Abu Dhabi Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE)

Abu Dhabi is one of the most popular emirates to purchase or rent property in for an array of reasons, but mainly due to its affluent reputation, coastal location and enticing weather. Demand currently outweighs supply in the capital of the UAE, and rental prices have risen considerably in the past 12 months, meaning purchase prices are also being pushed upwards.

The city is modern and as it grows, it attempts to create its own style between its various neighbourhoods. Abu Dhabi is laid out on a grid pattern and there is a very high density of buildings along the seafront area known as the Corniche, where it is normal to see 20-storey, high-rise buildings.


Property found in the heart of the city, as well as along the shorefront, demands the highest rental and purchase prices. There are many neighbourhoods which have been built in the suburbs of Abu Dhabi where property for sale is located within gated communities, complete with swimming pools and security.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Renting in Abu Dhabi has a high demand and a low supply rate, which ensures that rental prices are high. Serviced apartments are few and far between, and those that exist are fully furnished and situated within high-rise blocks.

There is no mass public transport system in Abu Dhabi, meaning those who choose to rent a serviced apartment for work purposes must be based close to their place of work if they don't have a car. Landlords will usually demand high rental costs, together with three months' deposit, and the majority of rentals do not allow pets.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Property for sale in Abu Dhabi can be found in the city centre, as well as out in the surrounding neighbourhoods, where one can expect to find numerous gated communities complete with gymnasiums, swimming pools and security as standard. Leases are available for 99 years for non-Gulf Cooperation Council nationals, who can only purchase property in certain areas.

Choosing a well-connected estate agent is crucial here, since good connections with developers will ensure foreign buyers the opportunity to buy in certain sought-after parts of the city. Mortgages can be obtained even by non-nationals and it is normal to pay a ten percent deposit, followed by annual service charges that must be paid up front.

Real Estate Agents

Choosing an estate agency here is arguably more important than in many other places around the world, as there are many restrictions on who can buy and where. This means that it is vital to understand the rules and regulations. English is commonly spoken in the city, and the Internet is a good place to look for Abu Dhabi property.

Check out the following Abu Dhabi real estate agents:

Better Homes
Address: Villa #416, Delma Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 600 52 2212
Email: webcare@bhomes.com
Website: www.bhomes.com/uae/residential
Better Homes sells and rents Abu Dhabi homes in and around the city and boasts a large staff speaking a variety of languages.

LLJ Property
Address: Al Jazira Sports and Cultural Club (West Wing), 4th Street (Muroor), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 02 495 0500
Email: admin@lljproperty.com
Website: www.lljproperty.com
LLJ Property deals in property rentals and sales around Abu Dhabi and has English-speaking staff.

Homestyle Property
Address: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE
Tel: +971 02 672 3220
Email: homestyl@emirates.net.ae
Website: www.homestyle-property.co.ae
This company handles property sales and rentals all over the UAE, with many properties based in the city itself.