Understanding Strata Fees in UAE Residential Communities

When purchasing property in UAE communities, strata fees (service charges) represent an ongoing cost that many buyers underestimate. These fees cover maintenance of common areas, security, landscaping, and building amenities, typically ranging from 12-40 AED per square foot annually depending on the development's standards.

Several factors influence these costs:

• Luxury developments with extensive facilities (gyms, pools, concierge) command higher fees

• Older buildings often have increased maintenance requirements

• Waterfront properties include marina or beach maintenance costs

• Some communities implement special assessments for major renovations

Dubai's RERA regulates service charges and maintains a public index of average fees by community. Buyers should review:

Notably, fees can vary within the same building based on unit type - penthouses sometimes pay premium rates for private elevator access, while ground floor units may have reduced charges.

For detailed strata fee breakdowns by community and building type, Emirates.Estate provides updated comparative data and historical trends to inform purchase decisions.