My Real Guide to Apartment Costs

Ok so heres the thing – after 5 yrs in Dubai (cant beleive its been that long!), I’ve gone from totally clueless newbie to real estate consultant. And omg, theres so much I wish someone had told me when I first got here…

  My First Major Fail in Dubai

Lets be honest – I messed up BIG TIME with my first appartment. Like most ppl new to Dubai, I got completely carried away by those fancy Marina views. Ya know what I mean – those Instagram-worthy shots that make you think “this is it!”. Yeahhh… about that. I ended up paying wayyyyy too much for what was basicaly a pretty average place. facepalm

  The Real Truth About Dubai Neighborhoods

Dubai Marina: The Tourist Trap I Actually Fell For

Spent my first 2 years here and tbh, its complicated…

The Good Stuff (for reals):

• Those marina walks are actually amazing (espescially around November when its not boiling hot lol)
• Literally counted 312 resturants within walking distance during lockdown (yes i was that bored)
• Metro access is a lifesaver when ur car decides to break down
• Made some awesome freinds just hanging around Marina Walk

The Not-So-Great (that nobody warns u about):

• OMG THE TRAFFIC… sometimes it litterally takes 20 mins just to get out of the parking!
• Random construction noise at 6AM because… Dubai
• Some buildings are getting kinda old – my AC broke like 3x in one summer fml
• Feels like Disneyland sometimes with all the tourists everywhere

Real Prices (from deals I did in early 2024… tho prices keepChanging):

• Basic studio in older towers: AED 35,000-45,000
• Fancy studio w/ marina view: AED 50,000-65,000
• 1-bed in orignal buildings: AED 50,000-70,000
• 1-bed in premium towers: AED 75,000-95,000
• 2-bed standard: AED 80,000-110,000
• 2-bed premium w/ full marina view: AED 120,000-160,000

Business Bay: Where I Finally Got Smart

This is my current hood and ngl, its pretty great for young professionals:

The Good:

• Super central but doesnt destroy ur bank account
• Most buildings are new af (that new-apartment smell is still there lol)
• Wayyyy better value than Downtown
• Food scene is insane rn (got 3 new food trucks just last month!)

The Reality Check:

• Construction. Everywhere. All. The. Time.
• Some parts feel like concrete jungle fr fr
• Building quality is like… random? Like you’ll see marble lobbys next to cardboard walls i stg

Current Prices (from my recent deals – trust me im checking these daily):

• Studio: AED 30,000-45,000
• 1-bed: AED 45,000-70,000
• 2-bed: AED 65,000-95,000
• 3-bed: AED 90,000-130,000

  Real Stories from Actual Tenants (names changed obvs)

Sarah: The Finance Girl Who Almost Messed Up

Love this story from last yr… Sarah came in thinking she knew exactly what she wanted but plot twist:

Original Budget: AED 60k Where She Ended Up: Biz Bay What She Got: Studio, 45sqm Final Rent: AED 42k

First Year Costs (i made her track everything lol):

• Rent: AED 42,000
• Agent Fee: AED 2,100
• Security Deposit: AED 2,100
• DEWA Deposit: AED 2,000
• Internet/TV Setup: AED 1,000
• Basic Furnishing: AED 12,000 Total: AED 61,200

Sarah’s Actual Quote: “bruh I almost signed without checking chiller fees… wouldve been another 6k yearly I didnt budget for!”

  Money-Saving Hacks I Learned the Hard Way

1. Timing is Everything Fr Fr

• Nov-Jan? Prices are crazy high
• June-Aug? Landlords get desperate = better deals
• Best deals? All in July (ya its hot af but ur wallet will thank u)

2. The Cheque Game

• Everyone says 4 cheques is standard but…
• Pro tip: offer slightly more $$$ for 12 cheques
• Saw some landlords take 12 cheques last month (unheard of in 2020 ngl)

3. Hidden Costs That’ll Get Ya From dealing w/ 200+ leases:

• Maintenance: Budget AED 2k-10k yearly (depends how fancy ur place is)
• DEWA deposit: AED 2k (get this ready b4 viewing)
• Internet setup: AED 500-1k (shop around fr)
• Agent fees: Always negotiable (dont let them tell u otherwise)

  The Real Talk Nobody Gives U

1. Building > Location

• New doesnt always mean better (some old buildings got better maintenance fr)
• Check FB groups for actual tenant tea
• Visit different times (that quiet morning could be party central at night)

2. How to Actually Negotiate

• Screenshot similar unit prices
• Ask for free months instead of lower rent
• GET 👏 EVERYTHING 👏 IN 👏 WRITING 👏 (learned this one the hard way rip)

  Bottom Line Real Talk

After helping literally hundreds of ppl find homes (and messing up plenty myself), heres the deal:

1. Dont rush. Srsly. That “amazing deal” probably isnt
2. Add 20% to ur budget for first-year stuff. Trust
3. Pick ur agent carefully – a good one saves u more than they cost
4. ALWAYS check chiller fees (im not kidding this is so important)

Looking for the best rental deals in Dubai? Check out the latest listings and compare prices on shozon.com to make a smarter choice!

P.S. All prices from early 2024. Dubai market moves faster than my ex’s mood swings so double check everything lol. And if ur reading this in 2025… hope those flying cars fixed the Marina traffic situation 😅