Accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Accommodation in Abu Dhabi is inordinately expensive, and expats will want to try their best to negotiate an adequately inflated salary to cover costs. Formal housing allowances are less common than they were a few years ago, but there's no harm in broaching the subject with your employer.

The vast majority of expats rent apartments in the city, which is on-island. Though more and more residents are considering moving off-island in pursuit of cheaper housing, life in these communities requires residents to accept longer commute times and more driving in general.

Expats have only been allowed to buy property since 2005, but this stipulation still does not entitle foreigners to own land. As a result, long-term expat residents, for the most part, are the only ones who go through the complex and expensive process of purchasing.
 

Expats wanting to rent a property in Abu Dhabi will find that lease rates are on the decline, and newer areas of Abu Dhabi may even experience a brief oversupply that will further increase affordability.
 
Nonetheless, rental prices are still expensive, especially in the the on-island locations that are still high in demand; the most popular areas are Bateen and Karama for houses, and Al Khalidiya and Corniche for apartments.

Accommodation in Abu Dhabi comes either furnished or unfurnished, the former being more expensive. In the case of unfurnished apartments, even appliances will be absent. It follows that a large start-up cost for expats moving to Abu Dhabi is the purchase of white goods (refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, etc.). Appliances from nations with different voltage requirements will not work in Abu Dhabi.

Expats planning on renting an unfurnished apartment should approach their employer about a shipping allowance or a stipend to furnish the flat in question. Those with a housing allowance should make sure there's a separate allowance to initially cover the costs of purchasing standard household items.

Rent is paid annually, in advance; though, some landlords will allow payment in post dated cheques, so the amount is deducted each month rather than in one lump sum. Expats who opt for the latter option should be sure there's always enough money in their account to cover the cost of the monthly deductions, bouncing a cheque is a crime in Abu Dhabi.

Otherwise, explore the option of getting a salary advance from your employer. It's an ideal way to pay for your accommodation in Abu Dhabi and remain debt-free.
 
Another option for those with families or who have sufficient resources is to live in a villa. These come in various shapes and sizes: free-standing villas, semi-detached villas in which properties share an adjoining wall, and townhouse-style villas in which two adjoining walls are shared. Regardless of the villa type, the properties tend to be large and are most frequently available off-island, in Khalifa City A. Some are within compounds and some are not, and expats take advantage of both options.

 

Unless an expat is living in a company apartment or house in Abu Dhabi, they will have to pay for utilities, like water and electricity, in addition to rent. Luckily, these costs are subsidised by the government, so they tend to be affordable.

That said, those living in large villas may find themselves financing a hefty power bill due to an excessive air-conditioning expenditure.

There are no council taxes or permit fees associated with accommodation in Abu Dhabi.
 

Expats should plan on using a real estate agent to help find and secure housing in Abu Dhabi. Even if you manage to discover a great deal yourself, an agent will likely be present upon signing the lease - so best to let them do the legwork, as well.

Tenants pay a 5 percent commission to agents, and payment of a 5 percent security deposit up-front is also normal protocol.

Ask your company for estate agent recommendations, or consult print and online listings.