How to buy an apartment in the UAE: how much it costs and how to choose an emirate

There are a total of seven emirates in the UAE. Each of them has its own pros and cons. Therefore, before making a choice, you need to know the details: where you can buy apartments cheaply, whether they will give you a residency permit when you buy a property, whether there are taxes in the UAE, etc.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is not only the largest, but also the richest emirate. There are a lot of tourists here, as Abu Dhabi has gorgeous white sand beaches and interesting sights.

As of 2019, Abu Dhabi is considered a freehold-zone, so foreigners can buy housing here. The emirate is ideal for both investment and residence.

Pros of investing in property Abu Dhabi:

• Large influx of tourists. Apartments in Abu Dhabi are good for both short and long term rentals. You can buy property cheaply and make a profit from renting it out.
• Proposals for the purchase of housing in Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi are much lower than in Dubai. Therefore, the property market here is not "overheated" and the demand for apartments is growing. This is a good opportunity to buy an off-plan apartment at a low price and resell it after a few years more expensive.
• Property tax is half less than in Dubai (2% instead of 4%).

Pros of buying property in Abu Dhabi for residence

• tourist flow is lower than in Dubai;
• Abu Dhabi is considered a green city, with many parks and nature reserves;
• good educational program in schools;
• a paradise for beach lovers;
• relaxed pace of life.

How much property in Abu Dhabi costs
In Abu Dhabi, you can find options that are affordable for everyone. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $500,000$ to $1,300,000$. We give an approximate value as prices can change over time due to various factors.

Most often this emirate is chosen for vacation or independent living, but it is also ideal for investment in resort property. Ras Al Khaimah is its loyalty to investors.

Pros of investing in property in Ras Al Khaimah

• The price of property is much lower than in Dubai. At the same time, the cost of rent is practically the same. This factor makes buying an apartment a good investment;
• The opening of the first casino, which will lead to a large influx of tourists.
• esidence permit when buying property for any amount. The only "but": the object must be from a local developer;
• the tax on completion of the transaction for the investor is not 4% but 2%. The other half is paid by the developer.

Pros of buying property in Ras al-Khaimah for residence

• resort lifestyle;
• a relaxed pace suitable for families with children;
• the climate is more comfortable than in Dubai.

How much does property in Ras Al Khaimah cost
The average cost of a one bedroom property is $238,257$.

Sharjah is the third largest emirate, but the first in terms of strictness (it is here that the dry law is in force). It is more conservative than Dubai, but this does not prevent investors from buying property there. Freehold-zones appeared here a few years ago, so there is no end to the demand for apartments under construction. Buying an apartment in Sharjah is also very cheap compared to other emirates.

Pros of investing in property in Sharjah

• Lower cost of property ;
• high quality residences at a low price.

Pros of buying property in Sharjah for residence

• relaxed pace of life;
• excellent beach vacation;
• location close to Dubai;
• there is entertainment for children and adults (water parks, amusement parks, golf clubs, etc.)

How much does property in Sharjah cost
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Sharjah is $275,475$.

This emirate is considered to be the most sparsely populated, and for good reason. Despite the fact that foreigners are allowed to buy property here, there are many properties that are rented out on a long-term basis rather than purchased as property. This discourages most investors.

Pros of investing in Fujairah property
People who live in Dubai like to come to Fujairah to relax and unwind. It is therefore profitable to buy property here and rent it out to vacationers.

Pros of buying property in Fujairah to live in

• Clean beaches;
• A more comfortable climate than other emirates. Rainfall is more frequent here, and sea breezes and mountains help to keep the high temperatures down;
• Hiking trails.

Many people ask the question, "Is it possible to buy property in Umm Al Quwain as an investment? Let's have a look. Umm al-Qaiwain is a small emirate where property is not very attractive as an investment. There are no skyscrapers here, just compact high-rises and villas. There are few tourists here, so there is little point in buying an apartment with the intention of renting it out. It is better to choose other emirates for this purpose.

Pros of buying property in Umm Al Quwain for residence

• good ecology;
• oriental flavor and authenticity;
• sedate lifestyle.

Ajman is the smallest of the emirates. Many people do not find it attractive because of its quiet atmosphere and authenticity. Others, however, find its advantages. For example, you can live in Ajman but go to Dubai for work or entertainment. Especially since the drive takes only about thirty minutes.

Pros of investing in Ajman property

• Ajman has a well-developed business sector: here are offices of large companies and new business centers are constantly appearing. If you dream of opening your own business in the UAE, Ajman is worth considering.
• This emirate is loved by tourists, so there should be no problems with renting property on a short-term basis.

The pros of buying property in Ajman for residence

• no hustle and bustle;
• a quiet rhythm of life.

Any property transaction can be done remotely. There is nothing complicated about it and an experienced broker will always help you to buy the property you like remotely.

If you are looking to buy an apartment for resale or rent, the emirates to look out for are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.

If you are buying a property for yourself (and like a measured pace of life), then choose a home in Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain or Ajman.