Renovating an apartment in Dubai costs about AED 50 to 150 per sq ft for cosmetic work and AED 150 to 300 for a full mid-range renovation, by published 2026 ranges. A 1-bedroom runs about AED 50,000 to 200,000. Start with the building management NOC: cosmetic work usually needs nothing more, while changes to walls, plumbing or wiring also need an authority permit.
Plan your own budget: the free Budget Planner prices an apartment by size, scope and finish, then lets you get offers for the plan from verified businesses.
Apartment renovation costs by size
| Apartment | Cosmetic (AED) | Full, mid-range (AED) | Premium (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 25,000 – 60,000 | 60,000 – 120,000 | 120,000 – 200,000+ |
| 1 bedroom | 50,000 – 100,000 | 100,000 – 200,000 | 200,000 – 350,000+ |
| 2 bedrooms | 80,000 – 180,000 | 180,000 – 350,000 | 350,000 – 700,000+ |
Ranges published by Binghatti (August 2026); Real Estate Club Dubai (June 2026) gives similar bands. Excludes furniture, refundable building deposits and temporary accommodation. Published market ranges, not SoukLocal data; confirm 5% VAT in every offer.
Per square foot
| Scope | AED per sq ft | Published by |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic work | About 50 – 150 | Binghatti, Property Finder (Mar 2026) |
| Full mid-range renovation | About 150 – 300 | Real Estate Club Dubai |
| Extensive premium renovation | 400 – 500+ | Binghatti, Real Estate Club Dubai |
How long it takes
About 6 to 10 weeks on site for a studio or 1-bedroom and 8 to 16 weeks for a 2 or 3-bedroom (Binghatti). Allow for the building NOC and, where needed, the authority permit before work starts.
Approvals and tower rules
- Building NOC. Under Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019, occupants follow the building management regulation that forms part of the title documents, and common parts may only be used for their purpose. The building management or owners committee issues the NOC; Emaar apartments apply through Emaar’s portal, and external changes are not allowed.
- Authority permit. Cosmetic work usually needs no permit. Changes to walls, plumbing layout or wiring do, from Dubai Municipality, Trakhees or the DDA depending on the area.
- Deposit and hours. Towers commonly take a refundable deposit, reported at about AED 2,000 to 5,000, and set work hours. Book the service lift and protect floors and walls before deliveries.
More on permits: do you need a permit to renovate in Dubai? and the checks for apartment works.
How to compare offers
- Ask for the scope room by room, with finishes named, so offers compare like for like.
- Ask who applies for the building NOC and any permit, and whether fees and deposits are included.
- Check the business's licence and Contractor Register status. Why it matters.
Room by room: kitchen costs · bathroom costs.
Questions
How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Dubai?
Published 2026 ranges run about AED 50 to 150 per sq ft for cosmetic work, AED 150 to 300 for a full mid-range renovation and AED 400 to 500 or more for premium work. In totals: a studio about AED 25,000 to 120,000, a 1-bedroom AED 50,000 to 200,000 and a 2-bedroom AED 80,000 to 350,000.
How long does an apartment renovation take in Dubai?
About 6 to 10 weeks on site for a studio or 1-bedroom and 8 to 16 weeks for a 2 or 3-bedroom, by published 2026 estimates, plus time for approvals.
What approvals do I need to renovate an apartment?
An NOC from the building management or owners committee first. Cosmetic work usually needs nothing more; changes to walls, plumbing layout or wiring also need a permit from the authority for the area.
Is there a deposit for renovating an apartment?
Many towers take a refundable deposit, reported at about AED 2,000 to 5,000, and set their own work hours. Check your building’s rules before booking a contractor.
Keep going
Sources
- Binghatti: apartment renovation cost in Dubai (12 August 2026)
- Real Estate Club Dubai: interior fit-out cost 2026 (June 2026)
- Property Finder: apartment vs villa renovation costs (modified 25 March 2026)
- Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019 on jointly owned property
- Emaar Community Management: home modifications FAQ (apartments)
- Bayut: Dubai property renovation process (updated 16 October 2026)
- Property Finder: renovation permits and building NOCs in Dubai
- dubizzle: property renovation process in Dubai (21 May 2025)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by community and authority: confirm with the authority or your consultant before you start work.