Service charges for home properties in Dubai are a pivotal element influencing the operational sustainability of the communities within the Emirates. The charges that are generally levied on homeowners and tenants serve as a financial instrument for property management and value improvement.
In some cases, fund mismanagement and lack of transparency can affect residents’ perceptions of service charges being devalued. But, if proper financial oversight mechanisms are in place and residents are kept in open contact about the progression, there is a chance of maintaining strong competitive pricing.
What are Service Charges?
The fees collected by property management companies to finance the overall maintenance and operation of communal areas and services are known as service charges. Understanding service charges is crucial when investing in off-plan properties in Dubai.
These charges typically involve security services, maintaining common facilities, landscaping, cleaning, and repairing of utilities for emergency preparedness. The total calculations estimated vary on property type, property location, the management strategy schemes, and the amenities provided by the developers in the respective communities.
Besides, urbanising residential communities in a city with constant development has seen a spike in demand. However, it may seem an expensive endeavour, well-managed properties near great rewards preserve the value of residential investments.
Popular Dubai Apartment Communities: Service Charge Index (2026)
1. Downtown Dubai
The most coveted and prestigious area of Dubai, Downtown Dubai, is known to have the highest service charges due to its renowned and towering projects. On average, the minimum service charge is AED 11.01 per square foot.
However, the actual fee can be three times higher based on the project you are living in. The breakdown of service charges in Downtown Dubai’s different towers, foot is following;
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in Downtown Dubai
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the Downtown Dubai community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Address Fountain Views | 39.87 |
| 2 | The Address BLVD | 29.59 |
| 3 | The Address Downtown | 39.92 |
| 4 | Burj Khalifa | 72 |
| 5 | Blvd Crescent | 20.94 |
| 6 | Forte | 20.36 |
| 7 | Opera Grand | 19.25 |
2. Business Bay
A dynamic business district such as Business Bay is at AED12.74 as of 2023. Warranting Business Bay supports the needs of the labour workforce, the area is adjacent to other localities, such as Dubai Creek, while serving seamless connectivity to the main roads like Sheikh Zayed Road. Business Bay appeals to professionals and business entities at most as a gateway for global commerce.
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in Business Bay
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the Business Bay community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahad Residences | 16.13 |
| 2 | Amna Tower | 17.31 |
| 3 | Bay Square 01 | 12.29 |
| 4 | Bayz Tower | 18.53 |
| 5 | Binghatti Canal | 17.46 |
| 6 | Churchill Tower | 12.77 |
| 7 | Marquise Square Tower | 15.89 |
3. Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
Jumeirah Lake Towers, one of the city’s most coveted areas, also features higher service charges. The higher trend in the community is driven by a self-contained lifestyle and proximity to major highways.
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in JLT
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the JLT community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dubai Arch Tower | 15.89 |
| 2 | Global Lake View | 14.90 |
| 3 | Concorde Tower 1 | 24.75 |
| 4 | Bonnington | 17.45 |
| 5 | Banyan Tree Hillside Residences | 31.65 |
| 6 | Al Shera Tower | 13.10 |
| 7 | Dubai Gate One | 14.70 |
4. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
Providing a family-friendly environment, Jumeirah Village Circle focuses on affordability and community engagement. The layout of JVC includes a series of interconnected neighbourhoods, with lush green parks, playgrounds, and community centres that encourage outdoor activities and social interaction.
This thoughtful design promotes a sense of belonging and community spirit among residents, making it an ideal place for families to thrive. Therefore, on average, service charges in Jumeirah Village Circle come down to AED13 - AED22, while villa communities can be AED2 - AED6 per square foot.
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in JVC
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the JVC community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diamond Views 1 | 13.86 |
| 2 | Dezire Residence | 14.22 |
| 3 | Binghatti Crest | 17.44 |
| 4 | Binghatti Crescent | 14.77 |
| 5 | Hameni Tower | 12.04 |
| 6 | Aria | 14.39 |
| 7 | Beverly Residence | 15.19 |
5. Discovery Gardens
Spanning 26 million sq. ft., Discovery Gardens involves garden-themed clusters with multi-sized apartment towers rung by ever-green greenery and well-trimmed lawns. You’ll notice that there are no high-rise buildings around Discovery Gardens which makes it an ideal choice for a tranquil setting, while some apartments are not pet-friendly. The average service charge in Discovery Gardens is AED 12.5 per square foot.
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in Discovery Gardens
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the Discovery Gardens community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mogul 1u – Building 189 | 11.13 |
| 2 | Mogul 2u – Building 226 | 12.05 |
| 3 | Zen 2f – Building 20 | 8.82 |
| 4 | Mediterranean 1u – Building 71 | 11.18 |
| 5 | Mediterranean 1u – Building 100 | 10.88 |
| 6 | Med 47 | 16.92 |
| 7 | Con 109 | 13.85 |
6. Dubai International City
Given the lowest property prices in International City, the average service fee costs around AED7 per square foot.
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in Dubai International City
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the Dubai International City community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riviera Residence | 8.17 |
| 2 | Royal Residence | 8.30 |
| 3 | Global Green View | 15.53 |
| 4 | Dragon View | 10.03 |
| 5 | Aamina Residency | 9.94 |
| 6 | Al Jawzaa | 9.70 |
| 7 | Belvedere | 9.97 |
7. DAMAC Hills
Another popular residential community in Dubai, DAMAC Hills 2 offers a range of townhouses, villas, and apartments in Dubai. Yet, the service fee is typically lower than in the city’s central areas like Downtown Dubai. Still, properties in DAMAC Hills cover an array of amenities such as pools, parks, and community centres.
Damac Hills service charges are expected to flow between AED 3.17 to 7 PSF, making it one of the affordable options for individuals and families seeking a standard lifestyle at a lower cost.
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in Damac Hills
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the Damac Hills community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golf Vista | 30.36 |
| 2 | Golf Horizon | 27.36 |
| 3 | Golf Terrace | 7.96 |
| 4 | Golf Panorama | 30.36 |
| 5 | Loreto | 20.02 |
| 6 | Artesia Tower B | 22.48 |
| 7 | Golf Promenade 2 - A | 12.36 |
8. Dubai Marina
A few steps away from Palm Jumeirah community, Dubai Marina, thrives on towering high skyscrapers and dazzling marine scenes. With many hotspots and a pedestrian walkway stretching 7 km, Dubai Marina is full of pleasant surprises. The community average is AED 16.1 per square foot.
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in Dubai Marina
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the Dubai Marina community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayside Residence | 19.52 |
| 2 | Atlantic Tower | 15.03 |
| 3 | Cayan Tower | 18.00 |
| 4 | Damac Heights | 15.63 |
| 5 | Continental Tower 1 | 14.29 |
| 6 | Dubai Marina Towers | 14.52 |
| 7 | Marina Crown | 14.00 |
9. Al Furjan
Run by master developer Nakheel Properties, foliage and flora-filled residential communities like Al Furjan are composed of beautiful villas and townhouses with the utmost privacy lining the streets. The atmosphere is relaxing and almost picturesque. The service charge is AED.8 per square foot.
Service Charges of Popular Buildings in Al Furjan
Here’s the breakdown of the service charges indicated for the Al Furjan community:
| # | Property Name | Service Charges (AED/ Sq. Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victoria Residency | 14.42 |
| 2 | Zazen Gardens | 10.63 |
| 3 | Westwood by Imtiaz | 12.75 |
| 4 | Azizi Star | 16.85 |
| 5 | Avenue Residence 1 | 12.00 |
| 6 | Al Fouad | 10.29 |
| 7 | 5th Avenue | 11.28 |
Popular Dubai Villa Communities: Service Charge Index (2026)
1. Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches is another prime community, which is further split into Arabian Ranches 1 and 2. However, the differences are quite minimal, with Arabian Ranches 1 averaging AED 3.09 per square foot and Arabian Ranches 2 averaging AED 2.44 per square foot.
2. Dubai Hills Estate
Defined heavily by a sense of community where residents often engage in social events in an upscale setting, Dubai Hills Estates is strategically located near major highways. Property owners in Dubai Hills Estate are subject to pay AED 3.50 as a service charge for villas.
3. Al Barari
As one of the most popular eco-friendly communities, Al Barari splits into six sub-communities including Seventh Heaven, The Residences, The Neighbourhood, Ashjar, The Reserve, and The Nest. The service charge allotted for villas in Al Barari is AED 7.57 per square foot.
4. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City (MBR City)
As the main hub for the world’s largest lagoon, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City (MBR City) thrives on innovation. Residents favour this community for its glamorous and tranquil lifestyle. For residential spaces service charges count from AED 4.75 per square foot.
Closing In
In light of the fact that Dubai continues to be a leading destination for luxury living, several trends may shape the future of service charges positively, and will certainly not lead to a drop in charges.
As the emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly building practices grows, the structure of service charges may also be influenced. With stakeholders adapting to these emerging trends, surely the overall management of service charges would be acknowledged more positively in the long run.
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