Villas and houses for sale in Abu Dhabi

Villa in Abu Dhabi for a residency permit

The real estate market in the capital of the UAE offers a wide variety of homes for purchase, enabling buyers to obtain residency for long-term living in the country. Villas for sale in Abu Dhabi range from luxurious mansions to more modest homes, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.

Transactions involving property in the UAE not only provide access to comfortable housing but also offer the opportunity to obtain residency. However, when selecting a property, investors should note that a long-term residence visa is granted for investments starting from AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). Investors can own one or multiple properties, provided the total investment meets the minimum threshold.

Residence permit in UAE by buying a house in Abu Dhabi

Acquiring a residence permit in the UAE through property investment is a primary motivation for investors. Owning houses or apartments in the UAE allows individuals to reside in the country without restrictions.

To qualify for a long-term five-year visa, several conditions must be met:

• Purchase in Freehold Zones: You must acquire a house in Abu Dhabi located within one of the city's freehold zones. Popular areas include Yas Island, Al Reem Island and Saadiyat Island, as well as communities like Al Reef and Khalifa City;
• Minimum Investment Threshold: The investment must be no less than AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000);
• Age and Legal Income: The applicant must be at least 18 years old, possess a legitimate source of income and have no criminal record;
• Health: The investor must not have any serious illnesses, as confirmed by a medical examination. The residency visa can be renewed for the same duration, provided the property ownership is maintained.

Investment house in Abu Dhabi

The capital's real estate is regarded as one of the most profitable in the region, characterised by a stable market with a high potential for price growth and returns. As per the Department of Municipalities and Transport, there were 13,298 real estate transactions completed in 2023, representing a remarkable 17-fold increase compared to 2022.

Off-plan villas in Abu Dhabi for investment are particularly in demand, with the majority of transactions in 2023 falling into this category. Popular locations include Saadiyat, Yas and Al Reem Islands, as well as Al Mushrif and Al Bateen communities. These areas offer a comfortable living environment, strategic locations and high-quality infrastructure, making them appealing for both personal use and investment. In 2023, the most sought-after villa communities were Fay Al Reeman 2 and Noya, known for their affordable prices, along with Yas Acres and Saadiyat Lagoons, which cater to the luxury housing sector.

Abu Dhabi is home to approximately 3.8 million residents, with 83% being expatriates. This large expatriate population makes the city extremely popular for renting property. Given its appeal to families and multigenerational households, there’s a high demand for homes with several bedrooms. The return on investment in the city ranges from 3.9% to 6.8% per annum.

Low-rise properties in the capital are also ideal for resale, as this category of housing consistently remains in demand. In 2023, house prices in Abu Dhabi for 3- and 4-bedroom homes increased by an average of 12%. Notably, three-bedroom cottages on Saadiyat Island experienced a 38% price increase, while 5-bedroom cottages in Al Reef and on Yas Island saw rises of 118% and 63%, respectively.

Investing in a low-rise house for sale in Abu Dhabi can be a smart strategy not only for obtaining residency but also for generating significant profit due to rising property values and stable rental demand.