What is 顶手费（进场费）?
新租户为取得特定商铺或住宅租用权而向前任租户或业主支付的一次性费用，以换取有利的租约条件或特定地段的入驻机会。此做法在迪拜商业租赁市场中有一定程度的存在。
Description
Key money is a premium paid to access a commercially desirable lease. It is most common in high-demand retail and F&B locations where the lease itself has value due to below-market rent, prime foot traffic, or established customer base. The payment may go to the outgoing tenant (for assignment of their lease) or to the landlord (as a non-refundable lease premium).
Key money is common in Dubai's prime retail corridors and souks. A well-located shop in Deira, Karama, or high-traffic malls may command key money of AED 50,000-500,000+ depending on location, size, and lease terms. For restaurants and cafes in popular locations like JBR, La Mer, or City Walk, key money can reach AED 1 million or more for move-in ready operations with established customer bases.
How to interpret
Key money represents an upfront, typically non-refundable, cost of accessing a lease. Investors evaluating commercial property must consider whether asking rents reflect the true cost of occupancy including any key money, or whether the in-place rent understates total occupancy cost because it was set before the current market premium developed.
From an investment property perspective, key money paid by an incoming tenant effectively proves the desirability of the location. A landlord whose tenant's sub-tenancy was preceded by key money has evidence of real commercial value in that unit. This can support higher renewal rents and demonstrate location strength to potential buyers.
迪拜市场背景
Key money exists in a regulatory grey area in Dubai. Payments between outgoing and incoming tenants for lease assignments are generally treated as private commercial transactions. Landlords who demand key money as a condition of granting a new lease face more scrutiny, as this can conflict with RERA's principles of transparent rental terms.
Commercial leases in Dubai's premium retail zones, particularly in established souks and food and beverage destinations, can carry substantial key money. This dynamic means the headline rent on a commercial property may understate its true economic value. Investors purchasing commercial units with existing tenancies should investigate whether the current rent reflects any key money arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
A lump-sum payment made by a new tenant to the previous tenant or landlord to secure the right to lease a desirable commercial space, essentially purchasing the tenancy right and, often, the existing business goodwill.
Key money is a premium paid to access a commercially desirable lease. It is most common in high-demand retail and F&B locations where the lease itself has value due to below-market rent, prime foot traffic, or established customer base.
Key money represents an upfront, typically non-refundable, cost of accessing a lease. Investors evaluating commercial property must consider whether asking rents reflect the true cost of occupancy including any key money, or whether the in-place rent understates total occupancy cost because it was set before the current market premium developed.
Key money exists in a regulatory grey area in Dubai. Payments between outgoing and incoming tenants for lease assignments are generally treated as private commercial transactions.
Oliva feeds Key Money into a proprietary 6-dimension score that rates eparticularly Dubai project on Financial Value, Market Dynamics, Location, Developer Trust, Risk, Macro Context, and Liquidity. This keeps comparisons consistent across hundreds of listings.
A well-located shop in Deira, Karama, or high-traffic malls may command key money of AED 50,000-500,000+ depending on location, size, and lease terms. For restaurants and cafes in popular locations like JBR, La Mer, or City Walk, key money can reach AED 1 million or more for move-in ready operations with established customer bases.
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This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Yields, returns, and market data referenced are historical or estimated and are not guaranteed. Capital is at risk. Seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Oliva is a licensed Dubai real estate advisor (DLD Broker Card: 92025, RERA BRN: 1573501). Read our Key Risks Disclosure and Disclaimer.