Dubai area · Rent vs buy

Rent vs buy in Palm Jumeirah

In Palm Jumeirah, a 1-bed apartment rents for a median AED 147,000 a year (AED 12,250 a month) and sells for a median AED 3,708,800, according to Dubai Land Department data. The calculator compares the full cost of renting and of buying with a mortgage over the number of years you choose.

Median price per m²
AED 38,327
Dubai: AED 18,545
Registered sales, 12 months
1,085
35.7% off plan
Median 1-bed apartment
AED 3,708,800
103 m² median size
Median annual rent
AED 147,000
1-bed apartment

Your figures

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AED
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Example value: enter the rate offered by your lender.

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Buying costs less over 5 years by

AED 17,704

Net cost of buyingAED 717,296
Total rent paidAED 735,000
Your equity at the endAED 1,124,371

Buying includes AED 160,240 of Dubai Land Department fees.

Indicative simulation, not a loan offer, an approval or financial advice. Limits shown are the regulatory maximums; each lender applies its own credit policy. Interest rates are the ones you enter. Market figures are medians of Dubai Land Department registered data and describe the past, not future prices or returns.

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Monthly rent or monthly mortgage in Palm Jumeirah

Median rent per month against the monthly payment on the median price, for an expatriate first-time buyer with the minimum down payment and an example rate of 4% over 25 years. The upfront column adds the DLD fees, before agent commission and bank fees.

UnitMedian rent / monthMortgage payment / month*Cash needed upfront
StudioAED 7,500AED 6,397AED 371,100
1-bed apartmentAED 12,250AED 15,661AED 902,000
2-bed apartmentAED 16,882AED 22,942AED 2,126,431
3-bed apartmentAED 24,083AED 42,029AED 3,891,876

* Example at 4% over 25 years; owners also pay service charges, which tenants do not.

What the comparison includes

  • Buying: down payment, purchase costs, every mortgage payment and service charges over the period, minus the equity you own at the end (property value minus the remaining loan).
  • Renting: every rent payment over the period, with the yearly increase you choose.
  • Property value change is your own assumption, set to 0% by default: past prices do not predict future ones.

Rent increases in Dubai

In Dubai, rent increases at renewal follow the Rental Index published by the Dubai Land Department (RERA), which sets the maximum increase according to how the current rent compares with the average for similar homes. Check your own case with the index before you set the yearly increase.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Palm Jumeirah?

For a 1-bed apartment, the median rent is AED 12,250 a month and the mortgage payment on the median price is about AED 15,661 at the example rate. The answer depends on how long you stay, your rate and service charges: the calculator compares the total cost of both over your horizon.

How much cash do I need to buy instead of renting in Palm Jumeirah?

About AED 741,760 of down payment on the median price for an expatriate first-time buyer, plus the DLD fees (4% registration fee, mortgage registration and smaller fees).

Over how many years should I compare?

Purchase costs are paid once, so buying usually needs several years to catch up with renting. Try 3, 5 and 10 years in the calculator to see where the lines cross for your figures.

Where do these figures come from?

Prices: medians of the sales registered with the Dubai Land Department between 16 October 2025 and 16 October 2026 (off-plan and ready). Rents: medians of the residential Ejari contracts starting between 20 October 2025 and 20 October 2026. Medians are only shown for unit types with at least 10 records.

Go further

See every registered sale, price by building and project in Palm Jumeirah on our partner brokerage Cevitas, and explore the projects currently sold off plan.

Official sources

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