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Cost of Managing a Property in Dubai: Breaking Down the Numbers

Writer's picture: AuroraAurora

Dubai's property market has witnessed significant evolution over the years, cementing its place as a global real estate hub. As the city's skyline continues to burgeon with breathtaking architectural marvels, many investors and homeowners are drawn to the potential returns that these properties promise. However, owning a property is just one part of the equation. Effective property management plays a pivotal role in ensuring those returns. But what does it cost to manage a property in Dubai?


**1. Maintenance Costs Maintenance remains one of the most significant outlays for any property owner. On average, property owners should allocate around 1% to 3% of the property's value annually for routine maintenance. For a property worth AED 1.5 million, this translates to an annual maintenance budget of AED 15,000 to AED 45,000.


**2. Service Charges Service charges in Dubai vary depending on the property's location, type, and amenities offered. On average, for an apartment in a high-rise building with standard amenities, service charges range between AED 10 to AED 25 per square foot. Thus, for a 1,000 sq ft apartment, you could be looking at AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 annually.


**3. Property Management Fees If you're partnering with a property management company in Dubai, you'll need to factor in their fees. Most companies, including those specializing in Airbnb management, charge between 15% to 20% of the rental income. Given Dubai's lucrative short-term rental market, if your property fetches a monthly rent of AED 20,000, the Airbnb management company's fees would be in the ballpark of AED 3,000 to AED 4,000 per month.


**4. Marketing and Listing Costs Ensuring your property gains visibility in Dubai's competitive market can incur costs. While some property management companies may include marketing within their package, standalone services might cost you anywhere between AED 500 to AED 3,000, depending on the channels used.


**5. Utility Costs Unless passed on to the tenant, utility costs such as water, electricity, and cooling can add up, especially during Dubai's sweltering summers. Depending on property size and usage, utility bills can range from AED 500 to AED 2,500 a month.


**6. Compliance and Licensing Staying compliant with Dubai's regulatory landscape is crucial. For instance, if you're venturing into the Airbnb Short-Term Rental Management arena, you'll need to secure a permit from Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), which comes at a cost of around AED 300 to AED 500 annually.



Property investment in Dubai can be a rewarding venture, but it's essential to be cognizant of the associated management costs. By understanding these expenses and optimizing them, property owners can ensure they get the best ROI. Collaborating with the best Airbnb management Dubai offers, like the renowned Aurora, can be an astute move, providing expertise and ensuring every dirham spent is a dirham invested in the property's potential.


Note: The figures provided in this blog post are average estimates as of the date of writing. Actual costs may vary based on specific property characteristics, market dynamics, and individual circumstances.

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