The UAE has several types of properties catering to various people. Speaking of that, apartments have become a popular choice for people around the world. And the UAE is nothing short of low and high-rise buildings with affordable and luxury apartments.
However, like any residential option, apartments have their perks and drawbacks. Here, we’ve put forward some pros and cons of living in an apartment to help you make a better decision.
Pros of Living in Apartments
Listed below are some of the advantages that come with living in an apartment.
Budget-Friendly Price
Apartments can be an excellent way of saving money. Whether you buy or rent, flats are more cost-friendly compared to the other property types in the UAE. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment in JVC has a rental price of AED 110,000, whereas a 2-bed villa has an average annual rent of AED 170,000.
While the rent or buying price depends upon the area, its amenities, and facilities, one can check average rental and sales prices in various areas using a Price Map by Data Guru.
Easier to Maintain
Maintaining a house is more challenging than maintaining an apartment. Apartments are easier to maintain because the maintenance cost is cheaper. That is why living in an apartment is a good idea.
For example, studio apartments have a smaller space, making it easier to maintain. Plus, the smaller spaces tend to have lower energy and water consumption thanks to their smaller space, which ends up saving a ton on energy and water bills.
Safety
UAE is a safe country with nearly zero crime rates. Moreover, apartments in gated communities are safer and more secure for residents. While living in apartments, you will have neighbours around, giving you a chance to connect and make more friends.
With neighbours close by, you can feel an added sense of safety. For instance, neighbours might hear any unusual noise and report it to the building manager and security instantly. Also, in case of an emergency, centralised alarm systems notify the building staff immediately.
Encourages Community Living
Apartment buildings usually have shared amenities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and community centers.a These amenities allow you a chance to get to know and meet more people living in your building.
In contrast, the villas are more private and secluded. Some villas have backyards and private swimming pools. That said, living in apartments gives you access to shared amenities, such as a gym, community centres and more.
Luxury
While there are affordable options, UAE is home to some of the top luxury apartments. Some lavish apartments offer the same amenities and facilities as the house. For instance, there are several private pool apartment options in Dubai.
Apartments come with balcony views and maid rooms. Also, the building has an allotted free parking space, giving you more convenience.
Proximity to Public Transport
Apartment buildings are usually located towards the city centre, and necessary facilities are nearby. Additionally, flats are in proximity to public transport. Meanwhile, most luxury villa communities in Dubai are located far from the city centers, within walking distance of buses and metro stations.
For instance, the Dubai Metro is one of the convenient public transport options, with several apartments to buy or rent near its routes. Explore these apartments to rent near Dubai Metro.
Easy Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, apartments are smaller spaces compared to villas and townhouses. This significantly reduces maintenance costs. Moreover, most apartment buildings have shared amenities that divide the building maintenance costs among all the apartment residents.
In contrast, villas have higher maintenance costs, including house and swimming pool building costs.
Cons of Living in Apartments
While living in an apartment has advantages, it also has some disadvantages. Here are some of the cons of living in an apartment.
Noise
Being connected to neighbours wall-to-wall also means that one gets to hear every loud voice or sound. Say if the neighbours are renovating their apartment, the others can hear the noise.
Moreover, if they have a party, the noise can be disturbing. That said, speaking to the building manager can help fix this issue, but before that, you must talk to your neighbours about the persistent issue.
Need Permission for Renovation
Renovating an apartment is not that difficult, but you must follow the building codes and guidelines. Besides, you must get permission from the developer or building management to make changes to your flat. For instance, if you want to decorate an outer space, you must follow the balcony rules and regulations in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to avoid any fines.
Lesser Pet-Friendly
Some apartments do not allow pets. That said, you can research the market and search for pet-friendly areas. For instance, areas such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah allow pets.
Decreased Storage Space
Apartments offer less storage space as compared to a villa or a house. Apartments tend to cover less square footage, which results in smaller cabinets, closets and rooms. This reduces space for residents’ belongings.
However, space expanders and effective storage solutions such as retractable cabinets, shoe boxes, and wall hooks can increase storage space.
Parking
Most apartment complexes offer residential and guest parking. It is illegal to park a car anywhere other than the allocated parking spaces, making parking in public spots a hassle.
FAQs
Top floors tend to be better options as they are prone to receiving better sunlight. The air quality also tends to be better. Moreover, top floors usually witness less noise from traffic and outside.
Summers tend to be exceptionally hot on the top floors, and rent tends to get higher as people desire a better view.
Maintenance is easier in apartment complexes as utilities are covered. Villas generally require higher maintenance due to a bigger space.
Apartments are more affordable, whereas the houses tend to be a little towards the higher end.
That concludes the pros and cons of living in apartments. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages can help you with making your final decision before moving into an apartment. Get to know them to make your moving process easier!
Keep reading Property Finder blogs to learn more about the living experiences in the UAE.
