UAE has seen remarkable growth over the years, especially in its housing sector! The country has come a long way from traditional AL-Areesh homes to skyscraper buildings. However, this was not possible without the continuous support of the government. The UAE government has introduced several regulations that helped to uplift the living standard for the Emiratis.
At present, UAE is home to one of the most dynamic real estate sectors and has become a major investment hub globally. Higher rental yield, ease of taxation, and golden visa relaxation are major reasons that have turned UAE into an investor’s paradise.
In this article, we will read about the evolution of houses in the UAE over the years, the housing options available today along with the current real estate policies of the country.
Back in time, the houses in UAE were naturally sustainable and made with simple materials. The houses of UAE were made of things like goat’s wool, and palm fronds that helped them to sustain themselves in harsh weather. Surrounded by sea, palm trees, and desert, these houses were visually surreal. Let’s have a look at some house types in old UAE:
Hair Houses
Hair houses as the name suggest was made by weaving goat and sheep’s wool. This wool was stunned and then twisted to give it a shape. Ultimately, it was used to construct tent houses with the help of ropes and pegs. This house was famous due to its lightweight dress and portable nature. It served its purpose by providing the right amount of protection from harsh weather.
AL-Areesh House
Al Areesh House is a traditional house type found in UAE earlier that reflects its culture and tradition. These houses were typically square or conical in shape and were made from woven palm fronds. It also features small doors and windows for airflow during summer. The house was covered with nylon or cotton material to keep it warm during winter.
Mud House
Mud house was traditionally built with mud, straw, and light bricks. These houses were the epitome of fine architecture as they displayed excellent sturdiness and durability.
Al-Barjeel
Al-Barjeel was exemplary of the traditional architecture of the UAE. The house featured a tall rectangular tower above the roof with four columns. The craftsmen built a natural passage that helped to remove the hot air within the space keeping it cool and relaxed.
Houses in UAE Now
UAE has an excellent portfolio of housing projects that caters to the demand of every income group. The housing sector of UAE specially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi has undergone a heavy transformation and offers highrise apartments to luxury villas. Here are some go-to options for houses in UAE at present:
Apartments
Apartments are the most popular residential options in the UAE. As per a report, apartments have captured 75% of real estate inventories in Dubai. These are perfect for those who like luxury while enjoying a vibrant neighborhood. Apartments are available in the configuration of 1 to 3 BHK along with a plethora of amenities. The cost of an apartment ranges from AED 370K and goes up to AED 4 Million.
Duplex
Comparatively affordable than Villas, duplexes are ideal houses in UAE and perfect to enjoy city life. Over time, duplexes have gained immense popularity in the country due to their sleek design and modern features. You can get a spacious duplex in areas namely Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai at a starting price of AED 545K.
Villas
If you like luxury merged with unparalleled comforts then you can invest in Villa houses in UAE. From modern to contemporary architecture, these villas have everything when it comes to grandeur and opulence. Talking of the features, they comprise three to six bedrooms, a swimming pool, a green landscape, and a beach view as well.
Mirdif, Jumeirah, The Springs, Akoya Oxygen, and Arabian Ranches are famous for villas starting from AED 1.7M.
Townhouses
Unlike Villas which are independent properties, the homes in townhouses share similar walls. Townhouses are equally popular among working professionals and families as it offers both privacy and a sense of community. Generally, it features two to three floors with a maximum of six rooms.
Townhouses can be bought in Arabian Ranches, Akoya Oxygen, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubailand. The starting price of a townhouse is AED 1 million.
Housing Policies in UAE
High population growth and rapid immigration have forced the UAE government to restructure its existing housing policy. In a bid to address these grievances, the government has ordered housing laws with the motto of affordable housing for middle and low-income groups. The country has also opened an investment avenue for non-emiratis to attract global investment in UAE’s real estate sector.
Let's have a look at the major regulations and measures undertaken by the UAE government:
1. National Housing Policy
National Housing Policy is one of the major laws announced by the UAE. The government has allocated AED 65 billion to boost real estate and houses in the UAE. With this, the government has visioned quality housing for Emiratis. As per UAE’s NHP, the limit for interest-free housing has been raised by AED 1 million. The authorities are also planning to provide a provision of 4000 land and plots to Dubai Emiratis.
2. Relaxed Holding Rules for Ex-Pats
Earlier, the government did not allow ex-pats to buy and hold any houses in UAE. However, due to the increased buyer interest and global investment, the government was forced to come up with Law Number 7. This law is specially designed for ex-pats who want to own a house in UAE. As per the law, a foreign resident can apply for housing in the country only in the areas that are entitled to be freehold in nature. However, they can withhold the property only for 99 years.
3. Risk-Free Investment Laws
UAE does not believe in the system of paper works for housing deals. There, one has to simply sign a contract to own a property. This has led to an increase in forgery and fraud in the country. To combat these malpractices, the government has come up with a plethora of regulations like licensing real estate agents to protect the buyer’s interest.
4. UAE Laws for Tenants
Dubai accounts for the maximum rental yield for the UAE government. This is why the government has announced new laws with a lot of relaxation for the ex-pats and emiratis. As per the rules, a tenant has to sign at least a one-year tenancy contract with the landlord. Furthermore, a landlord is not allowed to increase the rental value before the contract ends. However, if the contract is up for renewal then he can increase the rental value by not more than 15% of the rent at a time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the housing sector in UAE has seen tremendous growth from traditional mud houses to high-rise apartments. With its relaxed law for ex-pats now you can also own a home in the UAE. Choose from a range of options like apartments, villas, and duplexes based on your living standard and budget. For more ideas and expert advice connect to Dubai Housing today and own a dream home in UAE.
