Even though Dubai has a wide range of residential buildings, flats, and villas are still the most sought-after by tenants. While renting an apartment or villa in Dubai, renters may face problems because of the properties’ various styles, locations, and price ranges.
If you’re trying to decide between renting an apartment or a villa in Dubai, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most crucial considerations to consider.
Factors to Consider for Renting an Apartment or Villa in Dubai
Consider some of the most crucial deciding elements between a stylish rental flat in Dubai Marina or a large home in Arabian Ranches.
Budget
Your budget is the most essential deciding element between renting flats or villas in Dubai. In general, villas in Dubai are more expensive to rent than apartments. According to the current scenario, the starting price for a 3-bedroom rental apartment in Dubai Marina is AED 75k, while the starting price for a 3-bedroom rental villa in Mirdif is AED 89k.
However, this may differ based on the apartment tower or villa community. In Dubai, renters on a tighter budget might locate cheap villa complexes.
The amount of money you are ready to spend on rent each year is thus one of the first factors to consider when choosing between villas and flats in Dubai.
Location
When deciding between renting apartments or villas in Dubai, remember the location. While the emirate’s various neighborhoods provide a wide variety of rental homes, others have fewer options. For instance, the older Bur Dubai area, renowned for its central location, consists virtually entirely of apartments, with only a few rental villas being offered. Conversely, cozy villas and townhouses are the only housing options in suburban areas like Reem. Yet, other areas provide flats, villas, and townhouses, including Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Dubai Silicon Oasis. So your preferred location will also determine whether you choose to have a rented apartment or villa in Dubai.
Maintenance Costs
When deciding between an apartment or a villa, it’s not just the annual rent you must pay. You must also consider the additional apartment or villa expenses in Dubai, which can vary significantly.
In Dubai, maintaining a villa costs more than managing an apartment. Since villas typically comprise a bigger space, you are more likely to spend more on furnishing the property than you would for an apartment. You will also likely incur higher costs for cleaning services as most villas in Dubai come with a backyard, and many boast a private pool. Most residents of villa properties hire a gardener in addition to the house to help maintain their backyard.
Remember that your DEWA or utility bills will also be higher for villas, especially during the summer, when the backyard requires plenty of water. Villas may also be liable for greater service charges; for example, a villa’s DEWA connection security deposit is AED 4,000, while an apartment is AED 2,000.
When calculating your budget, consider these hidden costs and expenses, so you can make an informed decision on renting an apartment or villa in Dubai.
Lifestyle
If you are debating between a ‘villa or an apartment – which is better in Dubai, keeping your lifestyle in mind is essential. When considering these two property types, you must decide whether your priority is privacy or convenience. Apartment buildings are often more centrally located and adjacent to commercial and entertainment centers. Villas are typically found in residential or gated communities, remote from conveniences and entertainment.
Villas for rent in Dubai may be ideal for families with a quiet environment to raise their kids. However, a single professional looking to live near their workplace or a couple wanting to be near restaurants, bars, and entertainment options will prefer the convenience of apartment living.
Living in a detached house can mean a remarkable amount of living space, whether it be multiple bedrooms, a front garden, or a swimming pool. Villas are ideal for families and those looking to customize their homes to their tastes and needs.
A villa or townhouse will be the right choice if you prefer a private outdoor space. Socialized people may like apartment complexes, which offer residents more opportunities to mingle with neighbors!
Families should consider popular villa communities like Arabian Ranches or The Springs since they have nurseries and schools. However, budget-conscious tenants can also opt for apartments in integrated communities such as Dubai Sports City or Dubai Silicon Oasis, which feature both property types and have schools in the area.
Choosing between renting apartments vs. villas in Dubai depends on your lifestyle.
Amenities
So, which is preferable in Dubai—a villa or an apartment? Consider the services and resources you will have at your access. Commuters who use public transit, such as the Dubai Metro, prefer apartments, as practically all villa complexes are situated further from the metro line. As you can see, there are many factors to consider when deciding between renting an apartment or villa in Dubai, especially your lifestyle and budget.
Apartment towers typically have an attached grocery store, salon, or laundry service at the ground level or nearby. Those living in independent villas will likely have to drive a short distance before they get to the nearest supermarket or mall. Similarly, gated villa communities will also feature a community center with these facilities, which may not be easily accessible.
A single villa might not have access to communal amenities like a gym, pool, or children’s play spaces, but the majority of apartment complexes in Dubai have. Yet, villa neighborhoods like The Springs or The Lakes offer a variety of amenities like tennis and basketball courts, football fields, jogging tracks, and neighborhood lawns. However, tenants can expect to pay more for these villas.
Views
While this may seem less important than the other factors on this list, surrounding views contribute to your home’s vibe and feel! Although they cost more to rent, some luxury apartments in Dubai offer their lucky occupants unmatched views. You can choose the apartments in Jumeirah Beach Residence for sweeping views of the Arabian Ocean or the flats for rent in Downtown Dubai for panoramic views of the city skyline.
On the other hand, tenants of most Dubai villas will enjoy charming views of their neighborhood. If they reside in a villa community, renters ready to pay more will be classified as views of a lake or golf course. Thus, whether you choose flats or villas in Dubai depends on your preferences – do you prefer vistas of glistening cityscapes or serene lakes?
Pros of living in an apartment in Dubai
- Provide better connectivity with public transport.
- It is suitable for working individuals and couples.
- The building provides necessities like electricity, water, and gas.
- There are many shared facilities that the residents can avail of for free.
- Proximity to the city and industrial hubs.
- Convenience stores and markets are located within walking distance.
Cons of living in an apartment in Dubai
- High maintenance costs in case you’re the owner
- Limited space is available as the larger apartments are significantly expensive.
- As only a wall separates you from other inhabitants, you have little freedom and are subject to criticism and complaints from them.
Pros of living in a Villa in Dubai
- Villa provides you with a lot of freedom to design your home. Also, the other residents don’t bother you too much.
- Families can stay in villas because they provide enough space for their residents. The backyard garden and peaceful ambiance give a perfect environment to raise your children.
- Villas provide a much-needed break for their occupants from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Cons of living in a Villa in Dubai
- A villa requires extensive maintenance, which is expensive.
- The tenant pays their gas, water, and electricity bills. Due to their predominately suburban locations, villas might not be acceptable if the resident commutes to the city every day.
Villa or Apartment, both have advantages and disadvantages. Thus the matter is still open to discussion. But you can consider the above factors to decide which is more suitable to live in, as the decision relies purely on individualistic preferences.
Thinking of taking the plunge toward homeownership? You can consider investing in off-plan properties in Dubai, which offer affordable payment plans and the opportunity for capital appreciation.
We hope this article will simplify your decision between a villa and an apartment for rent in Dubai. Share the post and spread your love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Families who want to take advantage of a villa’s freedom, peace, and space are better off renting one. Couples and single working professionals who want to take advantage of Dubai’s vibrant city life might consider renting apartments.
Certainly, due to the higher rate at which their value increases, villas in Dubai offer higher returns than flats.
Investing in a property in Dubai is worth the costs. You can utilize your tax-free income and avail the low-mortgage registration fees to acquire your dream home in Dubai. It is a good choice for investments as well.
