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The UAE housing market is shifting from being driven mainly by location and price to lifestyle-oriented features. According to Property Finder data from 2024-25, residents now prioritise amenities that blend comfort, convenience, and exclusivity. Balconies, maids' rooms, central air conditioning, and covered parking rank among must-haves, while shared gyms, pools, and pet-friendly policies reflect community-focused living. Buyers lean toward premium features like private pools, waterfront views, and gardens, whereas renters prefer practical conveniences. This divide underscores the challenge for developers: catering to both long-term buyers and short-term renters. Projects aligned with these evolving lifestyle preferences are set to lead the UAE property market.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) property market is no longer driven solely by location or price. Nowadays, how homes match people's lifestyles has become just as important (if not more so). Advertisement
Modern renters and buyers are seeking features that bring comfort, convenience, and a sense of belonging to their everyday lives. This includes balconies for fresh air, a private pool for leisure, and pet-friendly policies that reflect changing family dynamics.
Property Finder's latest data from 2024 and 2025 reveals the most in-demand amenities across apartments and villas. The findings highlight what residents value most and how these preferences are shaping the future of real estate in the UAE, providing valuable insights for developers, investors, and anyone planning their next move.
What UAE Residents Want Most in Their Homes'
Certain amenities such as balconies and maids' rooms are now must-haves across the UAE housing market. Balconies have become a near-standard expectation in apartments for rent in Dubai and other Emirati cities. Meanwhile, the increased interest in maids' rooms reflects a UAE-specific household pattern. Many families plan their homes around live-in domestic help, so a dedicated room is a crucial practical consideration.
The UAE's climate and changing community expectations significantly influence search behavior. Central air conditioning (AC) is one of the most searched-for features because it is a non-negotiable essential in the desert environment. Meanwhile, shared pools and gyms reflect the appeal of community-based amenities, particularly among renters who want access to leisure and fitness without private upkeep. Pet-friendly policies are also gaining traction, with an increasing number of residents seeking communities that welcome cats and dogs as part of the family.
Beyond everyday needs, many UAE residents are also seeking features that enhance the comfort and exclusivity of their homes. Private pools remain one of the ultimate features of the villa lifestyle, combining leisure, privacy, and opulence. For many buyers, they are as much a symbol of prestige as they are a functional amenity. Similarly, waterfront views continue to drive property value and serve as a premium differentiator, particularly in high-end communities across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Covered parking reflects a more practical but equally vital demand. In a region where high temperatures and sandstorms can damage vehicles, shaded or enclosed parking is a necessity for both buyers and renters.Private gardens are searched less often than other amenities, but they still hold strong appeal for those looking into villas for sale in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. They offer personal outdoor space for landscaping, family gatherings, and privacy, all highly valued in a market that prioritizes both lifestyle and exclusivity.
Search behavior reveals distinct differences between buyers and renters, and these contrasts will likely shape the market going forward. Buyers are more likely to prioritize long-term lifestyle investments such as private pools, waterfront views, and gardens. Renters focus on practical and community-based amenities like central AC, parking, gyms, and pet-friendly policies. This split highlights a key challenge for developers and landlords: catering to both audiences without diluting value.
Ultimately, developers and investors who align projects with these lifestyle-driven preferences are best positioned to stay ahead in the country's evolving property market.
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