AC maintenance: the largest cost item
Air conditioning in Dubai runs at full capacity for eight to ten months of the year on average. Quarterly servicing is the absolute minimum: cleaning filters, checking the condensate drain, topping up refrigerant and inspecting the compressor. Without regular servicing, energy consumption rises, cooling capacity falls and you risk a complete failure.
Quarterly servicing costs AED 200–400 per unit (split AC) or AED 300–600 for a central system. An annual deep clean (thorough cleaning of all components) costs AED 400–800 per unit. For an apartment with two to three AC units, this amounts to AED 1,600–3,600 per year.
Replacing an AC unit costs AED 3,000–8,000 depending on the type and capacity. With proper maintenance, an AC system in Dubai lasts seven to ten years.
Pool and garden maintenance
Villas with a private pool require weekly maintenance: testing and adjusting water quality, cleaning filters, checking the pump and cleaning the pool. Monthly pool maintenance costs AED 800–1,500, depending on size.
Garden maintenance is equally intensive in Dubai. Irrigation systems must be checked weekly, plants require regular fertilising and pruning, and lawns need frequent mowing. Expect AED 500–1,200 per month for garden maintenance at an average villa.
For apartments with communal facilities, pool and garden maintenance are included in the service charges.
Pest control
Dubai's warm, humid climate attracts pests: cockroaches, ants, termites and, in some areas, mice. Regular pest control is a must and is recommended by Dubai Municipality on a quarterly basis.
Quarterly treatment costs AED 150–300 per visit for an apartment and AED 300–600 for a villa. An annual contract with a registered pest control company is the most cost-efficient and provides a guarantee between treatments.
Termite problems, particularly in villas with gardens, are more costly: AED 2,000–5,000 for a full treatment. Prevention is crucial here.
Plumbing, electrical and general maintenance
Water leaks are a common problem in Dubai, particularly in older buildings. Regular inspection of water pipes, taps and toilets prevents costly water damage. A standard plumber costs AED 150–300 per visit for minor repairs.
Electrical installations must comply with DEWA standards. Faulty sockets, switches or wiring must be repaired by a certified electrician (AED 150–250 per visit).
Paintwork and walls in Dubai typically require refreshing every three to five years. Painting a one-bedroom apartment costs AED 2,000–4,000, a two-bedroom AED 3,000–6,000.
Annual maintenance budget: what to expect
Based on our experience, we recommend the following annual maintenance budget:
Apartment (one-bedroom): AED 4,000–7,000 per year, including AC servicing, pest control, minor repairs and a replacement reserve.
Apartment (two-bedroom): AED 6,000–10,000 per year.
Villa (three-bedroom, without pool): AED 12,000–18,000 per year, including garden and AC maintenance.
Villa (three-bedroom, with pool): AED 22,000–32,000 per year.
This budget excludes service charges (paid separately to the Owners Association) and any major replacements. We recommend a reserve of 1–2% of the property value per year for unforeseen costs.