How much does it cost to rent a three-bedroom apartment in Dubai?
We just went through this entire process. I'm sitting in that apartment right now, 4 days after getting the keys. Here's every single cost – so you know exactly what to budget.
The Apartment
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Size | ~1,280 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Location | Sobha Hartland (Waves Grande) |
| Family | 2 adults, 2 boys (7 and 10) |
We're renting for a year first. Big move as a family – wanted to keep the door ajar in case it's not for us. If we still have that "Christmas Eve feeling" after a year, we'll look to buy.
Annual Rent
| Item | Cost (AED) | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual rent | 165,000 | ~£35,000 |
Originally listed at 175,000 AED – we negotiated down to 165,000.
Lesson: Everything is negotiable in Dubai.
Understanding Cheques
When you look on Bayut (the property finder we used), you'll see listings like:
- 165,000 AED – 1 cheque
- 165,000 AED – 2 cheques
- 165,000 AED – 4 cheques
What Does This Mean?
You need a physical chequebook. The number of cheques = how many payments you split the rent into.
- 1 cheque = Full year upfront (165,000 AED in one go)
- 2 cheques = Two payments of 82,500 AED
- 4 cheques = Quarterly (41,250 AED each)
- 12 cheques = Monthly (becoming more common)
Does the Price Change?
Often, yes. Fewer cheques = better price. Landlords prefer upfront payment.
Our landlord didn't care about 1, 2, or 4 cheques – but wouldn't go beyond 4. We chose quarterly.
How to Get a Chequebook
This is a "do not pass go" situation:
- Get Emirates ID
- Open bank account
- Get physical chequebook
I literally came to Dubai just for a phone contract and a chequebook.
Additional Move-In Costs
Security Deposit: 5%
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| 5% of annual rent | 8,250 |
Refundable when you move out (assuming no damage). Same concept as UK deposits.
Broker Fee: 5%
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| 5% of annual rent | 8,250 |
The broker sources the apartment, handles contracts, becomes your point of contact for any issues. Standard rate is 5%.
Total Move-In Cost
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Annual rent | 165,000 |
| Security deposit (5%) | 8,250 |
| Broker fee (5%) | 8,250 |
| Total to move in | 181,500 AED (~£38,500) |
Note: If paying in cheques, you'll write the first cheque (quarterly = 41,250 AED) plus deposits and fees upfront.
Ejari: Formalizing Your Contract
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Ejari registration (first year) | 219 |
| Renewal (subsequent years) | Lower |
What Is Ejari?
A legally binding document that formalizes your tenancy. Protects both landlord and tenant under UAE law.
Why You Need It
- Many services (like Du internet) want to see your Ejari
- It's legally required
- Protects you if disputes arise
What to Bring
- Title deed (proof of property ownership)
- Landlord's passport copy
- Your Emirates ID
- Tenancy contract
We went to Oud Metha Mall. Got a ticket, sat down, done in 15-20 minutes.
DEWA: Water & Electricity
| Item | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | 2,000 | Refundable/transferable |
| Setup fee | 130 | Non-refundable |
| Total | 2,130 |
The 2,000 AED deposit is refundable if you leave Dubai, or transferable to your next property if you move within Dubai.
Chiller Costs
A year ago, many properties advertised "Chiller Free" – AC included in rent. Now? Landlords are removing this.
Estimated chiller cost: 400-600 AED/month for a 3-bed, depending on usage.
DEWA gives you a login to track usage in real-time.
Internet: Du vs Etisalat
As soon as anyone knows you're moving in, your phone won't stop. Brokers everywhere trying to sell you internet.
"It felt like everyone in Dubai had my phone number. The bat signal went up – new family moving in, needs stuff."
Wired vs Wireless
Sara posted in a Facebook group (Real Brits in Dubai) asking about wireless 5G options.
Response: "Categorically not. Stay away. Get wired."
Especially if you have kids gaming or need reliable Zoom calls.
What We Got
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Provider | Du |
| Type | Fiber optic (wired) |
| Monthly cost | 549 AED |
| Contract | 24 months |
| Discount | 35% off first 6 months |
| Speed | ~1 Gigabyte |
How Quick Was Setup?
- Signed up via Du app
- Phone call within 4 hours to book installation
- Engineer came next day
- Two wireless routers included for coverage
The contract is transferable if you move properties.
Complete Cost Summary
| Item | Cost (AED) | Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual rent | 165,000 | ~£35,000 | Negotiated from 175k |
| Security deposit | 8,250 | ~£1,750 | Refundable |
| Broker fee | 8,250 | ~£1,750 | Standard 5% |
| Ejari | 219 | ~£47 | First year |
| DEWA deposit + setup | 2,130 | ~£450 | 2,000 refundable |
| TOTAL UPFRONT | ~183,850 | ~£39,000 |
Monthly Ongoing Costs
| Item | Monthly (AED) | Monthly (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | 549 | ~£117 |
| Chiller (estimated) | 400-600 | ~£85-130 |
| DEWA (water/electricity) | TBC | TBC |
Key Takeaways
- Negotiate the rent – We saved 10,000 AED
- Fewer cheques = better price (usually)
- Budget for 10% on top of rent – Deposits and broker fees
- Get your Emirates ID first – Can't do anything without it
- Ejari is mandatory – Don't skip it
- Go wired for internet – Wireless isn't reliable enough
- Guard your phone number – Brokers will find you
What's Coming
I'll do updates on:
- Actual monthly DEWA costs after 3 months
- Chiller costs in summer vs winter
- Cost of furnishing a 3-bed apartment (we did it in 72 hours)
- Monthly grocery shop costs
Planning Your Move?
- Take the neighbourhood quiz – Find your ideal area
- Full relocation costs FAQ
- Work with Sara – Get hands-on help
Questions? Drop them in the comments!