Apartments for sale in Dubai

Where apartments are concentrated in Dubai

Apartment stock falls into three broad groups. Waterfront and city-centre towers are in Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. Newer master-planned waterfronts include Dubai Creek Harbour and Sobha Hartland.

The third group is mid-rise community buildings. These are common in Jumeirah Village Circle, Arjan, Al Furjan and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Jumeirah Lake Towers is a cluster of towers around lakes, with its own character.

What to check in the building, not just the unit

Two apartments with the same layout can cost very different amounts to own. Before you make an offer, check:

• Service charges. The annual rate per square foot is approved for each building and visible through Mollak. Ask for the current budget, not an old invoice.
• Cooling. Some buildings use district cooling, billed by a separate provider. Others include cooling in DEWA. Our guide to chiller fees explains the difference.
• Parking. Confirm how many bays are allocated on the title deed or by the owners' association.
• Building condition. Look at lifts, common areas, the facade and any record of water leaks. Ask whether major works are planned.
• Owners' association minutes. Where you can get them, they show disputes, arrears and planned spending.

Our property viewing checklist covers the unit itself.

Cost considerations beyond the price

The DLD transfer fee is 4% of the purchase price, plus admin and title-deed fees. Confirm the current schedule with DLD or the trustee office. A mortgage adds bank fees and a valuation charge. A resale also needs a developer NOC, and some developers charge for it.

After purchase, budget for service charges, cooling, DEWA, home insurance and occasional repairs. Buildings with large pools, gyms and concierge services tend to have higher service charges. The buying costs guide lists each item.

Who apartments suit

Apartments suit buyers who want a lock-up-and-leave home, lower maintenance than a villa, and access to shared facilities. They are the usual entry point for first-time buyers. Investors like them because tenants are easier to find and the paperwork is simpler.

They suit families less well if outdoor space matters, and they come with the rules of a jointly owned building. Our apartment vs villa comparison sets out the trade-offs.

How the purchase works

For a ready resale, buyer and seller agree terms on a Form F MOU. The seller obtains the developer NOC. Any mortgage is settled, and the transfer completes at a DLD trustee office. Our step-by-step guide to buying property in Dubai covers each stage.

If you are comparing a ready unit with something still under construction, see off-plan apartments. If you plan to let the unit, our apartment management service can take over from handover.