Guide to the different types of residential properties in Dubai

• Apartments
• Villas
• Townhouses
• Short-Term Rentals
• Find An Agent
• FAQs

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 types of residential properties in Dubai won’t disappoint.

Want to know more about the different property types in Dubai? This comprehensive guide has all the details.

TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES 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. Remember that the right choice will depend on your lifestyle, preferences and budget.

Now, let’s learn more about the types of residential properties in Dubai available for buying or renting.

APARTMENTS

Among the most common Dubai housing options, apartments are popular with locals and expats. You’ll find them in various layouts and price points, from studio flats to luxury serviced apartments.

• Studio flats are compact, single-room units with 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 a concierge.

Popular areas to rent affordable flats in Dubai include Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Nahda and Deira. And if you’re relocating with family, you can check out popular family-friendly flats in Dubai. 

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 can access 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 the 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.

Don’t forget to keep a check on documents required to rent an apartment in Dubai for a smooth rental apartment hunt journey!

PENTHOUSES

Penthouses are amongst the most desirable residential property types in Dubai. Popular areas to find luxurious penthouses in Dubai include Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).

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 like 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

• These are the 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 types of residential properties in Dubai.

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, top villa communities in Dubai are known for their lifestyle appeal and family-friendly environments.

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	Average Sales Price
Unit Type 3-bed Villa	Average Rental Price AED 211,000	Average Sales Price AED 4,252,000
Unit Type 4-bed Villa	Average Rental Price AED 370,000	Average Sales Price AED 8,477,000
Unit Type 5-bed Villa	Average Rental Price AED 558,000	Average Sales Price AED 16,848,000
Unit Type 6-bed Villa	Average Rental Price AED 1,019,000	Average Sales Price AED 28,718,000

TOWNHOUSES

Townhouses are the more affordable type of residential properties in Dubai compared to 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, Dubailand and Dubai South.

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	Average Sales Price
Unit Type 2-bed Townhouse	Average Rental Price AED 169,000	Average Sales Price AED 2,807,000
Unit Type 3-bed Townhouse	Average Rental Price AED 181,000	Average Sales Price AED 3,057,000
Unit Type 4-bed Townhouse	Average Rental Price AED 253,000	Average Sales Price AED 4,548,000
Unit Type 5-bed Townhouse	Average Rental Price AED 349,000	Average Sales Price AED 5,314,000

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 for long-term stays. From villas and cosy hotel apartments and bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), there are a plenty of choices when it comes to short-term rentals in Dubai.

Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina are among the top areas for vacation rentals in Dubai. If you want to know more about short-term rental contracts, benefits or functionality, read our guide on short-term rentals contract in Dubai.

Find A Reliable Agent

Looking to invest in Dubai real estate? Whether it’s a villa, penthouse or apartment, you can rely on these trusted agents:

• Ahmed Essam Samir Mohamed Nafea
• Mehmood Pervez
• Nejmeh El Khatib

And if you’re searching for a rental, you’re in good hands with:

• Chloe Newcombe
• Faseeh Ahsan
• Saba Iqbal

FAQs ABOUT DIFFERENT 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 tenancy contract carefully, paying attention to the lease period, rent increases and maintenance responsibilities. If you have a furry friend, confirm if your building and landlord allow pets.

If you prefer luxury apartment living, you can 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. DAMAC Hills 2, JVC and Arabian Ranches 3 are some of Dubai’s most popular affordable villa communities.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO PAY TO RENT OR BUY APARTMENTS IN DUBAI?

Here’s a summary of apartments’ average rents and sales prices based on the bed type.

Unit Type	Average Rental Price	Average Sales Price
Unit Type Studios	Average Rental Price AED 55,000	Average Sales Price AED 813,000
Unit Type 1-bed Flat	Average Rental Price AED 92,000	Average Sales Price AED 1,619,000
Unit Type 2-bed Flat	Average Rental Price AED 151,000	Average Sales Price AED 3,154,000
Unit Type 3-bed Flat	Average Rental Price AED 246,000	Average Sales Price AED 5,710,000

How do maintenance costs compare between apartments and villas?

Apartments usually involve lower maintenance costs as many services are shared among residents and covered by service charges. Villas, especially independent ones, often require personal upkeep of the garden, pool and structural elements, making them more costly to maintain over time.

Are there pet-friendly residential properties in Dubai?

Yes, many communities in Dubai are pet-friendly, especially those with outdoor areas and green spaces. Popular pet-friendly neighbourhoods in Dubai include JVC, Dubai Hills Estate and The Springs. However, it’s always important to check with your building or landlord about pet policies before moving in.

Bayut’s Dubai Rental Transactions page offers a detailed index of real estate transaction data from the Dubai Land Department, including property rent history, annual rental volume and values of area-specific rental transactions. This resource enables you to make informed decisions by comparing advertised prices with actual transactional prices for properties of interest.

The emirate’s rental market continues to expand, and for those seeking a fresh start in a modern home, the latest collection of brand-new properties for rent in Dubai offers exceptional options.

That wraps up our guide on residential property types in Dubai. The options are endless if you want to buy residential properties in Dubai! To help you search for a property on Bayut, start by listing your preferences, such as the type of property you want, your preferred area and the amenities you want.

Regarding the legal processes, here’s how to buy an apartment in Dubai. Plus, if you’re renting for the first time, our handy tips for first time renters in Dubai will make the transition easier.

Planning a move to Dubai with your family? From excellent schools to family-friendly amenities, here are the top areas to live in Dubai with family, for both homeowners and tenants.

On the hunt for a refined new residence? Discover the latest collection of brand-new properties to rent in Dubai.