Apartment Renovation Cost in Dubai: What to Budget Before You Start

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Renovating an apartment in Dubai can cost from around AED 25,000 for a light refresh to more than AED 600,000 for a luxury or penthouse-level project. The final amount depends on the apartment's size and condition, the work required, the materials selected and the building's approval process.

This wide range is why a single average can be misleading. Repainting a studio and replacing its flooring is a very different project from working on a three-bedroom apartment, rebuilding the kitchen and bathrooms, upgrading electrical and air-conditioning systems and installing bespoke joinery.

This guide explains the apartment renovation cost in Dubai by scope, size and room. It also covers approvals, hidden expenses, project timelines and the practical steps required to build a realistic budget before work begins.

How Much Does an Apartment Renovation Cost in Dubai?

The following figures are indicative 2026 planning ranges. They are not fixed market rates or substitutes for a site inspection and detailed quotation.

Renovation Scope	Indicative Budget	What It May Include
Light studio or one-bedroom refresh	AED 25,000–60,000	Painting, minor repairs, selected lighting or fixture replacements and limited flooring work
Targeted one- or two-bedroom upgrade	AED 60,000–180,000	A kitchen or bathroom upgrade, flooring, painting, selected joinery and limited electrical or plumbing work
Full mid-range two- or three-bedroom renovation	AED 120,000–320,000	Kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, ceilings, lighting, painting, MEP coordination and handover cleaning
Premium full renovation	AED 250,000–400,000+	Higher-grade materials, custom joinery, stone or quartz surfaces, upgraded bathrooms and detailed lighting
Luxury or penthouse-level project	AED 350,000–600,000+	Bespoke joinery, imported finishes, extensive MEP work, smart-home systems and complex design details

The ranges overlap because size is only one cost factor. A compact home with imported stone, custom cabinetry and major service changes can cost more than a larger apartment renovated with standard finishes.

Binghatti Wraith

Starting AED 799,999
£ 163,250 *
Al Jaddaf
STUDIO | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR

View Project

Tilal Binghatti

Starting AED 4,200,000
£ 857,061 *
Academic City
4 BR | 5 BR | 6 BR | 7 BR

View Project

Binghatti Skyflame

Starting AED 585,000
£ 119,376 *
Majan
STUDIO | 1 BR | 2 BR

View Project

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Apartment Renovation Cost per Square Foot in Dubai

Apartment renovation cost per square foot in Dubai estimates span from around AED 60 per sq ft for limited cosmetic work to AED 500 or more per sq ft for extensive premium renovations. Per-square-foot pricing is less reliable when kitchens, bathrooms and custom joinery form a large part of the project. A detailed bill of quantities, or BOQ, provides a stronger basis for budgeting and comparing contractors.

Apartment Renovation Cost in Dubai by Apartment Size

These figures exclude furniture, refundable building deposits and temporary accommodation. Larger floor plans, additional bathrooms and premium specifications can move the budget higher.

Apartment Type	Cosmetic or Partial Work	Full Mid-Range Renovation	Premium Renovation
Studio apartments in Dubai	AED 25,000–60,000	AED 60,000–120,000	AED 120,000–200,000+
One-bedroom apartments in Dubai	AED 50,000–100,000	AED 100,000–200,000	AED 200,000–350,000+
Two-bedroom apartments in Dubai	AED 80,000–180,000	AED 180,000–350,000	AED 350,000–700,000+
Three-bedroom apartments in Dubai	AED 120,000–220,000	AED 220,000–400,000	AED 400,000–800,000+

Please note that the figures provided above are estimates only and may be higher or lower based on market conditions and the renovation company chosen.

Room-by-Room Apartment Renovation Costs

Kitchen Renovation Cost

A kitchen renovation may range from around AED 15,000 for a straightforward update to AED 120,000 or more for custom cabinetry, premium worktops and integrated appliances. Ask the contractor to price cabinetry, worktops, appliances and MEP work separately so that material changes are easy to assess.

Bathroom Renovation Cost

A bathroom may cost approximately AED 8,000–40,000 for a standard or mid-range scope and AED 40,000–80,000 or more for premium finishes. Confirm that demolition, waterproofing, testing, tiling, sanitaryware, plumbing, shower glass and lighting are included.

Flooring and Painting Costs

Flooring prices depend on the material and existing surface. The quotation should separate removal, disposal, levelling, material supply, underlay, installation and skirting. Painting costs also change according to preparation, repairs, paint brand, finish and the number of coats.

Joinery, Lighting and Ceiling Work

Custom wardrobes, media units and decorative panelling can take a substantial share of the budget. Dimensions, internal configuration, finishes and hardware all affect the price. For ceilings and lighting, confirm the number and specification of fittings, switches, drivers and access panels.

Electrical, Plumbing and Air-Conditioning Work

Moving sockets, plumbing, drainage or air-conditioning ducts adds design, labour and approval requirements. Ask whether MEP work is fixed-price or provisional.

What Affects Apartment Renovation Costs in Dubai?

Apartment Size & Condition

Larger apartments require more materials and labor, while hidden structural issues can increase renovation costs.

Project Scope

Structural changes, demolition, and MEP upgrades are significantly more expensive than cosmetic improvements.

Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations

These spaces involve multiple specialized trades, making them the most expensive areas to renovate.

Materials & Custom Joinery

Premium finishes, imported materials, and bespoke cabinetry can substantially increase the overall budget.

Building Access & Restrictions

Lift bookings, working-hour limitations, and common-area protection can affect both costs and project timelines.

Material Lead Times

Imported or custom-made products may extend the renovation schedule.

Design Changes

Changes made after work begins often lead to additional costs, delays, and rework.

Do You Need Approval to Renovate an Apartment in Dubai?

Most managed apartment buildings require approval from the developer, owners' association or facility-management company before noisy or intrusive work. The submission may include the contractor's trade licence, insurance, schedule, method statement, drawings and a deposit.

Authority approval depends on the jurisdiction and scope. Replacing finishes may follow a simpler route, while removing walls, changing wet areas or modifying MEP and fire-safety systems can require technical review and permits.

Before signing with a contractor, establish:

Which body governs the building
Which approvals and NOCs are required
Who will prepare and submit the documents
Which fees and deposits are included
When work can begin and which hours are permitted
Which changes are prohibited by the building

Resolve approvals before demolition or non-refundable material orders.

How to Build a Realistic Renovation Budget

1. Define the Full Scope

List what will be retained, repaired, replaced and added in every room, including demolition and cleaning.

2. Inspect the Existing Condition

Check plumbing, waterproofing, electrical systems, air conditioning, walls and floors before finalising the price.

3. Select the Finish Level

Choose material categories and key products early so that the quotation uses realistic allowances.

4. Request an Itemised Bill

Require quantities, specifications, brands or allowances, labour, preliminaries and exclusions.

5. Separate Fixed Prices and Allowances

Identify provisional sums and agree how any difference will be approved.

6. Add Owner-Side Costs

Include design, approvals, deposits, VAT, furniture, storage and alternative accommodation.

7. Protect the Contingency

Keep the contingency outside the design budget rather than allocating it to upgrades.

8. Agree the Commercial Terms

Record payment stages, variations, completion, retention, snagging and warranties in writing.

Should You Renovate Before Renting or Selling?

Renovation can improve a property's appeal, but spending should reflect its location, condition and target tenant or buyer. Landlords may prioritise durable flooring, neutral finishes, efficient storage and easy-to-maintain kitchens and bathrooms.

Owners preparing to sell should compare the proposed cost with local asking prices and competing properties for sale in Dubai. Direct the budget towards condition, usability and presentation without exceeding what the property can reasonably support.