Apartment Renovation Cost in Dubai: 2026 Price Guide

Typical price ranges by apartment size

These ranges cover a full renovation — flooring, painting, joinery, plus a standard bathroom and kitchen refresh. They assume a standard finish level and no structural changes.

• Studio: roughly AED 45,000 – 90,000
• 1 bedroom: roughly AED 70,000 – 140,000
• 2 bedroom: roughly AED 100,000 – 200,000
• 3 bedroom: roughly AED 150,000 – 300,000

A premium finish — imported tiles, custom joinery, smart lighting, high-end sanitaryware — typically adds 30% to 50% on top. A cosmetic refresh (paint, flooring and light fixes only) can land well below these figures.

What actually drives the budget

Square footage matters less than most people expect. The three items that move an apartment renovation budget the most are bathrooms, the kitchen, and MEP work.

• Bathrooms — each full bathroom strip-out and rebuild is a project in itself: waterproofing, tiling, sanitaryware, plumbing rework. Two bathrooms instead of one is a significant jump, not a small increase.
• Kitchen — cabinetry and countertops are the single largest line item in most apartments. Moving the sink or hob adds plumbing and electrical rework on top.
• MEP (electrical, plumbing, AC) — rewiring, new distribution boards, relocating drainage or upgrading AC ductwork sits behind the walls but consumes budget fast.
• Joinery — wardrobes, TV units and wall panelling are made to measure. Linear metres of joinery is a better cost predictor than apartment size.
• Finish level — the same layout finished in standard vs premium materials can differ by half again.

Costs people forget to budget for

Most budget overruns in Dubai are not from the visible work. They come from items that never made it into the original quote.

• NOC and permit fees — buildings and communities charge for renovation approval, and some require a refundable deposit.
• Building rules — many towers only allow work on weekdays within set hours, and material movement may be restricted to service lifts at set times. This stretches the programme and therefore the labour cost.
• Debris removal — demolition waste has to be bagged, moved by service lift and disposed of properly.
• Making good — once walls are opened, the condition behind them is not always what was assumed. Old plumbing or undersized cabling is a common find in older buildings.
• Living costs — if the apartment is not liveable during works, factor in temporary accommodation.

How to compare quotes fairly

The cheapest quote is usually the one that left the most out. Before comparing prices, make sure every quote answers the same questions.

• Is it itemised by trade, or one lump sum? An itemised BOQ lets you see what each element costs.
• Are materials specified by brand, model and grade — or just described as 'good quality'?
• Who handles NOC and approvals, and is that cost included?
• Is debris removal and final cleaning included?
• What is the payment schedule, and is it tied to completed stages rather than dates?
• What warranty is offered on workmanship, and for how long?

A quote that is 20% cheaper but excludes approvals, waste removal and half the MEP work is not cheaper. It is a different scope.

How long an apartment renovation takes

For a full renovation, plan on 3 to 5 weeks for a studio, 5 to 8 weeks for a two bedroom, and 6 to 10 weeks for a three bedroom. Add 1 to 3 weeks for approvals before work can start, and allow extra time if you are importing specific materials.

Frequently asked questions

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