Home Renovation in Dubai: How Renovations Enhance Real Estate Value

Benefits of renovating your home

While carrying out a home renovation in Dubai comes with its costs, there are various benefits a homeowner can reap once the renovation is complete. Understanding these benefits can help you determine whether a house renovation is the right option for you - and to what degree you wish to renovate your property. 

Increased property value

One of the biggest benefits of home renovation is the jump in property value. Renovation comes in many stages - the most important one being fixing areas in the house that may be old or damaged. Even if you decide to do a basic renovation that fixes up your property, it can result in an increased property value and a higher ROI (return on investment). 

Whether you decide to rent out your renovated property or sell it to another buyer - you can increase the value of your property after renovating it. 

Enhanced comfort and functionality

Many homeowners want to add a unique touch to their property, thereby deciding to opt for home renovation. As long as your renovation project abides by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Dubai’s guidelines - you can get creative with your interiors. 

Whether it is refurbishing a nook of the home or adding new accents, colors, and furniture - renovating your home makes it a better and more comfortable space for you to reside in. 

Energy efficiency

In a move to embrace sustainability, many people are opting for home renovation in Dubai to increase energy efficiency. This is achieved by conducting energy assessments to understand what changes can benefit the property when it comes to energy sustainability. 

The most common creative home renovations embrace energy efficiency by:

• Selecting sustainable building materials such as bamboo, concrete, non-fiber glass spray foam insulation, and more. 

• Installing energy-efficient fixtures such as LED bulbs. 

• Installing solar panels on their property. 

• Having ample natural and solar ventilation in their house. 

Modernization

While many projects across Dubai consider contemporary and modern architectural tastes - one’s home interior is highly subjective. 

Slightly older properties in Dubai may start to feel a little tired and in need of modernization. And the modern era demands modern home needs - such as fully fitted kitchens, smart appliances, security systems, and more. Your home renovation can result in a contemporary home that provides the conveniences one would want in a house and greater appeal to potential buyers.

Things to know before renovating your home

Before you start Googling “How to start renovating a house?”, here are some aspects you should research and think about carefully.

These factors can have a pivotal impact on your home renovation journey and preparing beforehand will help facilitate a smooth renovation process. 

Budgeting

Home renovation in Dubai can be a pricey affair, and determining a budget is the first step you should take. Here are some factors to keep in mind while determining a realistic home renovation budget:

• What are the goals you want to achieve in your house? Is it only fixing certain areas, a little beautification, or a complete renovation? 

• Research the various costs associated with renovation, including permit fees, labor, material, and contractor costs. 

• What is your spending capacity? How much money are you willing to allot if last-minute costs emerge? A 10% buffer in your budget for last-minute or unexpected costs is generally recommended. 

Remember that the complete home renovation cost in Dubai will vary significantly depending on the property. Every property is different, and the size of the property, as well as the materials, scope of renovation, labour, and duration that you choose, will all have a big impact on the total cost.

To understand this better, you should consult multiple potential contractors to get different quotes and get a better outlay of the costs of home renovation. 

Permits and regulations

An important aspect of home renovation in Dubai is obtaining relevant permits and abiding by the regulations. 

For example, if you own a property in Dubai and have a tenant, you must give the tenant a 12-month notice of eviction if you wish for them to vacate the property for house renovations.

Additionally, owners in Dubai must obtain an NOC from the Dubai Municipality, get the developer’s permission, and pay the required fees. 

There can be slightly different regulations and procedures depending on the varied property types in Dubai. There are also highly specific guidelines and rules about renovation in Dubai or any other Emirate - which can be as detailed as changing certain parts of a property, such as a balcony. Ensure to read up on the authority’s regulations and seek expert advicebefore proceeding. 

Timeline

Having a realistic home renovation timeline will be important in managing expectations and completing the project on time. You can discuss this with your contractor and set an expected completion time. You can also divide your renovation timeline into smaller, attainable milestones such as the completion of wall painting, the installation of specific appliances, and more. This will give better visibility over whether works remain on track, or if it is falling behind schedule.

Hiring professionals

As home renovation in Dubai can be demanding and stressful, hiring professionals is essential to ensure a smooth process. Dubai has a host of interior design companies that specialize in end-to-end solutions for home renovation. 

If you are planning to renovate your property's outdoor spaces, hiring a contractor who specialises in landscape design is recommended to get expert guidance and a smooth process.

Impact on your day-to-day life

Renovating your house can have a big impact on your daily life.

If your property is undergoing a major renovation, you may be required to temporarily relocate, creating an additional cost that must be budgeted.

Even more minor home renovations can be highly disruptive due to factors like noise, dust, and losing access to parts of your home while work takes place.  

House renovation tips for Dubai properties

While there are ample things to keep in mind and prepare for while renovating your house in Dubai, here are some tips that may be helpful to you:

• For those wanting creative, functional home renovations, consider innovative solutions such as ventilated facades, green roofs, and solar shades. Not only will this set your house apart from the rest, but it will also be a great leap towards creating a sustainable home. 

• Opt for building materials that are suitable for Dubai’s hot climate. Natural stone, for example, is an excellent material for renovation as it remains cool despite the heat and gives places a unique aesthetic. 

• Embrace natural ventilation. Strategically placing vents, windows, and doors can be of great help in promoting natural airflow throughout your home. This in turn will reduce your reliance on artificial cooling - making your house renovation project more sustainable and comfortable. 

• Incorporate green spaces where possible - as they are aesthetically pleasing and help reduce the overall temperature within and outside your home. You can select local plants used to Dubai’s climate and implement creative green spaces in your home. 

Top home renovation trends to watch in 2025

Before you begin researching how to start renovating a house, the final step is understanding some of the most popular home renovation trends this year and the ones to watch in 2025.  

They are:

• Sustainability is the newest trend, and it is gaining popularity. From eco-friendly home renovation choices to utilizing sustainable materials - adding sustainable design to your renovation is great for enhancing your enjoyment of the property and adding to your property’s long-term value. 

• Multifunctional spaces are becoming more integrated for home renovation in Dubai - as people seek more flexibility in their living spaces. Imagine an area that can be a living room, dining room, and home office - all in one. This will involve some creative renovation choices as well. 

• Bold colours and accents are back, and they could be here to stay. While many people want a minimalist design for their home renovation, a pop of colour gives a living space more character. Do not be afraid to experiment with different colours and accents during your house renovation. 

Conclusion 

Embarking on a home renovation in Dubai is an excellent opportunity to elevate your living space while increasing property value. With careful planning, budgeting, and selecting the right professionals, you can bring creative home renovations to life that align with Dubai’s architectural tastes and climate needs. Whether you aim for a simple refresh or a full-scale remodel, understanding the complete home renovation cost and local regulations will help you achieve a stylish, functional, and energy-efficient home tailored to your unique vision.

Considering a Move Instead of Renovation?

If a complete home renovation in Dubai feels overwhelming, or if you’re not sure a renovation can fully meet your needs, buying a new property might be the ideal solution. At Engel & Völkers Dubai, we understand that creative home renovations can be transformative, but sometimes, a fresh start in a new home is the right choice.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a property in Dubai, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with us to explore various options, from modern apartments to spacious villas, all tailored to meet your lifestyle and investment goals.