The short answer
Published 2026 ranges put general villa renovation in Dubai at about AED 150 to 600 per sq ft. A substantial renovation of a 3-bedroom villa costs about AED 600,000 to 1 million, and 4 to 5 bedrooms about AED 600,000 to 1.4 million, with luxury projects above AED 3.5 million. Keep 10 to 15% in reserve.
Per sq ftAED 150 – 600
4–5 bed villaAED 0.6m – 1.4m
Contingency10 – 15%
These are published market ranges from the sources below, not SoukLocal data. Once businesses are live, we will publish ranges from real quotes on SoukLocal as the SoukLocal Index.
Villa renovation costs
| Scope | Typical cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| General renovation, per sq ft | 150 – 600 |
| Surface or cosmetic work, per sq ft | From about 80 |
| Full luxury rebuild, per sq ft | 700+ |
| Extensive upgrades, total | 500,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 3-bedroom villa, substantial renovation | 600,000 – 1,000,000 |
| 4–5 bedroom villa, before premium finishes | 600,000 – 1,400,000 |
| Luxury project | 3,500,000+ |
By room and outdoor area
| Item | Typical cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Bathroom, basic upgrade | About 12,000 |
| Bathroom, larger room with premium finishes | 20,000+ |
| Landscaping, basic, per sq m | 50 – 100 |
| Landscaping, developed, per sq m | 150 – 300 |
| Landscaping, custom luxury, per sq m | 500+ |
We found no reliable published range for kitchens yet, so we do not show one.
Typical timelines
| Project | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic update | 6 – 10 weeks |
| 3-bedroom townhouse, interior work | 60 – 90 days |
| 4-bedroom villa: kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, landscaping | 90 – 120 days |
| Mid-range project | 3 – 5 months |
| Large villa: structural work, smart systems, facade, pool | 150 – 210 days |
Costs people forget
- Approvals: permit fees from a few hundred dirhams to about AED 15,000, plus consultant fees, structural calculations, surveys, security deposits and resubmissions. See villa renovation approvals.
- Contingency: 10% to 15% of the construction budget.
- Upkeep afterwards: one maintenance company publishes annual maintenance contracts from AED 1,499 a year for an apartment and AED 2,999 for a villa, and estimates pay-per-service at more than AED 10,000 a year for a villa. These are one company's own figures.
How to compare quotes
- Get at least 3 itemised quotes for the same scope.
- Check each contractor's licence and Contractor Register status. Why it matters.
- Ask who handles approvals, and whether permit and consultant fees are included.
- Agree payment milestones tied to finished work, not dates.
Sources
- Driven Properties: Dubai villa renovation ROI and cost (updated 7 August 2026)
- Resident: AMC vs pay-per-service in Dubai (18 June 2026), citing European Technical's published prices
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.