What is the Real ROI on Dubai Apartments After Paying Service Charges?
When you look at property listings in Dubai, you will often see promises of "8% or 9% ROI." But that is the gross yield - it is just the rent divided by the property price. It does not tell you what actually goes into your pocket. To figure out your real profits (the net yield), you have to subtract the yearly RERA service charges. For the full picture — the DLD transaction costs that belong in the denominator as well as the service charges that come off the rent — see our complete guide to Dubai real estate investment.
Gross Yield vs Net Yield: What You Actually Make
If you buy an off-plan property, service charges are just an estimate. But if you buy a ready property on the secondary market, the service charges are fixed facts. This means you can calculate your exact take-home cash before you buy.
Based on the latest 2026 data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the RERA Service Charge Index, here is what you can expect when calculating your true net returns. For off-plan investments, buyers manage their units via Oqood registration during construction; however, once the property is completed and the official Title Deed is issued in Dubai's premier freehold areas, real maintenance fees come into play. These charges, alongside standard property management fees, are what ultimately separate your advertised gross numbers from your actual take-home revenue.
Actual Net Yields in Dubai for 2026
Here is what you can actually expect to earn after paying the yearly service charges in popular Dubai areas:
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
- Property Type: Ready 1-Bed
- Advertised Gross Yield: 8.2%
- Yearly Service Charge: AED 14 - 18 per sqft
- Real Net Yield: 6.8% - 7.1%
Business Bay
- Property Type: Ready 1-Bed
- Advertised Gross Yield: 7.5%
- Yearly Service Charge: AED 18 - 22 per sqft
- Real Net Yield: 5.9% - 6.3%
Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Property Type: Ready Studio
- Advertised Gross Yield: 8.5%
- Yearly Service Charge: AED 12 - 15 per sqft
- Real Net Yield: 7.2% - 7.5%
Downtown Dubai
- Property Type: Ready 2-Bed
- Advertised Gross Yield: 6.5%
- Yearly Service Charge: AED 22 - 28 per sqft
- Real Net Yield: 4.8% - 5.2%