How Much Does Villa Renovation Cost in Dubai?
Renovating a villa in Dubai is a significant yet rewarding investment. Costs vary greatly depending on the scale of work, material choices, location, and whether structural changes are involved. Here’s an informed breakdown to guide you on budgeting and planning your project.
Understanding Cost Ranges
A. By Project Type & Finishes
Basic Refresh / Cosmetic Upgrades (painting, new tiles, updated fixtures):
Estimated total: AED 120,000 – 350,000 for a mid-size villa such as 3,500 sq ft.
Mid-Tier Transformation (kitchen and bathroom revamps, layout tweaks, landscaping):
Costs range between AED 350,000 – 900,000, with examples reaching AED 620,000 in a seven-month project.
Luxury Overhaul (bespoke finishes, home theater, high-end smart systems):
Budgets often begin at AED 900,000, with full-scale transformations reaching AED 2.5 million+. One notable case hit AED 1.4 million, including solar panel additions.
B. Cost per Square Foot (Sq ft)
Interior Renovations:
Basic: AED 200 – 500 per sq ft
High-end: AED 700+ per sq ft
By Renovation Type (Interiofy Spaces):
Basic interior: AED 250 – 400 per sq ft
Mid-range: AED 450 – 700 per sq ft
Luxury: AED 750 – 1,200+ per sq ft
C. Total Renovation Cost Range
A full villa reno can range from AED 300,000 to AED 5 million, depending on scale, finishes, and structural complexity.
What Influences The Final Cost
Scope of Work: Cosmetic work vs. structural redesign (walls, plumbing, MEP systems).
Materials & Finishes: Imported marble, bespoke woodwork, and smart home tech vs. standard local options.
Location & Regulatory Fees: Renovations in Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah often entail higher permit fees and labor costs.
Professional Expertise: Hiring experienced full-service firms generally means better execution—but higher costs.
Hidden Expenses: Include permit and approval costs (Municipality, DEWA, Civil Defence), MEP upgrades, logistics, and waste disposal.
Contingencies: Set aside 10–15% extra for unexpected surprises—like hidden leaks or permitting delays
Local Insights & Real-World Quotes
Feedback from Dubai residents offers practical perspectives:
“400–700 AED per m²… for finishes like tiling, false ceiling, wall paint, kitchen cabinets.”
But for full structural and MEP upgrades, “price can be 3,000–5,000 AED per m².”
One account explained:
For ~500 sqm, a full renovation cost AED 1.4 million—highlighting how design specs dramatically impact totals.
Another noted costs for a partial villa renovation (tiling, kitchen, lighting, landscaping) range between AED 150k – 250k
A Sample Cost Framework
Here’s a quick reference for a 5,000 sq ft villa:
Basic Cosmetic Refresh: AED 200 per sq ft → ~AED 1M
Mid-Range Refit: AED 500 per sq ft → ~AED 2.5M
Luxury Overhaul: AED 1,000 per sq ft → ~AED 5M
Final Take away
Villa renovation costs in Dubai can vary from as low as AED 120k (simple refresh) to well over AED 5 million (luxury rebuilds). Your cost ultimately depends on your villa’s size, desired finish, structural changes, and how much you involve professionals.
Want help creating a personalized estimate or tips on finding dependable contractors?
