If you thought finding an affordable apartment in Abu Dhabi was already like winning the lottery, buckle up. The city’s rental market just turned into the Hunger Games — and apartments are leading the charge.
According to the latest ValuStrat Price Index, home prices in Abu Dhabi are still creeping upward, but it’s the rent hikes that have everyone clutching their checkbooks. And no, it’s not your imagination — the competition is fierce. With fewer new homes hitting the market in 2025, every available flat feels like a front-row ticket to the Beyoncé concert… only with a longer queue and less singing.
Apartments: The Overachievers of the Rent World
Apartment values jumped 1.7% quarter-on-quarter and 5.9% year-on-year, marking the fastest growth for flats in three years. Translation? If you’re looking for a city apartment, you might want to pack patience and a few extra dirhams.
The current going rate? A breezy Dh11,162 per sq m (Dh1,037 per sq ft). Meanwhile, villas — which still rule the price charts — grew even faster in value: 2.6% QoQ and a whopping 10.1% YoY, averaging Dh8,557 per sq m (Dh795 per sq ft).
Neighborhood Showdowns: Where Prices Are Popping
For villas:
- Saadiyat Island: +21.2% (Luxury island life comes at luxury island prices)
- Al Raha: +7.3%
- MBZ City: +5.1%
For apartments:
- Saadiyat Island: +8%
- Al Reef: +7.3%
- Al Muneera: +7%
- Al Reem Island: +5.8%
Why the Squeeze?
It’s simple: not enough new homes are being built to meet the growing demand. When supply is tight, landlords know they can turn up the rent dial — and they’re not shy about it. So whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer lured by the skyline, expect to face some stiff competition for your dream home.
In the meantime, keep your eye on the market, explore different neighborhoods, and maybe, just maybe, find a gem before the next price jump. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always couch-surfing at your cousin’s place… provided they haven’t raised their rent.
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