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UAE Housing Guide

Cheque-based rent, Ejari registration, freehold areas — UAE's unique rental and property market.

🏠 Housing Types

🏢 Apartments

• Studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR+
• Dubai Marina: AED 60K-120K/year
• JBR: AED 70K-140K/year
• Downtown: AED 80K-180K/year
• Bur Dubai/Deira: AED 30K-60K/year (budget!)
• Most include gym, pool, parking

🏡 Villas

• 3-6 bedroom
• Popular in: Arabian Ranches, JVT, Mirdif
• Price: AED 80K-250K+/year
• Garden, parking, privacy
• Family-oriented communities
• Compound living popular with Western expats

📱 Finding Housing

• Bayut: #1 property portal in UAE
• Property Finder: #2 portal
• Dubizzle: Classifieds (direct from owners)
• Agents: 5% of annual rent (standard commission)
• Ejari: Mandatory registration in Dubai (AED 220)

⚠️ UAE Rental Unique Rules

  • Cheque payment: Rent paid by post-dated cheques! 1 cheque = full year upfront. 4-6 cheques = quarterly (more common now).
  • Security deposit: 5% of rent (unfurnished), 10% (furnished). RERA-regulated.
  • DEWA deposit: AED 2,000 (apartment) or AED 4,000 (villa) for utilities connection.
  • Freehold areas: Foreigners can BUY property in designated freehold zones (Dubai Marina, Downtown, Palm, JVC, etc.).
  • Rent increase: RERA calculator limits increases. Landlord must give 90-day notice. Protected by law.

📖 Explore More

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Cost of Living

Rent Data
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Emirates

Best Areas
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Banking

Mortgage
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Visa

Golden Visa (Property)