First Unicorn Interiors — 2026 Edition
Dubai Villa Renovation Cost Guide
Real pricing from 800+ completed projects across Dubai's premium communities. No fluff, no "contact us for a quote" — actual AED ranges for every room, every community, every quality level.
800+
Projects
15+
Years in Dubai
2,400+
Guide Downloads
Room-by-Room Pricing
1. Kitchen Renovation
Kitchen renovations are consistently the highest-ROI room upgrade in Dubai. Costs vary significantly based on layout complexity, material grade, and appliance selection.
| Scope | Essential | Premium | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galley / small kitchen | AED 45,000–65,000 | AED 65,000–120,000 | AED 120,000–180,000 |
| L-shape / standard | AED 60,000–85,000 | AED 85,000–150,000 | AED 150,000–220,000 |
| U-shape / island | AED 80,000–120,000 | AED 120,000–200,000 | AED 200,000–350,000 |
| Open-plan + island + butler's pantry | AED 100,000–160,000 | AED 160,000–280,000 | AED 280,000–500,000+ |
What's included: Demolition, cabinetry, countertops, splashback, plumbing relocation, electrical, flooring, painting, lighting fixtures. Appliances are typically quoted separately.
Material Cost Drivers
| Material | Cost / sqm | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate countertop | AED 200–400 | Budget option, 5-year lifespan |
| Engineered stone (Caesarstone) | AED 600–1,200 | Most popular in Dubai, stain-resistant |
| Natural marble (Calacatta) | AED 1,500–3,500 | Statement piece, requires sealing |
| Porcelain slab | AED 800–1,800 | Looks like marble, zero maintenance |
2. Bathroom Renovation
Bathrooms deliver the most dramatic transformations. A dated 2008 bathroom can become a spa-like retreat in 4–6 weeks.
| Scope | Essential | Premium | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder room / guest WC | AED 15,000–25,000 | AED 25,000–45,000 | AED 45,000–70,000 |
| Standard bathroom | AED 35,000–55,000 | AED 55,000–90,000 | AED 90,000–140,000 |
| Master ensuite | AED 50,000–80,000 | AED 80,000–130,000 | AED 130,000–200,000 |
| Master + walk-in shower + freestanding tub | AED 70,000–110,000 | AED 110,000–180,000 | AED 180,000–300,000+ |
What's included: Full gut, waterproofing, tiling (walls + floor), vanity unit, shower enclosure, fixtures, lighting, mirror, exhaust fan, painting.
3. Full Villa Renovation
Turnkey villa renovation covers everything from demolition to handover. Pricing depends heavily on villa size, community, and scope.
| Villa Size | Essential | Premium | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 BR townhouse | AED 120,000–250,000 | AED 250,000–450,000 | AED 450,000–700,000 |
| 4 BR villa | AED 200,000–400,000 | AED 400,000–700,000 | AED 700,000–1,200,000 |
| 5–6 BR villa | AED 350,000–600,000 | AED 600,000–1,000,000 | AED 1,000,000–2,000,000 |
| Signature / mansion | AED 500,000+ | AED 1,000,000+ | AED 2,000,000+ |
Want an Exact Quote for Your Villa?
These are ranges. A free 45-minute site visit gives us everything we need for an exact, itemised quote — no obligation.
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4. Community Premium Multipliers
Not all communities are created equal. Access restrictions, material transport logistics, and HOA requirements all affect pricing.
| Community | Premium | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Arabian Ranches | Baseline | Standard access, no premium |
| Dubai Hills Estate | +5–10% | Emaar HOA requirements |
| Jumeirah Golf Estates | +10–15% | Gated access, larger villas |
| Palm Jumeirah | +20–25% | Island access, material transport, security clearance |
| Al Barari | +25–30% | Strict HOA, premium finishes expected |
| Emirates Hills | +30–35% | Ultra-premium standard, complex logistics, security protocols |
5. Glass & Aluminium Works
In-house fabrication and installation — no outsourcing, no middlemen.
| Item | Price Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Frameless shower enclosure (standard) | 3,500–7,000 |
| Frameless shower enclosure (custom) | 7,000–15,000 |
| Glass balustrade (per linear metre) | 1,200–2,500 |
| Glass partition wall | 800–2,000 per sqm |
| Aluminium sliding doors (per panel) | 4,000–12,000 |
| Skylight | 8,000–25,000 |
6. Swimming Pool Renovation
| Scope | Price Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Retiling + replastering | 40,000–80,000 |
| Full renovation (tile + equipment + deck) | 80,000–180,000 |
| New pool construction | 120,000–350,000+ |
| Infinity edge upgrade | +50,000–120,000 |
What Others Don't Tell You
7. The Hidden Costs
These costs are often NOT included in competitor quotes:
- Dubai Municipality permit: AED 2,000–8,000 depending on scope
- NOC from community developer: AED 500–5,000 (varies by community)
- DEWA modifications: AED 3,000–15,000 if electrical capacity needs upgrading
- AC duct modifications: AED 2,000–10,000 if layout changes affect airflow
- Waste disposal: AED 1,500–5,000 (demolition debris, old materials)
- Temporary storage: AED 500–2,000/month if furniture needs relocating
- Waterproofing warranty: Some contractors skip proper waterproofing to save AED 3,000–8,000
- Final clean: AED 800–2,500 for professional post-construction cleaning
First Unicorn difference: All of the above are included in our quotes as standard line items. No surprises at handover.
Protect Yourself
8. How to Read a Renovation Quote
Green Flags ✅
- Itemised material specifications (brand, model, colour code)
- Separate labour and material costs visible
- Milestone-based payment schedule (not more than 30% upfront)
- Timeline with specific start and completion dates
- Warranty terms in writing
- Company trade licence number on the quote
Red Flags 🚩
- "Material allowance" instead of specific products — they'll upsell later
- 50%+ required upfront — cash flow risk, financial instability
- "Approximately" timelines with no contractual commitment
- No company stamp, trade licence, or physical address
- Verbal promises without written documentation
- Significantly lower than other quotes (>30% below) — corner-cutting incoming
Ready for a Precise Quote?
This guide gives you ranges. A free site visit gives us everything we need for an exact, itemised quote — no obligation.