DUBAI INVESTOR NOTES · REVIEWED 19 OCTOBER 2026
Holiday home vs. Ejari: compare net income
A higher nightly rate does not automatically produce a higher annual return.
Build your annual revenue estimate
Multiply nightly rate by 365 and occupancy. Use annual averages, including quiet months, rather than the best winter weekend. The area pages on this site do not provide live rate or occupancy data.
Understand the fee base
Platform fees reduce booking revenue. A manager charging 20% of gross takes a different amount from one charging 20% of the platform payout. Ask your operator to define the fee base, VAT treatment, owner stays and cancellation rules in writing.
Include the operating costs
Add utilities, internet, service charges, maintenance, insurance, furniture replacement and owner-paid cleaning. Review current DET permit costs; do not assume a waiver without official confirmation. Guest taxes or cleaning collected and paid on are not owner income.
Compare like with like
For annual tenancy, allow for vacancy, management, service charges and maintenance. Compare net annual operating income before financing on both sides. If furnished setup costs are substantial, model their effect separately before making a decision.
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