Calculators
Buy vs Rent Calculator
Compare the true long-term cost of owning versus renting the same home in Dubai. For illustration only - not financial advice.
Verdict
Buying becomes cheaper after year 8.
- Total cost of buying
- AED 1,697,759
- Total cost of renting
- AED 1,145,893
- Net equity at year 8
- AED 1,388,616
- Break-even
- Year 8
Cumulative cost comparison
FAQs
Buy vs rent questions
It depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment and market conditions. Buying usually wins over longer horizons because you build equity, while renting keeps you flexible with lower upfront costs.
With typical Dubai buying costs (around 7% upfront), buying often starts to beat renting after 4-7 years. The break-even year shown above is calculated from your own inputs.
Beyond the price: the 4% DLD transfer fee, agency fee (2% + VAT on resales), mortgage registration and arrangement fees, valuation, service charges and ongoing maintenance.
Decree No. (43) of 2013 limits rent increases on renewal based on how far your current rent sits below the RERA Smart Rental Index - from 0% up to a maximum 20% increase.
Yes. Purchasing property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify you for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, provided it is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
Yes - enter the annual service charge for the property and it is added to the buying side of the comparison. Renters do not pay service charges directly.
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