Annual rental income minus service charges and operating costs, divided by purchase price. The number that matters for investors.
Net rental yield is the annual rental income (gross) minus annual service charges and operating costs (maintenance, agency, vacancy), divided by the property purchase price. Quoted as a percentage. It's the only yield number serious investors use.
Marketing brochures lead with gross yield because it sounds bigger. Mario's pricing sheets always carry both: gross at the top, net at the bottom. The gap is real. A Marina apartment listed at 7.5 percent gross might net 5.2 percent after service charge (AED 22 per sqft), agency fee (5 percent of rent), and a one-month vacancy allowance. Net yield ranges Mario publishes by area: Palm 5.5-7%, Marina 6.5-8.5%, Creek Harbour 6.0-7.5%, JVT/JVC 7.0-8.5%, Business Bay 6.5-8%.
Mario walks every European investor through these mechanics on the first call. The diligence trail is what separates a clean deal from a regret.