will be denied entry to any amenities the owners’ association sees fit. They won’t also benefit from any services usually covered by these fees.

3. If payments are not made following reminders, the RERA might get involved and highlight the possible legal repercussions that might ensue such as penalties, restriction of access to certain facilities, and potential court proceedings. Additionally, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) can possibly intervene and put a lien on the property until the dues are paid.

How to Pay Service Charges in Dubai.

The authorities in Dubai are always striving to make processes and payments much easier for residents, tourists, and expats alike. The DLD has approved certain platforms online that you can use to pay your service charges easily. These platforms include;

  • Empay UAE App
  • DEWA Smart Application
  • EasyPay
  • DEWA website

Service Charges for Apartments & Villas in Dubai – A Detailed Comparison

1. Service Charges for Apartments in Dubai

Apartment service charges in Dubai change based on the size of the apartment, the facilities it benefits from, and the location of the building. In 2025, the average apartment service fee is set between AED 10 and AED 30 per square foot.

Additionally, affordable areas usually charge more affordable service fees in comparison with more expensive and luxurious ones. This is justified by the amenities available in each and the costs to maintain them.

2. Service Charges for Villas in Dubai

Similarly to apartments, the service charges for villas are also influenced by the location, surface, and amenities available. Nevertheless, it is crucial to know that apartments collect higher service charges compared to villas in Dubai. Apartments have BBQ areas, elevators, kid's play areas, and pools for the entire building which require maintenance. Villas have private facilities which are maintained by the occupants of the villa themselves.

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