Accommodation

LISTINGS

TO RENT OR TO BUY


ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The accommodation options are varied and much depends on your needs, family size, pets as part of the family etc.

Serviced Apartments:

Serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi are typically located within a hotel or exclusive residential tower block. This type of luxurious accommodation will be expensive and generally suited to those who are only in Abu Dhabi for a definite length of time. This type of accommodation is rather unsuited to family living but has a function in housing temporarily; to allow time to look around and acquire what best meets your family needs.

Short term Lets:

This encompasses either apartments or villas, allows rental from weekly to monthly (many landlords will accept yearly tenancy – possible to negotiate a lower price for longer periods).Such accommodation comes fully furnished with bedding /  towels etc provided, electricity/gas /water is also provided by the landlord or rather included in the price. This type of accommodation also comes at a price but again allows you time to look around, all whilst in the comfort of a homely environment. A rental agreement is drawn up; make sure you read the small print….. Break clauses need to be ironed out at the outset etc, sub letting is strictly forbidden, parties or large gatherings are not allowed, loud music limitations etc. Also ensure the inventory is checked and signed by both parties involved or by tenant /managing agent.

Sharing of villas by singles or non family is illegal and is not advised.

Long Term Leases:

This is the route most tenants go down, yearly tenancy with option to extend, again encompasses villas and apartments, this type of rental provides a sense of stability and normal living to newcomers to Abu Dhabi. Generally unfurnished (see MyMove Shopping), it provides the ideal opportunity for you to put your own mark on Abu Dhabi living especially when your shipment arrives!

Rents in Abu Dhabi have increased over the past two years and even though this is a less expensive option than the others mentioned it will still be your largest outgoing. Property maintenance, Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water (DEWA) along with pool maintenance if there is a private pool will be your responsibility. Electricity and water are expensive commodities in Abu Dhabi, electricity powers air conditioning which is a must and is a necessity 24 hrs a day for most of the year. A maintenance charge to keep the communal gardens may or may not be carried by the landlord.

A tenancy agreement will be drafted. It is well worth getting a legal opinion on this as in the past landlords have had many rights over the tenant, this has now started to change however with the formation of a rental committee RERA (set up to protect the tenant).

Traditionally rent is payable yearly in advance by one cheque, in some cases twice yearly is acceptable but is dependent on the landlord. With ever increasing rents this is something that one has to budget for. In view of the present economic downturn some landlords will accept monthly or quarterly cheques.

PURCHASING A PROPERTY

If you are in possession of a residency visa through your employer in Abu Dhabi, the process of purchasing a property is quite straight forward. Obviously you will need to provide proof of earnings, bank statements, passport, residency visa copies etc.

By investing in property you are also entitled to a residency visa of sorts…. This will not provide any employment benefits and you will need a valid work visa to work. This is provided by your employer or through your local sponsor if running your own business.

By buying a property in Abu Dhabi you are entitled to a multi-entry visa valid for 6 months at a time. Property owner residency visas can be renewed indefinitely but the visa holder must exit the UAE and reapply. Visa can be renewed at the airport on arrival back in the UAE.

The property must be completed and the title deeds in the visa applicants name. Joint property owners cannot apply for residence visa. If a husband / wife situation then husband applies for visa and wife is included under the property owner’s sponsorship.

The property value must be at least 1 million AED and the minimum salary requirement is 10,000AED/ month. Medical insurance needs to be in place for the investor and his family.

Property must be of an appropriate size to house family members if applicable. i.e. a family of 4 is unlikely to be granted a visa if the property is a studio.

Property owners may be required to have a medical test .

Mortgage Providers