Across the world, there is no denying that a one bedroom is a great buy — in terms of affordable purchase and maintenance, realistic rental revenue, and quicker resale when compared to larger apartments.
In the UAE, it holds great appeal for expatriate professionals and newly-weds, especially those who are first-time buyers.
While investors and real estate agents around the world extol the virtues of location, buyers here seem to consider several exceptional factors. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment with a study can cost up to Dh500,000 more, while half a bathroom (with no shower or bathtub) can make up an extra Dh250,000. In most places, views of the sea command soaring premiums, but in Dubai, dancing fountains do too. And, in seemingly many cases, the ease of entering and exiting a neighbourhood is what can either make it, or mar it.
We take a look at what it costs to buy a one-bedroom in some established freehold communities, and analyse the reasons why.
LUXURY HOMES
Burj Khalifa
(above 80th floor)
Highlight: So exclusive, viewing is by appointment only
Size: 1,133 square feet
Price: Dh4.51 million
This very spacious apartment in the world’s tallest building isn’t easy to come by. Located above the 80th floor of the city’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the property lists a number of features and fittings including a fully-fitted kitchen, central air-conditioning, broadband readiness and reserved parking among its facilities. Illustrious neighbours are an additional unwritten perk.
The Address
Downtown Dubai
Highlights: Fully furnished, fully serviced, with study
Size: 769 square feet
Price: Dh4.50 million
Spectacular views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, and a connecting bridge to The Dubai Mall make this a rather priceless apartment — besides being an obviously pricey one. The Address Downtown Dubai maintains particularly high standards in services as well as comfort, and has an endless amount of attractions and facilities including a impressive number of restaurants and cafés all within its immediate neighbourhood.
Shoreline Apartments
Palm Jumeirah
Highlights: Full sea view, with large kitchen
Size: 1,184 square feet
Price: Dh2.35 million
Situated on The Trunk, the spine of the Palm Jumeirah, this is an area that is home to several hotels, cafés, stores and beaches. Undoubtedly one of Dubai’s most prestigious addresses, the views make it worth the price.
Limestone House
DIFC (12th floor)
Highlights: Floor-to-ceiling windows, private lift
Size: 1,238 square feet
Price: Dh2.30 million
A premium apartment in a prestigious building, this one ranks high for its floor-to-ceiling windows and private lift. Limestone House is reputed for its luxurious amenities and facilities, as well as for its famous and fashionable residents.
CHIC ADDRESSES
Green Lake Tower
Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Highlights: Lake views, with laundry room
Size: 1,085 square feet
Price: Dh1.6 million
The large apartment is located in one of the best buildings in this community on Sheikh Zayed Road, with easy access to two metro stations, shops, restaurants and walkways around the lakes.
Turia
The Views
Highlight: Large terrace
Size: 1,059 square feet
Price: Dh1.48 million
Based in a thriving community offering multiple entry and exit points, these Riviera-styled midrise apartments also have several facilities within walking distance.
Sulafa Tower
Dubai Marina
Highlight: Large balcony
Size: 1,200 square feet
Price: Dh1.40 million
Exceptionally large for a one-bedroom apartment, it is set in one of the tallest residential towers in the city. Dubai Marina is a busy waterfront community, with a variety of services, attractions and conveniences at its doorstep.
Clayton Tower
Business Bay
Highlights: Full lake views, with 1.5 bathrooms
Size: 878 square feet
Price: Dh1.08 million
Business Bay’s infrastructure is nearly complete, and the area is becoming a sought-after location with its proximity to other communities and business clusters.
Amwaj
Jumeirah Beach Residence
Highlight: Partial view of marina
Size: 1,200 square feet
Price: Dh1.45 million
Located along Dubai’s last beachfront, these apartments are spacious and prestigious, although entry and exit is not always easy. Advantages include quick access to restaurants and hotels.
Green Community West
Green Community
Highlight: Large balcony
Size: 1,035 square feet
Price: Dh1 million
Pleasant pool views within the comfort of landscaped gardens.
BUDGET APARTMENTS
Sherlock House 2
Motor City
Size: 1,024 square feet
Price: Dh945,000
Motor City is practically a city within a city, and its location on Mohammed Bin Zayed (formerly Emirates) Road is ideal for commutes to Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.
Champions Tower 2
Dubai Sports City
Size: 939 square feet
Price: Dh580,000
This is a pre-handover price at the gated community of four towers, which are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2014. A key attraction is the separate, fully-equipped kitchen.
Moghul Cluster
Discovery Gardens
Size: 970 square feet
Price: Dh650,000
Although entry into Discovery Gardents from Sheikh Zayed Road is marred by traffic congestion, and the smell of sewage is a frequent problem, it is popular for its location, and a number of reasonably-priced restaurants.
Seasons Community
Jumeirah Village South
Size: 735 square feet
Price: Dh550,000
Seasons Community is located in District 15 of Jumeirah Village South, which spreads out in a radial layout with open spaces, conveniently located between Al Khail Road, Hessa Street and Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
Silicon Gates 2
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Size: 793 square feet
Price: Dh550,000
This is the pre-handover price at the building, which is 90 per cent complete. Unusually, this apartment features two balconies, and offers easy access to Al Ain road.
Greece Cluster
International City
Size: 926 square feet
Price: Dh350,000
Although the community seems perenially plagued by problems – traffic crime, sewage and stagnant water – its location along the Dubai-Hatta Road makes it a convenient living spot for those employed in the Al Warsan area.
ABU DHABI
The relatively nascent freehold market of Abu Dhabi is dominated by new apartments in the alliterative trio of the Al Raha, Al Reef and Al Reem communities. For those who are likely to get confused, there are few other options. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the capital currently run up to Dh1.21 million.
Burj Al Yaqoot
Danet Abu Dhabi
Highlight: Rooftop pool
Size: 970 square feet
Price: Dh1.21 million
Gate Tower
Al Reem
Highlight: Mangrove views
Size: 830 square feet
Price: Dh1.12 million
Al Muneera
Al Raha Beach
Highlight: Canal views
Size: 768 square feet
Price: Dh1.10 million
Al Reef Downtown
Al Reef
Highlight: Proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport
Size: 753 square feet
Price: Dh816,000
Al Ghadeer
Saih As Sidirah
Highlight: Large balcony
Size: 702 square feet
Price: Dh694,574
All prices are based on advertisements placed by owners, real estate agents or developers, and were current at the time of going to press. However, these may reflect clauses and conditions associated with the listed apartments, and may be subject to change for each property.
