The main and obvious difference between villas and apartments in a residential complex is it is a more spacious premises (even if we are talking about a small villa with 2 bedrooms) and a high level of privacy, as well as the presence of its own plot.
There are 2 main types of villas in the UAE: detached villas and semi-detached. Although adjacent villas are designed for two owners, privacy is still preserved. As a rule, each of the private residences has a separate entrance, and only one wall is common in the building.
In most cases, villas are in demand among couples with children and as a country house or holiday home for recreation. But against the chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents of the UAE have completely or partially switched to a remote work format, and lots of students have taken to learning in an online format, which means buying or renting a villa has become a more optimal option for living in the most comfortable conditions.
The advantages of living in a villa:
- Privacy. Living in a villa is primarily a guarantee for completed privacy. This type of property also provides a more relaxed atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition, you generally have more personal space, as the actual premises of the plot is more spacious. Most villas can be bought with a garden, a terrace or a swimming pool, which allows you to spend more time outdoors.
- The opportunity to equip a work and study space. In this case, being the sole owner of the property, you can convert one of the rooms into a study room or in accordance with any other of your needs, or you could be a bit more creative and arrange a workplace on the veranda.
- Optimal conditions for family life. In addition to spacious rooms and other amenities, buying a villa allows you to live in an integrated community with the maximum number of amenities, including kindergartens, schools, sometimes universities, hospitals, supermarkets, shopping centers, banks and more. Almost all communities in Abu Dhabi are focused on family values and offer excellent infrastructure, huge availability of places to relax and entertainment. In addition, such communities often have a closed protected area, which provides increased security for children and families.
However, There are also some disadvantages to consider when buying a villa. There is a higher cost in relation to buying an apartment as it comes with higher utility prices. But you can also find cheaper options, for instance the Hydra Village community has ready-to-move-in 2 bedroom villas with an area of 1,884 sq. ft at AED 1,100,000 (USD 299,500) and there is an option to take out a mortgage or a Rent-to-Own scheme (lease with subsequent purchase). You can also invest in real estate under construction, which after commissioning will increase in price, but you will have to wait a few years until this reflects in the selling price. To minimize the financial burden on buyers, developers offer convenient payment plans for properties in the construction stages.
The interest of foreign investors in buying a property in Abu Dhabi was also aroused by the
Golden Visa - Thrive in Abu Dhabi programme, which gives buyers the right to obtain a 5-year UAE resident visa when buying real estate to the amount of AED 2,000,000 (USD 544,600). Another advantage of buying real estate in Abu Dhabi is having a good income as the average ROI in the capital is 7-8% per annum, and sometimes this reaches 10-12%.