Featured answer
To check a building's approved service charges in Dubai, use DLD's Service Charge Index on the DLD website or in Dubai REST. DLD's own step guide says users open Dubai REST, select 'Service Charge Index,' enter the project manually or via map, choose usage and year, and the result is displayed.
What the service shows
DLD's service description says the Service Charge Index allows a customer to inquire about the approved service fees for joint ownership properties from RERA in Dubai. DLD's 'How do I' guidance also says users can enter the project name, usage and year to find the result.
Why buyers should check it before transfer
- It affects real annual ownership cost.
- It changes net yield, not just gross yield.
- It can expose a gap between seller or broker estimates and officially approved charge data.
- It is especially important on building-specific pages and tower-level comparisons.
Step-by-step: how to check your building
- 1
Open the DLD Service Charge Index or Dubai REST
Both channels are official.
- 2
Search the project manually or via map
DLD's PDF guide shows both options.
- 3
Choose the project's usage and year
The budget year matters because approved service charges are year-specific.
- 4
Read the result
Use the approved figure as your ownership-cost baseline rather than relying on anecdotes.
Fees
- DLD's public service-charge enquiry pages do not state a public lookup fee.
- The important number is the building's approved service charge itself, not the search cost.
Common mistakes
- Using seller or broker estimates instead of the official DLD/RERA figure.
- Comparing old and new budget years as if they were the same.
- Looking at area averages instead of the specific project.
- Ignoring service charge when marketing gross yield.
Official links
- Service Charge Index overview
Official service description.
- Live Service Charge Index tool
Official lookup tool.
- Dubai REST step guide
Official app instructions.
Need a cost-stack review?
If you are underwriting a building purchase, ask a mortgage adviser or property lawyer to review the full annual ownership stack, not just sale fees and debt service. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
References
- DLD: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/service-charge-index-overview/Official service overview.
- DLD: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/service-charge-index-overview/service-charge-indexOfficial live index tool.
- DLD: https://dubailand.gov.ae/media/vkcojy4z/service_charge_index_en.pdfOfficial Dubai REST step-by-step guide.
- DLD: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/how-do-i/Official 'How do I' guidance for finding service charge.
Informational only. This page is not legal advice or valuation advice. Always verify the live DLD/RERA result for the exact project and year.