August 27, 2026

Apartment Renovation Cost in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide

Renovating an apartment in Dubai is a major decision. Whether you have just moved into a new flat, your existing space feels dated, or you are preparing a property for sale, understanding the real costs involved is the first step. This guide breaks down every cost component of apartment renovation in Dubai, from flooring and painting to full fit-outs, so you know exactly what to budget.

Dubai apartment renovation costs vary widely depending on property size, renovation scope, material choices, and the community you live in. A cosmetic refresh of a studio in JVC will cost significantly less than a full renovation of a 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina. This guide gives you data-driven estimates based on actual projects completed in 2026, so you can plan your budget with confidence.

1. What is Included in an Apartment Renovation

An apartment renovation can range from a simple cosmetic refresh to a complete strip-out and rebuild. Here is what each level includes:

Renovation Level	What is Included	Best For
Cosmetic Refresh	Repainting walls and ceiling, replacing light fixtures, deep cleaning, minor repairs	Apartments in good condition that need a visual update. Budget-friendly.
Partial Renovation	New flooring, repainting, kitchen cabinet refacing, bathroom retiling, new fixtures	Apartments with dated finishes but good structural condition.
Full Renovation	Complete strip-out, new flooring, new kitchen, new bathroom, custom joinery, lighting, painting	Older apartments, rental property upgrades, or preparing for sale.
Premium Fit-Out	Full renovation with imported materials, bespoke joinery, smart home features, designer fixtures	High-end apartments, luxury properties, or owners who want the best.

At Liger Interiors, we handle all levels of apartment renovation, from cosmetic refreshes to full premium fit-outs. Our founder, Swati Kubal, leads every project with hands-on involvement from day one.

2. Apartment Renovation Cost by Property Size

The size of your apartment is the single biggest factor in determining renovation cost. Larger apartments require more materials, more labour hours, and more complex project management.

Property Type	Size Range	Cosmetic Refresh (AED)	Partial Renovation (AED)	Full Renovation (AED)	Premium Fit-Out (AED)
Studio	300-550 sqft	15,000 – 30,000	40,000 – 70,000	80,000 – 120,000	120,000 – 180,000
1-Bedroom	550-850 sqft	20,000 – 40,000	55,000 – 95,000	110,000 – 160,000	160,000 – 250,000
2-Bedroom	850-1,300 sqft	30,000 – 55,000	75,000 – 130,000	150,000 – 230,000	230,000 – 350,000
3-Bedroom	1,300-2,000 sqft	45,000 – 75,000	100,000 – 170,000	200,000 – 300,000	300,000 – 500,000
Penthouse	2,000+ sqft	60,000 – 100,000	130,000 – 220,000	250,000 – 400,000	400,000 – 700,000+

Key Observation: The cost per square foot decreases as apartment size increases. A studio costs more per sqft to renovate than a 3-bedroom apartment because fixed costs (design, approvals, project management) are spread over a smaller area.

For a detailed breakdown of what a full interior fit-out includes, read our guide on interior design in Dubai.

3. Cost Breakdown by Component

Here is what each component of apartment renovation typically costs in Dubai:

Component	Budget Range (AED)	Mid-Range (AED)	Premium (AED)	Notes
Flooring	8,000 – 15,000	15,000 – 28,000	28,000 – 50,000	Porcelain tiles, engineered wood, or vinyl. Marble for premium.
Painting	5,000 – 10,000	10,000 – 18,000	18,000 – 30,000	Walls and ceiling. 2 coats. Jotun, Nippon, Dulux.
Kitchen	15,000 – 30,000	30,000 – 55,000	55,000 – 90,000	Cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances.
Bathroom	10,000 – 22,000	22,000 – 40,000	40,000 – 70,000	Full strip-out and refit including tiles, sanitaryware, vanity.
Custom Joinery	10,000 – 25,000	25,000 – 50,000	50,000 – 100,000	Wardrobes, TV unit, storage solutions.
Lighting	3,000 – 6,000	6,000 – 12,000	12,000 – 25,000	Downlights, feature lights, under-cabinet lighting.
Electrical	3,000 – 6,000	6,000 – 12,000	12,000 – 20,000	New outlets, rewiring, DB upgrades.
Plumbing	2,000 – 5,000	5,000 – 10,000	10,000 – 18,000	Pipe replacement, fixture installation.
False Ceiling	4,000 – 8,000	8,000 – 15,000	15,000 – 25,000	Gypsum or plasterboard. Hides MEP and adds design element.
Demolition	3,000 – 6,000	6,000 – 10,000	10,000 – 15,000	Strip-out of existing finishes.
Labour + PM	8,000 – 15,000	15,000 – 28,000	28,000 – 50,000	Contractor labour and project management fees.

Note: These are approximate ranges for a typical 1-bedroom apartment. Final costs depend on your specific property and requirements. Contact Liger Interiors for a personalised quote.

4. Renovation Scope: Cosmetic vs Full vs Premium

Choosing the right renovation scope is critical. Over-renovating wastes money. Under-renovating means you will need to redo the work sooner.

Scope	When to Choose	Typical Budget (1BR)	ROI Potential
Cosmetic Refresh	You are happy with the layout and just want a visual update. Planning to sell or rent within 2-3 years.	AED 55,000 – 95,000	Moderate. Improves first impression but does not add structural value.
Partial Renovation	Layout is fine but finishes are dated. Want to upgrade flooring, kitchen, and bathroom without structural changes.	AED 55,000 – 95,000	Good. Upgrades the most visible elements without excessive cost.
Full Renovation	Older apartment, poor layout, or complete transformation needed. Want a modern, move-in ready space.	AED 110,000 – 160,000	High. Significant value addition. Attracts premium tenants or buyers.
Premium Fit-Out	Luxury property, high resale value, or personal preference for the best materials and finishes.	AED 160,000 – 250,000	Variable. Depends on market. May not recoup full cost in resale.

Rule of Thumb: For rental properties, aim for a mid-range renovation that attracts quality tenants without over-capitalizing. For personal use, invest in durability and comfort rather than flashy finishes that date quickly.

5. Cost by Community in Dubai

Where your apartment is located affects renovation cost. Some communities have stricter rules, higher renovation deposits, and more limited access for contractors.

Community	Typical Apartment Size	Renovation Complexity	Cost Factor
JVC	Studio – 3 BR	Moderate. High-rise buildings with strict NOC requirements.	Average. Budget-friendly options available.
JVT	1-3 BR	Moderate. Similar to JVC.	Average.
Dubai Marina	Studio – 3 BR	High. Strict building rules, limited parking, elevator booking.	10-15% above average.
Downtown Dubai	Studio – 3 BR	High. Premium building rules, high renovation deposits.	15-20% above average.
Palm Jumeirah	1-4 BR	Very High. Ultra-premium rules, imported materials often required.	25-35% above average.
Dubai Hills Estate	1-3 BR	Moderate. Modern buildings, good contractor access.	Average to 10% above.
Business Bay	Studio – 3 BR	Moderate. High-rise buildings, standard NOC process.	Average.
Al Barsha	Studio – 3 BR	Low to Moderate. Older buildings, simpler rules.	Below average.
The Springs / Meadows	2-4 BR	Low. Townhouse-style, more flexibility.	Below average.
Arabian Ranches	2-4 BR	Low. Villa community, more space for contractors.	Below average.

Community-Specific Tips:

JVC and JVT: Start the NOC process early. Some buildings require 2-3 weeks notice.
Dubai Marina: Budget for higher renovation deposits (AED 5,000-15,000). Some buildings require contractor insurance.
Downtown Dubai: Premium buildings may require specific contractor approvals. Check with building management first.
The Springs / Meadows: Older properties may have hidden issues (plumbing, electrical). Budget for unexpected repairs.

6. Renovation Timeline: How Long Does It Take

Apartment renovation timelines depend on scope, approvals, and material availability.

Renovation Scope	Design Phase	Approvals	Execution	Total Timeline
Cosmetic Refresh	1-2 days	1-3 days	3-7 days	1-2 weeks
Partial Renovation	1-2 weeks	3-7 days	2-4 weeks	4-7 weeks
Full Renovation	2-4 weeks	1-3 weeks	6-12 weeks	10-19 weeks
Premium Fit-Out	3-5 weeks	2-4 weeks	10-16 weeks	15-25 weeks

Critical Path Items:

NOC approvals: Building management NOCs can take 1-3 weeks. Start early.
Cabinet manufacturing: Custom cabinets take 3-6 weeks to manufacture. Order before execution starts.
Countertop fabrication: 5-10 business days after cabinet installation.
Appliance delivery: Some appliances have 2-4 week lead times.
DEWA reconnection: After major electrical or plumbing work, DEWA inspection may be required.

Can You Live in the Apartment During Renovation?

Cosmetic refresh: Yes. You can stay in the apartment. Work is mostly non-intrusive.
Partial renovation: Maybe. If only one room is being worked on, you can stay in other rooms. Kitchen and bathroom work may be disruptive.
Full renovation: No. The apartment will be without water, electricity, and proper flooring during most of the work. Plan for alternative accommodation.
Premium fit-out: No. Same as full renovation. Plan for 3-6 months of alternative accommodation.

7. Approvals and Permits for Apartment Renovation

Dubai has strict regulations for apartment renovations. Understanding these before you start saves time and money.

Work Type	Approval Required From	Typical Timeline	Cost
Repainting (cosmetic)	Building management NOC	1-3 days	AED 0-2,000
Flooring replacement (same layout)	Building management NOC	3-7 days	AED 2,000-5,000
Kitchen renovation (no layout change)	Building management NOC	3-7 days	AED 2,000-5,000
Bathroom renovation (no layout change)	Building management NOC + Dubai Municipality	1-2 weeks	AED 3,000-8,000
Any wall demolition or construction	Dubai Municipality / DDA + Developer NOC + Owners Association	2-4 weeks	AED 5,000-25,000
Electrical rewiring or DB changes	Dubai Civil Defence + DEWA	2-4 weeks	AED 5,000-15,000
Full structural renovation	Dubai Municipality + DDA + Civil Defence + Building NOC	4-8 weeks	AED 15,000-50,000+

NOC Process for Apartments:

Submit renovation request to building management
Pay renovation deposit (AED 2,000-15,000 depending on building)
Provide contractor details and insurance certificate
Receive NOC specifying approved work hours (usually 8 AM – 6 PM, no work on Fridays)
Follow noise restrictions and elevator booking procedures

Penalties for Working Without Approval:

Fines from AED 10,000 to AED 500,000
Forced reversal of completed work
Issues during property resale
Voided property insurance

Liger Interiors handles all authority approvals as part of our project management service. We take care of Dubai Municipality, DDA, DEWA, Civil Defence, and building NOCs.

8. How to Choose the Right Renovation Company

Choosing the right company is the most important decision in your renovation. Here is how to choose wisely:

12-Point Checklist

Verify the DED licence: The company must hold a valid DED licence for interior design or fit-out work.
Check Google reviews: Look for companies with 30+ reviews and 4.5+ rating. Liger Interiors has 43 reviews at 4.9 rating.
Ask for portfolio: Request to see completed apartment renovation projects, not just 3D renders.
Request references: Ask for 2-3 past clients you can contact directly.
Get a detailed scope: Vague quotes lead to disputes. Get everything in writing.
Understand the pricing model: Fixed fee, cost-plus, or hourly? Each has different risk profiles.
Check insurance: The contractor should carry Contractors All Risks and Public Liability insurance.
Ask about approvals: Does the company handle building NOC and Dubai Municipality approvals?
Timeline: Get a realistic timeline with milestones.
Warranty: Ask about warranty on workmanship. Minimum 1 year.
Payment terms: Never pay 100% upfront. Standard: 30% on signing, 40% during execution, 30% on handover.
Post-handover support: Confirm the company provides after-sales support.
Read our complete guide on choosing the right interior designer in Dubai.

Red Flags to Watch For:

No DED licence or unwilling to show it
Asks for more than 50% payment upfront
No written contract or scope of work
Cannot provide references from past clients
Quotes significantly lower than competitors
Does not handle approvals or tells you to handle them yourself

9. How to Save Money on Your Apartment Renovation

Smart planning can save you thousands of dirhams without compromising quality:

Keep the original layout: Moving walls, plumbing, or electrical is the biggest cost driver. If your layout works, keep it.
Refinish instead of replace: If cabinet boxes are in good condition, consider refacing (new doors and hardware) instead of full replacement. Saves 40-60%.
Choose quartz over marble: Quartz is 30-50% cheaper, more durable, and requires no sealing.
Buy appliances during sales: Dubai has seasonal sales (DSF, DSS). Plan your purchase around these events.
Use local suppliers: Imported materials have 20-40% markups. Local suppliers like RAK Ceramics offer quality at lower prices.
Phase the renovation: Do structural work first, then add appliances and finishes later as budget allows.
Get multiple quotes: Always get 3+ quotes. Compare scope, not just price.
Avoid changing your mind mid-project: Change orders are expensive. Finalize the design before starting execution.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the cheapest quote: The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest project. Low bids often mean cut corners, cheaper materials, or hidden costs later.
Not setting a realistic budget: Add 10-15% contingency to your budget for unexpected costs. Older apartments often reveal hidden issues during renovation.
Skipping the approval process: Working without permits leads to fines, forced reversal of work, and resale complications.
Ignoring the climate: Materials that work in other countries may not survive Dubai’s heat and humidity. Always ask about climate suitability.
Over-personalizing: Ultra-specific design choices may reduce your property’s resale value. Balance personal taste with broad market appeal.
Not separating design and build contracts: Even with one firm, separate the design fee from the build fee. This gives you leverage on pricing.
Forgetting about MEP: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing work is often the biggest hidden cost. Budget for it explicitly.
Rushing the design phase: Spending 2-3 weeks on proper design saves 4-6 weeks of changes during execution.
Not visiting completed projects: Photos can be misleading. Visit a completed project to see the actual quality of workmanship.
Ignoring storage needs: Dubai apartments need smart storage solutions. Plan this early, not as an afterthought.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renovate a studio apartment in Dubai?

A complete studio apartment renovation in Dubai typically costs between AED 80,000 and AED 120,000. This includes flooring, kitchen, bathroom, joinery, lighting, and painting. A cosmetic refresh can be done for AED 15,000-30,000.

How much does it cost to renovate a 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai?

A complete 1-bedroom apartment renovation in Dubai typically costs between AED 110,000 and AED 160,000. This includes full strip-out, new flooring, kitchen, bathroom, custom joinery, lighting, and painting.

How much does it cost to renovate a 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai?

A complete 2-bedroom apartment renovation in Dubai typically costs between AED 150,000 and AED 230,000. The final cost depends on material choices and whether structural changes are involved.

How long does apartment renovation take in Dubai?

A cosmetic refresh takes 1-2 weeks. A partial renovation takes 4-7 weeks. A full renovation takes 10-19 weeks. A premium fit-out takes 15-25 weeks. Approvals can add 1-4 weeks to the timeline.

Do I need approval for apartment renovation in Dubai?

Any work that touches walls, wet areas, electrical wiring, or the building structure requires approval from Dubai Municipality or DDA, plus a NOC from your building developer. Cosmetic updates like repainting typically only need building management notification.

Can I live in my apartment during renovation?

For cosmetic refreshes and partial renovations, you may be able to stay. For full renovations and premium fit-outs, the apartment will be without water, electricity, and proper flooring. Plan for alternative accommodation.

What is the consultation fee at Liger Interiors?

We offer three consultation tiers: Basic at AED 2,000, Premium at AED 2,800, and Superior at AED 3,000. Each tier provides increasing levels of design detail and documentation.

How do I budget for my apartment renovation?

Start with your property type and desired finish level. Use our cost tables as a baseline. Add 10-15% for contingencies. Get at least 2-3 quotes from different companies. Never choose based on price alone.

What warranty do you offer?

We offer a 1-year workmanship warranty on all renovation work and up to 10 years warranty on custom kitchens and wardrobes.

Do you handle Dubai Municipality and DEWA approvals?

Yes. Liger Interiors handles all authority approvals as part of our project management service, including Dubai Municipality, DDA, DEWA, Civil Defence, and building NOCs.

About Liger Interiors

Liger Interiors is a Dubai-based interior design and fit-out company founded by Swati Kubal. We specialise in apartment renovations, villa renovations, kitchen renovations, and commercial interiors. With a DED licence (No. 1155959) and a 4.9 Google rating from 43 reviews, we handle everything from initial consultation to final handover.

Communities We Serve: Villanova, Murooj Al Furjan, Tilal Al Furjan, IMPZ, Arabian Ranches 3, Dubai Hills Estate, Damac Hills, Mirdiff Hills, JVC, JVT, The Springs, Meadows, Al Barsha, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, and all areas across Dubai.

Contact: ligerinteriors.com

Apartment Renovation Cost in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide