If you’re planning a renovation in Dubai this year, the first question on your mind is probably the most straightforward one: how much is this going to cost?
The honest answer is that it depends—on your property size, the quality of finishes you’re after, the scope of work, and whether you’ll need authority approvals. A light cosmetic refresh of an apartment might run AED 20,000–40,000. A full luxury villa overhaul can climb past AED 1 million. Here’s what you need to know to budget realistically in 2026.
At a Glance: Typical Cost Ranges
| Project Type | Cost Range (AED) |
| Studio apartment | 15,000 – 100,000 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 25,000 – 180,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 40,000 – 280,000 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 60,000 – 400,000 |
| 3-bedroom villa | 80,000 – 450,000 |
| 4-bedroom villa | 120,000 – 650,000 |
| 5-bedroom villa | 180,000 – 1,000,000+ |
| Kitchen renovation | 15,000 – 200,000+ |
| Bathroom renovation | 8,000 – 130,000 |
| Office fit-out | AED 150–400+ / sqft |
⚠️ Real-Market Data: These are real-market figures based on current 2026 conditions—not optimistic estimates. Actual costs shift based on material choices, joinery scope, and whether any structural or MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) work is involved.
What Actually Drives Renovation Costs in Dubai
- Property Size: Larger properties cost more in absolute terms, but they often work out more efficiently per square foot as overheads are spread across a bigger scope.
- Finish Level: Most Dubai projects fall into one of three tiers:
- Standard: Practical materials, cost-conscious decisions. Common for rental properties.
- Mid-range: Better materials, some custom joinery elements. The most common choice for owner-occupiers.
- Luxury: Imported stone, bespoke carpentry, designer fixtures. Expected in communities like Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills.
- Scope of Work: The biggest cost variable is often what’s happening behind the walls. Budgets increase substantially when projects involve wall demolition, layout changes, electrical rewiring, plumbing relocation, HVAC upgrades, custom joinery, or smart-home integration. A paint-and-flooring job is a very different proposition from a full internal refurbishment.
- Approvals: Dubai renovations frequently require sign-off from building management, the developer, community management, Dubai Municipality, and DEWA—depending on what’s being done. Approvals affect both your timeline and your budget, and they should be factored in before work begins, not after.
Apartment Renovation Costs (2026)
Apartments—in areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown, Business Bay, JLT, and Palm Jumeirah—make up the majority of residential renovations in Dubai.
| Apartment Type | Standard (AED) | Mid-Range (AED) | Premium (AED) |
| Studio | 15,000 – 25,000 | 30,000 – 50,000 | 60,000 – 100,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 25,000 – 45,000 | 50,000 – 90,000 | 100,000 – 180,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 40,000 – 70,000 | 80,000 – 140,000 | 160,000 – 280,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | 60,000 – 100,000 | 120,000 – 200,000 | 220,000 – 400,000 |
These budgets typically cover flooring, painting, ceiling works, joinery and wardrobes, bathroom upgrades, and electrical improvements. Major kitchen remodels and structural changes are usually quoted separately.
How Long Will It Take?
| Scope | Expected Duration |
| Painting only | 3–7 days |
| Flooring + painting | 1–2 weeks |
| Kitchen renovation | 2–4 weeks |
| Full apartment renovation | 3–6 weeks |
| Full villa renovation | 8–20 weeks |
Timelines vary based on authority approvals, building work-hour restrictions, and material lead times.
Villa Renovation Costs (2026)
Villas bring larger scopes, more complex approvals, and considerably more MEP coordination. Communities like Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills, The Springs, The Meadows, Jumeirah Park, and Palm Jumeirah are among the most active for villa renovation work.
| Villa Size | Standard (AED) | Mid-Range (AED) | Premium (AED) |
| 3 Bedroom | 80,000 – 130,000 | 150,000 – 250,000 | 280,000 – 450,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | 120,000 – 200,000 | 220,000 – 380,000 | 400,000 – 650,000 |
| 5 Bedroom | 180,000 – 300,000 | 320,000 – 550,000 | 600,000 – 1,000,000+ |
| Luxury Villa | 280,000+ | 500,000+ | 900,000 – 2,000,000+ |
A typical villa scope covers full flooring replacement, kitchen and bathroom renovations, custom wardrobes, joinery, electrical and plumbing upgrades, internal and external painting, and ceiling and lighting works. Luxury projects add smart-home systems, imported stone, bespoke joinery, and sometimes full architectural redesigns.
Kitchen & Bathroom Breakdowns
Kitchen Renovation Costs
Kitchens deliver some of the highest returns on renovation investment—for both homeowners and landlords.
| Kitchen Work | Budget (AED) | Mid-Range (AED) | Premium (AED) |
| Cabinet replacement | 8,000 – 15,000 | 18,000 – 35,000 | 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Small kitchen | 15,000 – 25,000 | 30,000 – 55,000 | 60,000 – 120,000 |
| Large kitchen | 25,000 – 45,000 | 50,000 – 90,000 | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| Countertop only | 3,000 – 6,000 | 7,000 – 15,000 | 18,000 – 40,000 |
💡 Insider Tip: Cost is driven by cabinet material, stone selection, appliance package, plumbing relocation, and joinery complexity. Custom-made, locally produced joinery is often significantly more cost-efficient than imported kitchen systems—and gives you full design flexibility.
Bathroom Renovation Costs
Bathrooms demand careful waterproofing, precise plumbing coordination, and quality tile installation. Cutting corners here tends to surface as expensive problems later.
| Bathroom Scope | Budget (AED) | Mid-Range (AED) | Premium (AED) |
| Cosmetic refresh | 3,000 – 6,000 | 6,000 – 12,000 | — |
| Partial renovation | 8,000 – 15,000 | 16,000 – 28,000 | 30,000 – 55,000 |
| Small full renovation | 12,000 – 20,000 | 22,000 – 40,000 | 45,000 – 80,000 |
| Master bathroom | 18,000 – 30,000 | 35,000 – 60,000 | 65,000 – 130,000 |
The four things that matter most: The waterproofing system, tile installation quality, plumbing access planning, and drainage slope accuracy. The majority of bathroom failures in Dubai trace back to poor waterproofing or installation shortcuts.
Office Fit-Out Costs
Commercial fit-out pricing depends on MEP requirements, ceiling systems, glass partitions, joinery, meeting room configurations, and authority approvals.
| Finish Level | Cost per Sqft (AED) |
| Basic | 150 – 250 |
| Mid-range | 250 – 400 |
| Premium | 400+ |
Projects involving full MEP replacement, custom joinery, and extensive partitioning sit at the higher end.
Mistakes That Inflate Your Renovation Budget
- Choosing the lowest quote over a complete scope. The cheapest number often excludes demolition, MEP modifications, waste disposal, authority fees, and protection works. Compare what’s included, not just the total.
- Skipping approvals. Unapproved works can trigger stop-work notices, heavy fines, delays, and major complications when you eventually come to sell the property. Get approvals sorted before construction starts.
- Underestimating waterproofing. Bathrooms, balconies, and roofs all need proper waterproofing systems with inspection hold points before finishes go in. This is not an area to economize.
- Starting without a detailed BOQ. A proper Bill of Quantities keeps variation claims in check and gives you full transparency on materials, quantities, and scope from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 2-bedroom apartment renovation cost in Dubai?
A mid-range renovation typically runs AED 80,000–140,000. Premium projects can exceed AED 280,000.
How much does a villa renovation cost?
Most family villa renovations fall between AED 250,000 and AED 550,000 depending on scope and finish. Luxury projects can exceed AED 1 million.
How long does a renovation take?
Apartment renovations typically take 3–6 weeks. Full villa renovations often need 8–20 weeks, depending on approvals and complexity.
Do I need approvals before starting?
Yes—most projects require building management and community approval. Structural, MEP, and external modifications may need additional authority sign-off (such as Dubai Municipality or Civil Defence).
How Agora Technical Approaches Renovation
We manage renovation and fit-out projects using a fixed-scope, project-managed method built around quality control, transparency, and strict compliance. Every project starts with a detailed site assessment, scope definition, BOQ review, and execution plan—so there are fewer surprises, less variation, and a clearer outcome from the start.
Our services cover apartment and villa renovation, commercial and office fit-out, custom joinery and carpentry, kitchen and bathroom renovation, MEP coordination, and authority approvals.
Ready to plan your project? Get in touch with Agora Technical for a detailed, transparent quotation based on your property, scope, and finish requirements.
