How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai

Table of Contents

Understanding The Basics Cost

Renovating an apartment can feel challenging, but it becomes exciting when you plan it right, especially in a bustling city like Dubai. First, you decide whether to upgrade your interiors for better functionality or transform your apartment into a dream home. Next, you consider the costs, which can rise quickly if you don’t plan carefully. Understanding the expenses involved in apartment renovation in Dubai helps you budget wisely and avoid surprises. In this guide, we will explore the key costs and steps, so you can renovate efficiently and achieve your ideal space.

In this guide, we will specifically address the question of how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai, so you can navigate your renovation project with confidence.

When considering your renovation project, you may often ask yourself, ‘How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai?’ This question is crucial for budget planning and reflects a common concern among homeowners.

✅ Minor Apartment Renovation: AED 10,000 – AED 20,000
🎨 Focus on basic upgrades like painting, flooring, and minor repairs.
💡 Tip: Choose durable yet affordable materials and repaint only high-traffic areas to save money.
✅ Medium-Scale Renovation: AED 50,000 – AED 70,000
🛁 Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms, install new tiles, and make moderate structural changes.
💡 Tip: Mix premium and standard materials for high-impact areas to control costs without compromising style.
✅ Full Apartment Renovation: AED 70,000 – AED 200,000+
🏗️ Conduct a complete interior overhaul, including structural modifications and luxury finishes.
💡 Tip: Plan the layout carefully, hire experienced contractors, and include a 10–15% contingency for unexpected expenses.

Budgeting For An Apartment Renovation In Dubai

Renovating your apartment in Dubai? Start smart! Plan your must-have upgrades, research material and labor costs, and split your budget wisely. Keep a 10–15% buffer for surprises, track every expense, and confirm all quotes before work begins. By prioritizing and saving smartly, you can transform your space into a stylish, functional dream home—without overspending!

By understanding how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai, you can make more informed financial decisions.

Understanding the question, ‘How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai’ will help you make informed decisions.

List Your Priorities – Focus on rooms and features that matter most.
Research Costs – Compare prices for materials, labor, and designs in Dubai.
Divide Your Budget – Allocate funds for materials, labor, design, and a 10–15% contingency.
Save Smartly – Choose durable materials that last, reuse furniture, or mix high-end and affordable options.
Track Expenses – Keep receipts and update your budget regularly to avoid overspending.
Finalize Before Work Starts – Confirm quotes with contractors and stick to your plan.

Key Factors Influencing Apartment Renovation Costs In Dubai how-much-does-a-house-renovation-cost-in-dubai

Many factors can influence how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai, including the materials chosen and the extent of the work.

Renovation costs in Dubai can vary widely depending on several key factors. The size and layout of your apartment, the type and extent of renovation, and the quality of materials all play a major role. Labor charges, design complexity, furniture and fixtures, and necessary permits can further impact the overall budget. Additionally, unexpected contingencies like hidden damages or material price changes should always be considered. Understanding these factors helps homeowners plan effectively, make informed decisions, and achieve a stylish, functional apartment without overspending.

When assessing how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai, it’s essential to consider both labor and material expenses.

Factor	Description	Estimated Cost in Dubai (AED)
Apartment Size & Layout	Larger apartments require more materials and labor; complex layouts increase cost.	50–250 per sq.ft (depending on size and layout)
Type of Renovation	Minor cosmetic upgrades cost less than structural or full renovations.	Minor: 30–100 per sq.ft Major: 150–300 per sq.ft
Material Quality	Premium materials (tiles, wood, ) are costlier but last longer.	Standard: 50–100 per sq.ft Premium: 150–300 per sq.ft
Labor Charges	Skilled contractors, electricians, and painters charge higher rates for quality work.	20–60 per sq.ft (depending on experience)
Design Complexity	Custom furniture, false ceilings, and intricate patterns increase costs.	5,000–20,000 per room (depending on design)
Furniture & Fixtures	Designer lighting, faucets, and wardrobes are more expensive than standard options.	10,000–100,000 per apartment
Permit & Regulatory Fees	Some structural changes require building or municipality approval.	1,000–5,000 per project
Unexpected Contingencies	Hidden damages, material price changes, or labor delays can increase expenses.	10–15% of total renovation cost

Comparing Apartment Renovation Costs: Dubai Vs. Other Cities

Apartment Renovation costs vary widely across the world, and Dubai offers a unique blend of affordability and luxury compared to other major cities. On average, apartment renovation in Dubai costs between AED 100–300 per square foot, depending on materials, design, and labor. In comparison, cities like London and New York have much higher costs per square foot due to expensive labor and stricter regulations, while Singapore falls somewhere in between. Understanding these differences helps homeowners and investors plan budgets effectively, make informed decisions, and choose the right balance of quality and cost for renovation project.

City Estimated Renovation Cost per sq.ft

Dubai AED 100 – 300

New York City, USA $ 200 – 400

London, UK
£ 100–300

Singapore S$100 – 200

City	Estimated Renovation Cost per sq.ft
Dubai	AED 100 – 300
New York City, USA	$ 200 – 400
London, UK	£ 100–300
Singapore	S$100 – 200

Cost Breakdown: Materials And Labor for Apartment Renovation in Dubai

Renovating an apartment starts with planning both materials and labor carefully to control costs. First, select flooring, paint, tiles, gypsum boards, fixtures, and furniture based on quality and budget. Next, hire skilled workers such as electricians, plumbers, painters, and carpenters to execute the work efficiently. Labor often accounts for 30–50% of the total cost, so coordinating tasks and sequencing work properly reduces delays and extra expenses. By understanding the breakdown of materials and labor, homeowners can prioritize upgrades, make informed decisions, and complete renovations smoothly while creating a stylish, functional living space.

1. Demolition & Removal

First, remove old flooring, wall finishes, cabinets, and fixtures. Skilled workers safely dispose of debris and prepare the apartment for new installations. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 15–30 per sq.ft. Complex layouts or reinforced walls increase the cost.

2. Flooring

Next, install tiles, marble, wooden, or vinyl flooring. Workers level surfaces, add underlay, and fit the materials carefully. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 10–20 per sq.ft. Intricate patterns or premium materials increase time and expense.

3. Painting & Wall Finishes

Then, apply interior paint, textures, or wallpapers. Labor includes surface preparation, primer, and multiple coats for a flawless finish. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 10–25 per sq.ft. Imported wallpapers or textured finishes require extra time.

4. False Ceilings / Gypsum Work

After walls, install gypsum board ceilings or decorative designs with integrated LED lighting. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 20–60 per sq.ft. Complex shapes and recessed lighting raise installation effort.

5. Electrical & Lighting

Following ceilings, electricians install wiring, switches, sockets, chandeliers, and smart systems. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 30–60 per point/fixture. High-voltage connections or automation setups require careful work.

6. Plumbing & Bathroom Works

Next, plumbers replace pipes and install bathroom Renovation fittings, showers, sinks, and toilets. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 4,500–10,000 per bathroom. Premium fixtures or unusual layouts increase labor time.

Plumbers play a vital role in determining how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai, especially for bathroom upgrades.

7. Kitchen Renovation

Then, carpenters and installers fit cabinets, countertops, sinks, and appliances. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 2,500–8,000 per kitchen. Custom cabinets or stone countertops require more labor than modular units.

Kitchen renovations are among the most significant contributors to how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai.

8. Doors & Windows

After major works, workers install wooden doors and aluminum or UPVC windows. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 300–1,200 per unit. Custom sizes or high-end materials raise installation complexity.

9. Furniture Installation

Next, carpenters fit wardrobes, shelves, TV units, and partitions. Labor Cost (Dubai): AED 500–3,000 per unit. Prefabricated furniture is faster to install than custom-built units.

10. Miscellaneous & Contingency

Finally, address small finishing touches and unforeseen repairs. Labor Cost (Dubai): 10–15% of total labor. Hidden issues like wall dampness, electrical faults, or minor structural repairs may arise.

💡 Pro Tip: Labor usually accounts for 30–50% of your total Apartment renovation budget in Dubai. By planning each stage carefully, using skilled contractors, and sequencing work efficiently, you can reduce delays and avoid extra costs.

Ultimately, understanding how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai enables you to plan a successful renovation.

🏡 Final Thoughts on Apartment Renovation Costs in Dubai

With proper planning, you can answer the question, how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai, and avoid unexpected expenses.

Renovating an apartment in Dubai can be exciting yet challenging, and choosing the right experts makes all the difference. Interiors Fit Out offers skilled, professional, and experienced renovation services tailored to your budget. Whether it’s a minor upgrade starting from AED 10,000, a medium-scale renovation from AED 50,000, or a full home transformation up to AED 100,000+, our team ensures high-quality materials, precise execution, and timely delivery. With Interiors Fit Out, you get a stylish, functional, and cost-effective apartment renovation, backed by expertise and transparent pricing you can trust.

We strive to help you find out how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai, providing transparency at every step.

Now that you know how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai, you can start your journey toward your ideal living space.

Determining how much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai is the first step in creating the home of your dreams.