Guide for Overseas Owners: Rent Your Dubai Apartment

Dubai is one of the most attractive property markets in the world. With its robust tourism industry, business-friendly regulations, and world-class infrastructure, it’s no surprise that international investors flock here to make investments. But here’s the catch: thousands of these apartments sit empty for most of the year.

If you own a second home or invest from overseas, your Dubai property likely incurs monthly expenses for building fees, utilities, and upkeep, but does not generate any income. Many owners don’t realize their empty apartment could be turned into a legal holiday home that brings in guests, pays for itself, and makes a profit while they’re away.

This guide explains the real costs of leaving your property empty, the benefits of turning it into a short-term rental, and how One Perfect Stay (OPS) can make things easier for overseas owners.

The Hidden Costs of Leaving Your Property Empty

It may seem harmless to keep an apartment empty while waiting for it to appreciate in value. In reality, unused homes come with significant costs:

→ Service charges: Annual building fees in Dubai average between AED 15 and AED 30 per square foot. For a 1,200 sq. ft apartment in Marina, that’s AED 18,000–36,000 a year.

→ Utilities: Even if the property is idle, DEWA minimum charges apply. Add in AC maintenance and water tank cleaning, and you’re spending thousands.

→ Wear and tear: Homes that are not used tend to deteriorate more quickly. AC filters become clogged, pipes stop functioning properly, and appliances break down without regular use.

→ Security risk: Empty homes are more likely to have leaks, mold, or pest problems that go unnoticed. These issues can become expensive repairs if not addressed promptly.

→ Opportunity cost: Dubai welcomed over 9.8 million visitors in the first half of 2025. Every night your property sits empty, you’re missing out on potential revenue.

Leaving a home empty isn’t free. It’s an ongoing expense without any benefit.

Why Short-Term Rentals Are Perfect for Secondary Homes

Turning your unused apartment into a holiday home does more than pay the bills. It makes your property useful and valuable. Here’s why short-term rentals are a good choice for overseas owners:

→ Flexibility: Unlike long-term leases, you can block off dates whenever you want to use the property yourself.

→ Higher earnings: In popular areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Jumeirah, short-term rentals often yield 20–40% more than long-term rentals.

→ Global exposure: Listing your home across platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com puts it in front of millions of travelers.

→ Tourism-driven demand: Dubai’s short-term rental market is fuelled by events like Expo’s legacy, the World Sports Summit, and year-round leisure tourism.

→ Organized market: Thanks to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai’s short-term rental market has clear rules and is easy for landlords to use.

For overseas owners, short-term rentals allow you to avoid the choice between leaving your property empty or signing a long-term lease. Your home stays flexible and profitable.

The Challenges of Hosting While Abroad

However, hosting is not as easy as just putting photos on Airbnb. For landlords living outside Dubai, there are real challenges:

→ DET permit: Every holiday home in Dubai needs a permit. Handling the paperwork from another country is very difficult.

→ Safety compliance: Properties must have smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits, all of which must be installed and maintained properly.

→ Guest verification: Hosts must register every guest’s Emirates ID or passport with the authorities.

→ Time zones: Guests expect instant replies, regardless of whether you’re asleep in London or New York.

→ Cleaning and maintenance: Turnovers between guests require hotel-level housekeeping and reliable maintenance teams.

→ Managing income: Prices in Dubai change often. Seasons, local events, and other rentals all affect rates. Without the right tools, overseas owners often set prices too low or miss busy times.

Handling all of this from another country is stressful and risky. If you don’t follow DET rules, you could face large fines.

Here’s how OPS supports overseas and secondary homeowners:

This is where One Perfect Stay (OPS) can help. We support landlords who want to earn from their property but can’t be in Dubai. We handle everything from compliance to guest management, and you receive clear reports and regular payouts.

→ Full compliance: OPS obtains your DET holiday home permit, renews it on time, and ensures all safety equipment is in place.

→ Listing and launch: Professional photography, multi-platform listings, and optimized descriptions that highlight your property’s best features.

→ Maximizing income: OPS utilizes market data to determine the optimal nightly prices, ensuring you earn more during busy periods and avoid undercharging.

→ Guest management: 24/7 check-in and support, so you don’t have to deal with late-night calls across different time zones.

→ Maintenance and housekeeping: Regular cleaning and care keep your home in great shape.

→ Owner reporting: Receive monthly statements and direct bank transfers, ensuring you know exactly how your property is performing.

With OPS, overseas owners can hand over the keys with confidence, knowing their property is managed legally, generating income, and is well-maintained.

Real-World Example

Consider this:

A London-based investor owned a 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina. For two years, it sat empty while they paid ~AED 25,000 annually in service charges and utilities. After signing with OPS in early 2024, the property generated AED 180,000 in its first year of short-term rentals. Service charges were covered, profits were secured, and the apartment was maintained to a hotel standard, all without the owner setting foot in Dubai.

This is common. OPS collaborates with numerous secondary homeowners, transforming idle properties into thriving holiday homes.

FAQs for Overseas Property Owners

Do I need to live in Dubai to host my property as a holiday home?

No. With a DET permit and OPS as your licensed operator, you can host legally while living abroad.

Can I still use my property if it’s listed as a holiday home?

Absolutely. OPS blocks off your personal dates whenever you want to stay. The rest of the year, your property earns for you.

What happens if something breaks while I’m away?

OPS coordinates repairs with trusted vendors, keeps costs transparent, and ensures the property is always ready for guests.

How will I receive my rental income?

OPS issues monthly statements and pays owners via direct bank transfer. Even if you’re abroad, you’ll always have visibility into performance.

What about guest safety?

OPS ensures that every property meets DET requirements for fire alarms, first aid kits, and ID registration. This protects your guests and your investment.

Why OPS Is the Right Partner for Secondary Homeowners

OPS is more than a property management company. We are a partner who understands both sides of the short-term rental market. For landlords abroad, we take away the stress of following rules and looking after guests. For our guests, we offer safe, comfortable, and reliable holiday homes that make Dubai a memorable experience.

When you trust OPS with your property, you are not just avoiding risk. You are opening up new opportunities. Your home becomes a source of income, rather than a problem.

Partner with OPS today and let us turn your empty Dubai property into a profitable holiday home.

Final Word

If you own a property in Dubai but live abroad, you do not need to choose between leaving it empty or locking it into a long-term lease. The short-term rental market offers flexibility, profitability, and peace of mind when managed correctly.

OPS makes it easy. We secure your permit and handle every guest and booking, so you can enjoy the rewards. Instead of letting your property sit idle while costs increase, you can turn it into a source of income and pride.
Ready to stop missing out on income? Partner with OPS and let us turn your empty Dubai apartment into a revenue stream.