Thinking about upgrading your home in Dubai? Here’s how to decide whether to renovate your current apartment or buy a new one—honest pros, cons, and what makes sense for you.
Feeling Stuck Between Renovating and Moving? You’re Not Alone.
We hear this all the time.
You’ve been living in your apartment for a few years. Maybe it’s starting to feel a bit small… or dated. The kitchen isn’t what it used to be. The bathrooms? Could use a refresh. You’re asking yourself the big question:
“Should I just renovate—or is it time to buy a new place?”
It’s not an easy choice, especially in Dubai, where property options—and renovation possibilities—are changing fast. Let’s walk through both sides of this decision, together.
Option 1: Renovating Your Current Apartment
Renovating doesn’t just fix problems—it can completely transform how your home looks, feels, and functions. With the right design, it can feel like you did move—without the stress of actually moving.
Benefits of Renovation:
✅ It’s usually more affordable than buying new.
Instead of spending millions on a new apartment (plus agent fees, DLD, service charges…), you could invest a fraction of that to upgrade the one you already have.
✅ You get exactly what you want.
Love your neighborhood? Your building has great amenities? Keep them. Just make the inside of your home match your taste and lifestyle. Custom kitchen, better storage, new layout—you’re in control.
✅ Renovation can increase your home’s value—quickly.
You don’t need to wait 3 years for a new project to be ready. A smart, professional renovation could boost your apartment’s resale value or rental yield within weeks.
✅ No moving hassles.
You avoid the stress of packing, paperwork, and adjusting to a new area. Renovations can be phased—so you can often stay home while the work is done.
Option 2: Buying a New Apartment
Yes, sometimes a fresh start is the right move—especially if you need more space or are relocating to a new area for work or school.
Benefits of Buying New:
✅ You might get more square footage.
If your family is growing or you need a home office, a bigger place may be necessary.
✅ Modern buildings, new amenities.
Newer properties often come with better energy ratings, more parking, or upgraded facilities.
❌ But there are trade-offs…
- New apartments in Dubai can be very expensive—especially in popular locations.
- Off-plan units can take 2–3 years before you can move in.
- You may still want to renovate after buying (yes, really).
Let’s Compare the Costs
| Factor | Renovation | Buying New |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | AED 100,000–200,000 avg | AED 1.5M–3M+ (plus fees) |
| Time | 4-12 weeks | 6–18 months (or more for off-plan) |
| Customization | Full control | Limited to developer design |
| Disruption | Minimal with planning | High—packing, moving, adapting |
| ROI (Resale/Rental value) | High, especially kitchens & bathrooms | Depends on market & location |
Real Talk: When Does Renovating Make More Sense?
- You love your current building or community.
- You want to upgrade your lifestyle, not your mortgage.
- You need more comfort, storage, or a layout that suits your life.
- You want results fast (not in 2027).
- You plan to rent or sell and want to increase your apartment’s value first.
When Buying Might Be the Right Call
- You’ve truly outgrown your current space and can’t expand.
- You’re looking to move to a completely different area.
- You’re investing and need a newer unit with long-term appreciation.
Case in Point: Real Dubai Clients We’ve Helped
🔨 Mariam from JVC: “We were thinking of selling and buying bigger. Instead, Unity helped us open up the kitchen, redo the bathrooms, and convert the maid’s room into an office. Now we’re staying—and loving it!”
📈 Khalid from Business Bay: “I spent AED 110,000 to renovate the kitchen and two bathrooms. I raised my rent by AED 2,500/month. It paid for itself in under four years.”
Still Deciding? Here’s a Simple Checklist
| Question | If YES… |
|---|---|
| Do you love your location/building? | ✅ Renovate |
| Is your apartment basically in good condition? | ✅ Renovate |
| Do you need more space right now? | ✅ Consider buying |
| Can your current layout be improved? | ✅ Renovate |
| Are you ready to commit to a new mortgage? | ✅ Maybe buy |
| Are you on a budget but want a change? | ✅ Renovate |
Unity Dubai Can Help You Explore Both Paths
We’re not here to pressure you—we’re here to help you make the right decision for your lifestyle, your budget, and your future.
At Unity Dubai, we’ve helped hundreds of apartment owners:
- Modernize outdated spaces
- Increase property value before selling
- Make small apartments feel spacious and functional
- Stay in the neighborhoods they love, just in upgraded comfort
FAQs: Renovate or Buy in Dubai
Q1: Will a renovation really increase my apartment’s value?
Yes. A well-designed kitchen or bathroom renovation can increase value by 10–20%, depending on location and quality.
Q2: How long does a renovation take?
Most full apartment renovations take between 4–6 weeks, with phased work to reduce disruption.
Q3: Can I live at home during renovation?
Yes, many of our clients stay during the process—especially if we phase the work room by room.
Q4: How much does a full apartment renovation cost in Dubai?
It depends on size and finishes, but expect AED 75,000–150,000 for a high-quality upgrade.
Q5: What’s the biggest benefit of renovating?
You get to personalize your space, increase your comfort, and boost resale or rental value—all on your terms.
Conclusion: Before You Move, See What Your Apartment Could Become
If you’re feeling uncertain about buying something new, take a moment. Look around your home. Could a smart renovation turn it into your dream space?
Chances are, the answer is yes—and Unity Dubai is here to make it happen.
Let’s talk. Let’s plan. Let’s make your home work for you.
