DUBAI / PRACTICAL GUIDES

The purchase price is only the beginning

How to find a building’s approved service charges and understand its annual ownership costs.

Plan the full amount

Put an annual charge in perspective

Use the approved rate and chargeable area shown on the apartment’s statement.

Enter your figures to see the amounts.

This estimate covers the rate and area you entered. Check the statement for additional charges and the exact billing basis.

Look up the building and the year

The DLD Service Charge Index shows approved charges for jointly owned properties. Choose the project, its use and the year. Confirm you are looking at the correct building, not another project with a similar name.

Open the official service-charge index ↗

Ask for the actual statement

Request the apartment’s latest statement from the owner or building manager. Check the billing period, chargeable area, itemised amounts, amounts already paid and any outstanding balance.

Ask whether cooling, utilities, reserve contributions or other charges appear separately. A quoted rate alone does not establish the total annual cost.

Compare homes on an annual budget

Use the same year and the same categories for every apartment on your shortlist. Keep building charges separate from your own utility use, insurance, maintenance and financing costs.

If one home appears cheaper to run, check whether the difference comes from its area, the services included or a missing item in the estimate.

Independent guidance to help you prepare questions. Confirm the requirements and costs for your own circumstances with the relevant provider.

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