Apartments & flats for sale in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Deciding on what Apartment to buy in Abu Dhabi 

Over the past 48 years, Abu Dhabi has transformed from being a collection of over 200 desert islands to a diverse, cultural hub. The capital of the UAE is often dubbed as the quieter, neighboring emirate to Dubai; however, it has its very own charm which makes it unique. From islands focused on luxury living such as Saadiyat Island, through to ones focusing on entertainment such as Yas Island, Abu Dhabi provides those looking to purchase an apartment a huge selection to choose from. Add to that the foreign ownership laws on freehold properties passed in 2019, buying an apartment in Abu Dhabi has never been easier. So, whether it’s a new home you’re looking for to move in to, or a flat to add to your investment portfolio – we’re here to help. 

Is it the right time to invest in an apartment in Abu Dhabi?

The current state of the property market in the UAE makes it a great time to buy an apartment. Not only is there a huge selection you can choose from, but the softening prices over the last 18 months mean that you will more than likely secure the best price if you decide to take the decision to buy now. If you are a first-time buyer, there are a few things that you should consider before changing your status from a tenant to an owner. For example, how long are you planning to stay in the UAE for and how does the community you are considering purchasing an apartment in, serve your current lifestyle? Or if you are looking to purchase a property for investment purposes, which are the most popular areas among tenants? What are the amenities in these areas and what are the rental yields like? It is very important to identify what the main purpose of your purchase is, make a list of questions and research, research, research! Once you are empowered with all the information you need, you can start your flat hunt. 

Who can buy an apartment in Abu Dhabi?

The Abu Dhabi property market is open to local and foreign investors, so essentially, anyone who is interested in owning an apartment in the city can do so. Previously, there was a law that restricted foreign owners to purchasing leasehold properties – this basically means that if you buy a flat, you will have the right to occupy it from the freeholder for a term of 99 years or less. After this period of time, the flat returns to the freeholder. The new law, however, allows foreigners to own freehold property in designated zones. This is good news as it means that not only are you buying the flat, but also the land it stands on, which in turn allows you to sell, lease or occupy the property and land freely. Some of the areas that fall under this law include luxury private resort Nurai Island, eco-friendly Masdar City and the home of the capital’s future start-up center Hub71, Al Maryah Island. Each type of ownership comes with its advantages, so our advice would be to do your research to identify which one suits you more before making the final purchasing decision.

What is the difference between the primary market and the secondary market?

If you have started researching the property market in the UAE, then you have most likely stumbled across the terms ‘secondary market’ and ‘primary market’ – but what do they actually mean? In simple terms, properties on the primary market are part of projects that are either under construction or yet to be constructed – it is also widely referred to as the off-plan market. Investors generally buy property off the primary market as it offers the best prices. However, more recently, developers have been offering ‘rent to own’ schemes which provide easy payment plans for those who are interested in owning a brand new flat to move in to. This means that when the project is complete, the developer will hand over the keys and instead of paying rent each month, you pay a fixed amount towards owning your own apartment or villa. Rent to own schemes are becoming increasingly popular for projects in Abu Dhabi such as Al Massaoud’s Azure project. 

On the contrary, properties on the secondary market are ready to move into. They are the projects that are already complete and are currently owned by someone. There are many affordable options to choose from, depending on the size of the apartment and which area you want to go for.

What are the best areas to purchase a flat in Abu Dhabi?

This is a very difficult question to answer as there is no ‘one size fits all’. The beauty of Abu Dhabi is in its diversity and to name an area or an island as ‘the best’ would be unfair to the 199 other unique islands which all present different qualities. How we can help is by sharing a selection of those areas which have been firm favorites among dubizzle users over the past year which may inspire you or help you start your apartment hunt. 

Reem Island is a truly mixed community and has quickly become a favorite among families as well as young professionals given its ease of access and the plethora of amenities including medical services, schools, and shopping facilities. For those who are after a more modern, luxury style of living, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island offer a great selection of properties, from studio apartments through to four-bedroom flats, as well as spacious, luxury villas. In typical Abu Dhabi style, each island has something unique to offer. Saadiyat Island is home to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi which opened its doors in 2017 and is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula. The island is now known as the capital’s cultural hub and is very popular among investors, bachelors as well as families. Yas Island is a firm favorite for expats and has a big focus on entertainment. The island is home to Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, Warner Bros Abu Dhabi, and Yas Mall.