Apartment or house? Which is better to buy in Dubai?

Difference between a house and an apartment 

Before addressing topics such as whether apartments are cheaper than houses in Dubai, let’s address the basic difference between both property types. 

Apartments in Dubai are for people who enjoy more condensed living spaces; perfect for nuclear families, singles, and couples. A typical apartment in Dubai is a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom, but you may also find 3 and 4 bedroom apartments, depending on factors such as the area, project, etc.  

While apartments differ in their layout, size, and amenities, most apartment complexes in Dubai offer a wide range of facilities including 24/7 security, gyms, swimming pools, common areas, and concierge services. 

As the city continues expanding its skyline, many new apartments are high-rises and offer stunning views of the Dubai skyline or the Arabian Sea. 

Houses, on the other hand, come with an aura of exclusivity and privacy due to their size, unique architecture, and interior design, along with the multi-floor layout. Many houses in Dubai have terraces, private gardens, and designated parking spaces. 

Buying a house is a popular choice with families and those who enjoy having lots of living space, gardens and a secluded residential atmosphere. Many houses also offer varied customization options such as the option to have a swimming pool or BBQ area within the garden.

Factors to consider before buying a house or an apartment 

Here are certain factors to consider before buying a property in Dubai, which will help you answer the question, “Which is better? A house or an apartment in Dubai.” 

1. Budget

The first step towards deciding your property type is finalizing your budget. As buying a property in Dubai is a major investment, you should have an idea of the amount of money you are willing to invest in an apartment or house. 

Generally, houses cost more than apartments in Dubai. However, property prices are highly subjective depending on the size, location, and amenities of a property.

For example, in Jumeirah Village Circle, a popular expat community, a 3 bedroom apartment has a starting price of about AED 1.5m. In comparison, a 3 bedroom villa has a starting price of about AED 2.2m.

Similarly, a 3 bedroom apartment in Jumeirah Golf Estates has a starting price of about AED 2.5m, whereas a 3 bedroom villa starts from about AED 4m.

While these prices seem high, Dubai has various affordable areas and property projects for budget-conscious buyers. 

Once you decide your budget, it is much easier to decide whether to buy an apartment or a house. 

2. Location

The location of your desired property will play a significant role in terms of budget, accessibility, and facilities nearby. While various areas across Dubai offer a range of choices in properties, some areas have a limited variety of properties.

For example, city-central locations such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina are known for having a wide range of apartments for buyers, and much fewer townhouses and villas.

In comparison, communities such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, and Jumeirah Village Triangle offer a mix of houses and apartments. Some more suburban neighborhoods like Arabian Ranches and The Springs exclusively offer villas and townhouses for sale. 

3. Hidden costs & maintenance

Potential home buyers in Dubai must know that along with the upfront costs of buying an apartment or house in the city, they will also be liable to pay for ongoing maintenance to the property. 

Typically, maintaining an apartment is cheaper than a house/villa in Dubai. As houses are bigger, they require more investment for renovation, interior decoration, and the upkeep of additional features like swimming pools and gardens. 

Even costs such as water, gas, and electricity may be considerably higher for houses than apartments. House owners will have to pay higher DEWA costs - especially during summers when lots of air conditioning is required. While apartments also have maintenance and DEWA costs, they are usually lower than those of houses. 

4. Lifestyle

When deciding which is better, an apartment or a house, it is important to factor in one’s lifestyle. While most apartment complexes in Dubai are near commercial, industrial, and recreational hubs, many houses are set in gated communities which may be slightly further from business districts. 

Generally, apartments suit singles and couples who consider factors such as proximity to the workplace, amenities nearby, and transport accessibility. On the other hand, many families prefer houses due to the safety, family-friendly amenities and sense of community.

However, there are neighbourhoods that cater to different kinds of people and have schools, amenities, and malls along with restaurants and places to enjoy Dubai nightlife. For example:

• Arabian Ranches is a popular neighborhood with schools and nurseries - a highly popular choice for families. 

• Sports City and Silicon Oasis are integrated neighborhoods for budget-conscious buyers and include a mix of commercial and residential properties.

A key point you should decide on is whether you want privacy and serenity or prioritize accessibility and convenience when you buy a property in Dubai. Answering that question will ultimately help you decide which is better, an apartment or a house in Dubai. 

5. Views

While this may not be the deciding factor for potential property buyers in Dubai, it is still worth a mention. 

If you are still confused as to whether an apartment is better than a house, you can factor in the kind of views you enjoy from your home - as you will be seeing the same view every day. 

Many of Dubai’s apartments and high-rises offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. However, apartments with such views often come at higher prices. For those who prefer a house/villa, many gated communities offer charming views of golf courses, gardens, and lakes for their inhabitants. 

6. Amenities 

Amenities within a property are becoming a highly important factor for potential buyers. 

Generally, apartment complexes come with supermarkets, shops, and salons at walking distance, along with public transport facilities as well. In Dubai, most gated communities with townhouses are often further from public transport and commercial enterprises. People living in houses will likely require personal transport to travel within Dubai. 

Apartment complexes also have public facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, and playgrounds. However, houses often come with great amenities within the community too.

Neighborhoods such as The Lakes and The Springs offer facilities such as community pools, playgrounds and jogging tracks for residents.

Pros and cons of living in an apartment in Dubai 

Like any other property type, there are both advantages and disadvantages to owning an apartment in Dubai. Here is a list of pros and cons to consider: 

Easier maintenance

Apartments usually have less maintenance and associated fees as the expenses are split among the residents - which lowers the overall cost per head. 

More affordable

Are apartments cheaper than houses in Dubai? Yes. Buying an apartment usually costs much less than a house - both in upfront fees and ongoing costs. 

Access to shared facilities

Most apartment complexes provide a wide range of shared facilities for buyers. This can include but is not limited to gyms, swimming pools, spas, gardens, and playgrounds. Many of these facilities can be used by residents for free. 

Limited space 

It is a no-brainer that apartments come in smaller sizes than a house - even a 3-4 bedroom apartment. Those who want more space in their property may either opt for a larger apartment or a house - both of which will have higher costs. 

Strict code of conduct

All apartment complexes have a set of rules that must be followed by residents, tenants, and owners alike. Failure to comply with those rules may result in various punishments, such as fines.

Pet-friendly spaces 

This is very important for pet owners as the rules for owning a pet differ from complex to complex. Some apartment complexes may not be pet-friendly and may not have pet-friendly common spaces - which may be a hindrance to pet owners.

Pros and cons of living in a house in Dubai

Like any other property type, there are both advantages and disadvantages to owning a house in Dubai. Here is a list of pros and cons to consider: 

Additional space

For large families and those who enjoy private spaces of their own, a house in Dubai is the perfect option. While the average square footage of a house depends on the number of bedrooms it has, houses in Dubai have more space than apartments. 

Gated community 

Gated communities have long been preferred by families and people who wish to avail of services such as 24/7 security and maintenance. Gated communities are also perfect for people who wish to steer clear of the city buzz and prefer seclusion. 

Parking space and garden 

Most houses and villas in Dubai come with a parking space and garden. While the garden size may differ depending on the property type and size, the parking spaces can generally accommodate two or more vehicles. 

Higher expenses 

The expenses for a house/villa in Dubai will be competitively higher than an apartment. Apart from upfront costs, house owners are also likely to pay higher costs for maintenance, utility bills, landscaping, and any repairs/renovation. 

Conclusion

So, which is better? An apartment or a house in Dubai. Here are all the factors you need to consider while making this important decision. Getting clarity on these factors will guide you toward an informed decision and the apartment/house of your dreams.