Dubai’s affluent homeowners are increasingly choosing to transform existing villas rather than move, with renovation budgets reaching up to AED 20 million for large-scale projects, according to Imperium Group.
August 12, 2026 | Tripti Mehta | UAE | Design | 3 Min Read
Image Courtesy: Imperium Group
Demand for luxury villa renovations in Dubai has increased by an estimated 35% to 50% over the past five years, as affluent homeowners invest heavily in upgrading and personalising existing properties instead of relocating, according to Dubai-based multidisciplinary consultancy Imperium Group.
The company said the trend is particularly evident in established luxury communities including Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, District One and Al Barari, where buyers are increasingly purchasing villas with renovation plans already in place.
According to Imperium, approximately half of its current luxury residential clients acquire properties with a renovation strategy from the outset. Homeowners are typically investing between 10% and 25% of a property’s purchase price into renovation works, while larger transformations can exceed 30% of acquisition value, with project budgets reaching as much as AED 20 million.
The consultancy said renovation projects have evolved significantly in recent years, moving beyond cosmetic upgrades to encompass comprehensive transformations. These projects often include architectural redesign, structural modifications, replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, bespoke interiors, smart home technology, wellness facilities, show kitchens, service kitchens and extensive landscape redesign.
Commenting on the trend, Karim Karam, Founder of Imperium Group, says homeowners are increasingly prioritising location while using renovation to tailor properties to their individual requirements. “Luxury homeowners today aren’t simply upgrading finishes or refreshing interiors. We’re seeing clients rethink almost every aspect of a property. They are buying exceptional locations and then creating homes that are entirely their own,” he explains.
Imperium said the growing demand is being driven by a combination of factors, including limited availability of prime plots, rising property values, changing family requirements and a stronger preference for highly personalised homes.
The company’s project portfolio reflects the scale of the market. Over the past three years, Imperium has delivered approximately 30 to 40 luxury renovation projects, ranging from interior upgrades valued at around AED 700,000 to full villa redevelopments exceeding AED 20 million.
One of the firm’s largest projects involved the complete transformation of a villa in Emirates Hills, including architectural, structural, interior, landscape and smart home upgrades delivered over an 18- to 24-month programme.
Karam says the role of renovation within Dubai’s luxury housing market continues to evolve as buyers focus on securing prime locations first and redesigning properties later. “Today, they’re looking for the right address. They know that if the location is exceptional, almost everything else can be redesigned. That’s changing the role renovation plays within Dubai’s luxury residential market and reflects a market that’s becoming increasingly mature, design-conscious and focused on long-term ownership,” he adds.
Imperium expects demand for large-scale villa renovations to continue rising as affluent homeowners increasingly view transformation projects as an investment in both lifestyle enhancement and long-term asset value.
Key Figures
| Growth in luxury villa renovation demand | 35%–50% over 5 years |
| Typical renovation investment | 10%–25% of purchase price |
| Large-scale renovation investment | More than 30% of purchase price |
| Highest reported renovation budgets | Up to AED 20 million |
| Luxury renovation projects delivered (last 3 years) | 30–40 |
| Entry-level renovation project value | Around AED 700,000 |
Source: Imperium Group. Figures, estimates and market observations cited in this article were provided by Imperium Group in its August 2026 release.
