Guide to the different types of residential properties in Dubai
Dubai is a multicultural city with a diverse population and properties to fit multiple budgets, making it an attractive destination with high investment potential. Whether you’re a tenant or buyer seeking a convenient lifestyle in the cosmopolitan city, the available residential property types in Dubai won’t disappoint.
Want to know more about the types of residential properties in Dubai? This comprehensive guide has all the details.
Residential Property Types in Dubai – An Overview
Want to buy property in Dubai? You’ll find a variety of options to choose from. Apartments are the most common and affordable choice. Villas offer more space and privacy but can be expensive to maintain. Townhouses provide more space and privacy than flats without breaking the bank, while duplexes give you extra room without the cost of a standalone villa. For those who seek ultimate luxury, penthouses are the deal. Keep in mind that the right choice will depend on your lifestyle, preferences and budget.
Now, let’s learn more about the popular types of residential properties available for buying or renting in Dubai.
Apartments
- 2 BEDS
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- 2 BATHS
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- 994 SQFT
- STUDIO
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- 1 BATH
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- 392 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 1 BATH
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- 884 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 5 BATHS
- |
- 2199 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1721 SQFT
- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 403 SQFT
- STUDIO
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- 1 BATH
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- 345 SQFT
- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
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- 369 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1405 SQFT
Dubai offers apartments for rent in various types, sizes and styles:
- Studio flats are compact, single-room units that include a living area, bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom.
- 1 to 3-bedroom apartments are more spacious, with separate rooms for living, sleeping and cooking.
- Duplex apartments provide more space and privacy, with bedrooms typically on the upper level.
- Serviced apartments are fully furnished and offer hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping and concierge.
HOTEL/SERVICED APARTMENTS
Serviced apartments are fully furnished apartments rented out for short-term or long-term stays. They provide hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping, room service and 24-hour security, but offer more space, privacy and flexibility than a standard hotel room.
WHY ARE SERVICED APARTMENTS SO POPULAR IN DUBAI?
Dubai is known for its luxurious accommodations, and serviced apartments are a comparatively affordable option for travellers looking for long-term stays. Guests have access to high-end amenities such as pools, fitness centres and on-site restaurants, making them a popular choice for business travellers and families.
Finally, the flexibility of serviced apartments regarding length of stay and access to facilities like a full kitchen and living room appeals to travellers looking for a more home-like experience. You can learn more about the differences between hotel rooms and serviced apartments to make a better decision.
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 852 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1310 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 729 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1366 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1334 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 749 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 728 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 879 SQFT
PENTHOUSES
Penthouses are among the most desirable residential property types in Dubai. Popular areas to find penthouses in Dubai include Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah Lake Towers.
Buying a penthouse in Dubai can be an excellent investment for various reasons, including:
- Spectacular views of the city skyline or waterfront.
- Spacious living with oversized balconies or outdoor terraces.
- Luxury amenities including private pools, jacuzzis, home theatres, private elevators and 24-hour concierge services.
Villas
Dubai is no stranger to extravagant real estate, and villas are a popular choice for those seeking spacious residential property types in Dubai.
Let’s look at some common types of villas, along with their pros and cons and the best neighbourhoods to find them:
INDEPENDENT VILLAS
- Standalone villas come in various sizes and styles, from small two-bedroom villas to large 6-bedroom mansions.
- Independent villas usually have a private garden, swimming pool and parking space.
- Pros: Privacy, exclusivity, larger outdoor space.
- Cons: Maintenance can be expensive and amenities may be limited compared to those offered in a community.
SEMI-DETACHED VILLAS
- These villas are connected to another villa on one side, sharing a common wall.
- They offer a balance between an independent villa’s privacy and a townhouse’s affordability.
- Pros: More privacy than a townhouse, often more affordable than independent villas.
- Cons: Limited outdoor space, noise from neighbours.
MANSIONS
- Largest and most luxurious villas available in Dubai. They often have unique features like private cinemas, indoor pools and multiple living areas.
- Mansions are usually found in high-end residential communities.
- Pros: Luxurious amenities and complete privacy.
- Cons: Highly expensive, high maintenance costs.
Best Neighbourhoods: Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay Islands and Dubai Hills Estate.
WHERE CAN I FIND VILLAS?
Dubai has a wide range of villas catering to different lifestyles and budgets. You would find covered car garages, private gardens and spacious living areas in these residential property types in Dubai.
- 3 BEDS
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- 5 BATHS
- |
- 5448 SQFT
- 5 BEDS
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- 6 BATHS
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- 8752 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
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- 4 BATHS
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- 4874 SQFT
Houses in Dubai are available in various bed types, from 3 to 7-bed+ units. You can further simplify your search and choose independent, detached or semi-detached villas for rent in Dubai.
Villa Communities: Boasting beautiful villas and lush green landscaping, villa communities in Dubai offer a comfortable lifestyle.
Villa Compounds: Villa compounds are typically a group of 25 to 50 houses with shared facilities, such as swimming pools, gymnasiums and, in some cases, sports facilities. To know more, you can read the pros and cons of living in villa compounds in Dubai.
Here’s a summary of the average rents and sales prices of villas in Dubai, depending on the bed type.
Unit Type | Average Rental Price in AED | Average Sales Price in AED |
---|---|---|
Unit Type 3-Bedroom Villa | Average Rental Price in AED 183,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 3,005,000 |
Unit Type 4-Bedroom Villa | Average Rental Price in AED 327,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 6,844,000 |
Unit Type 5-Bedroom Villa | Average Rental Price in AED 470,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 12,453,000 |
Townhouses
Townhouses are more affordable types of residential properties in Dubai than independent villas. They are typically two or three-storey units with shared walls and outdoor spaces and often have access to communal amenities like a pool or gym.
- Pros: Affordable access to shared amenities.
- Cons: Less privacy and smaller outdoor space.
Townhouses (or townhomes) are often confused with villas. However, there are slight differences between the two. Most townhouses will typically share a common wall with another unit. On the other hand, most villas are independent properties. However, you can find semi-detached/attached units.
You can find attached and semi-attached townhouses in Dubai, ranging from 2 to 6-bed units. Popular areas to buy townhouses in Dubai include DAMAC Hills 2, JVC, Town Square, Al Furjan and Dubai Hills Estate.
- 3 BEDS
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- 4 BATHS
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- 1989 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1233 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 3598 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 4 BATHS
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- 2026 SQFT
Interested in renting or buying a townhouse in Dubai? Here’s an overview of the average rents and sales prices depending on the bed type.
Unit Type | Average Rental Price in AED | Average Sales Price in AED |
---|---|---|
Unit Type 3-Bedroom Townhouse | Average Rental Price in AED 137,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 2,054,000 |
Unit Type 4-Bedroom Townhouse | Average Rental Price in AED 256,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 3,080,000 |
Unit Type 5-Bedroom Townhouse | Average Rental Price in AED 451,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 4,441,000 |
Short-term rentals
Wrapping up our types of residential properties in Dubai are short-term rentals. These are furnished properties rented for a short time, mainly daily, weekly or monthly, as opposed to the more common annual lease like in the case of apartments, townhouses or villas. If you want to know about short-term rental contracts, benefits or functionality, read our guide on short-term rentals in Dubai.
FAQs About Residential Property Types in Dubai
WHAT FACTORS SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING APARTMENTS?
When searching for apartments in Dubai, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Budget:
- Determine how much you can afford to pay for rent, considering other living expenses such as utilities and transportation.
- Location:
- Consider the proximity to your workplace, schools, supermarkets, restaurants and other amenities. You may also want to consider the availability of public transport and parking.
- Size:
- Choose an apartment that suits your lifestyle and space requirements. Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living room size, and storage space.
- Amenities:
- Look for apartments that offer amenities that match your lifestyle, such as swimming pools, gyms, gardens and community event spaces.
- Contract terms:
- Review the Ejari agreement carefully, paying attention to the lease period, rent increases and maintenance responsibilities. Confirm if your building and landlord allow pets if you have a furry friend.
If you prefer luxury apartment living, check out the most expensive Dubai areas with apartments.
CAN I FIND AFFORDABLE VILLAS IN DUBAI?
While houses are more expensive than apartments, finding a villa without breaking the bank is possible. Check out Dubai’s most popular affordable villa communities to kickstart your research.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO PAY TO RENT OR BUY APARTMENTS IN DUBAI?
Here’s a summary of the average rents and sales prices of apartments based on the bed type.
Unit Type | Average Rental Price in AED | Average Sales Price in AED |
---|---|---|
Unit Type Studio Apartment | Average Rental Price in AED 42,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 629,000 |
Unit Type 1-Bed Apartment | Average Rental Price in AED 69,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 1,268,000 |
Unit Type 2-Bed Apartment | Average Rental Price in AED 113,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 2,393,000 |
Unit Type 3-Bed Apartment | Average Rental Price in AED 183,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 4,114,000 |
Unit Type 4-Bed Penthouse | Average Rental Price in AED 700,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 19,284,000 |
Unit Type 5-Bed Penthouse | Average Rental Price in AED 1,249,000 | Average Sales Price in AED 47,238,000 |
And that wraps our guide on residential property types in Dubai. The options are endless if you want to buy residential properties in Dubai! Start by listing your preferences, such as the type of property you want, your preferred area and the amenities you want, to help you get started searching for a property on Bayut!
Regarding the legal processes, here are the steps for buying property in Dubai that will help you understand the home-buying process in the emirate!