Popular areas to buy cheap property in Dubai

• Apartments
• Townhouses
• Villas
• FAQs

Looking to invest in affordable real estate in Dubai? The city offers several popular areas where you can find budget-friendly properties without compromising on quality and amenities. From the vibrant community life in International City to the rapidly developing Dubai South, these neighbourhoods provide excellent opportunities for first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike. Considering that, here’s a list of the top areas to buy cheap property in Dubai.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY CHEAP PROPERTY IN DUBAI?

You can find mixed communities in Dubai with villas, townhouses and flats. On the other hand, some areas only have one property type. Let’s look at the top areas to buy affordable property in Dubai.

TOPS AREAS FOR BUYING AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS

Dubai Investment Park, International City, Discovery Gardens and DAMAC Hills 2 are the cheapest areas to buy apartments. Here are the average sales prices based on the different bed types.

Area	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Area Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)	Studio AED 483,000	1-Bed AED 739,000	2-Bed AED 1,289,000	3-Bed AED 1,718,000
Area International City	Studio AED 381,000	1-Bed AED 550,000	2-Bed AED 959,000	3-Bed AED 1,440,000
Area Discovery Gardens	Studio AED 510,000	1-Bed AED 763,000	2-Bed N/A	3-Bed N/A
Area Dubai Investment Park (DIP)	Studio AED 300,000	1-Bed AED 471,000	2-Bed AED 730,000	3-Bed N/A
Area DAMAC Hills 2 (Akoya by DAMAC)	Studio AED 455,000	1-Bed AED 680,000	2-Bed AED 1,014,000	3-Bed AED 1,729,000

Read on to find out why these areas are preferred choices for those looking to buy property in Dubai.

DUBAI SILICON OASIS

For many, DSO is one of the cheapest residential area in Dubai when considering a variety of factors. Located at the intersection of Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), this area blends commercial, residential and leisure spaces.

The area has a number of gated communities as well as apartment buildings. DSO reflects Dubai’s modernity but the locality also has many parks and communal facilities.

Most apartments for sale in DSO offer high-end amenities:

• You can acquire a studio in DSO for an average cost of AED 483k.
• It goes up to AED 739k and AED 1.29M for 1 and 2-bed flats, respectively.
• For a larger 3-bed unit, you can budget at an average of AED 1.72M.
• The ROI for flats here is 8.21%.

Check out these DSO floor plans to find out more.

INTERNATIONAL CITY

International City is one of the top choices for investors looking for cheap Dubai property for sale. The community is known as the affordable housing capital of Dubai. One of the reasons for its popularity is the potential rental yields. Demand for property for rent is usually high in the area. Hence, you can expect immediate returns.

International City is a project of Nakheel Properties, a leading real estate developer in the UAE. You can find apartments for sale in International City in low-rise buildings. The community is home to Dragon Mart 1 and 2, plus residents enjoy easy access to Dubai Safari Park and Academic City.

• To buy a studio in International City, you’re looking at an average of AED 381k.
• The average sales price rises to AED 550k and AED 956k for 1 and 2-bed flats.
• For a 3-bed flat, your average investment would be AED 1.44M.
• The ROI of flats in the area is an impressive 8.04%.

Are you interested in buying a flat in International City? Check out these International City floor plans to start your research.

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DISCOVERY GARDENS

Another popular development by Nakheel, Discovery Gardens, houses numerous apartment buildings distributed across six garden-themed clusters: Contemporary, Zen, Cactus, Mediterranean, Mogul and Mesoamerican. The community benefits from the presence of many open communal spaces and landscaped gardens.

You can expect top-class amenities in the apartments for sale in Discovery Gardens. So, whether you are considering buying a family home or an investment, this area is definitely worthy of consideration. It’s one of the most popular areas to buy cheap property in Dubai.

• The average sales price of a studio in Discovery Gardens is AED 510k.
• The average financial outlay for a 1-bed flat is AED 763k.
• The expected ROI is 8.92%.

Check out the floor plans in Discovery Gardens to see if the properties fit your criteria.

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DUBAI INVESTMENT PARK (DIP)

If you are looking for the cheapest property in Dubai, DIP is one area you may want to look at. It is a mixed-use community with commercial and residential properties. It is an eco-friendly neighbourhood with a host of amenities.

The area is especially popular amongst families thanks to some top quality schools nearby. It is a well-connected area and is close to Al Maktoum International Airport.

• The average cost of a studio in DIP is AED 300k.
• It jumps to AED 471k and AED 730k for 1 and 2-bed units.
• Flats for sale in DIP offer an impressive ROI of 11.37%.

Examine the DIP floor plans to learn about the different properties available.

DAMAC HILLS 2

Previously known as Akoya Oxygen, DAMAC Hills 2 is the next entry on our list of the top areas to look for affordable apartments for sale in Dubai. The community is one of the affordable freehold areas in Dubai. If you are looking to buy a cheap apartment in Dubai, this area is very much worthy of consideration. Apartments for sale in DAMAC Hills 2 offer great value for money. The properties are relatively new and have excellent amenities.

• The average sales price of a studio in DAMAC Hills 2 is AED 455k.
• For a 1 or 2-bed apartment, it goes up to AED 680k and AED 1.01M, respectively.
• For a 3-bed unit, the cost averages at AED 1.73M.
• The projected ROI for these properties is 7.85%.

Have a look at DAMAC Hills 2 floor plans to commence your research to buy affordable property in Dubai.

TOP AREAS FOR BUYING AFFORDABLE TOWNHOUSES

If you are interested in buying townhouses in Dubai, here is the list of the most affordable options.

Area	2-Bed	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed
Area DAMAC Hills 2 (Akoya by DAMAC)	2-Bed AED 1,429,000	3-Bed AED 1,629,000	4-Bed AED 1,875,000	5-Bed AED 2,492,000
Area Dubailand	2-Bed AED 1,496,000	3-Bed AED 2,526,000	4-Bed AED 3,064,000	5-Bed AED 3,606,000
Area Dubai South	2-Bed AED 1,654,000	3-Bed AED 2,441,000	4-Bed 3,268,000	5-Bed N/A
Area Town Square	2-Bed N/A	3-Bed AED 2,407,000	4-Bed AED 3,083,000	5-Bed N/A
Area Serena	2-Bed AED 2,172,000	3-Bed AED 3,043,000	4-Bed N/A	5-Bed N/A

DAMAC HILLS 2

DAMAC Hills 2 leads the popular searches for top areas to buy affordable property in Dubai. It is an eco-friendly and self-sufficient locality. For those residing in townhouses for sale in DAMAC Hills 2, commute to the rest of the emirate is relatively straightforward as the area offers swift access to four highways.

• The average sales price of a 2-bed townhouse in DAMAC Hills 2 is AED 1.42M.
• For larger 3 and 4-bed townhouses, the price goes to AED 1.63M and AED 1.88M, respectively.
• To buy a 5-bed townhouse, you can expect to pay an average pf AED 2.49M.
• ROI for townhouses in the area is 6.71%.

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DUBAILAND

Dubailand is one of the most popular communities for buying townhouses in Dubai. The flagship project by Dubai Properties offers an ideal community living experience. You can consider it a city within a city as it is home to a theme park, a polo club, many top hotels and different sub-communities offering various property types.

Another key reason for the area’s popularity is its strategic location. You can reach the airport in thirty minutes and drive to Downtown Dubai in less than half an hour.

The townhouses for sale in Dubailand are designed as per modern preferences and the community is considered one of the top areas to buy cheap property in Dubai.

• The sales price of 2-bedroom townhouses in Dubailand is around AED 1.49M.
• Buyers will have to pay around AED 2.53M for a 3-bedroom townhouse in Dubailand
• 4-bedroom townhouses in Dubailand cost n average of AED 3.06M.
• For a 5-bed townhouse, you can budget at AED 3.61M.
• The ROI stands at 6.63%.

Have a look at Dubailand floor plans to get an idea of property designs in the area.

DUBAI SOUTH

Dubai South is another popular area for buying affordable townhouses in Dubai. Subdivided into eight districts, the community lies in close proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) – which is undergoing a $35 billion, 10-year evolution into the world’s biggest and busiest passenger airport. The transformation, when complete, will see the airport transport 260 million travellers a year.

Dubai South is very much an up-and-coming district and the airport redevelopment, as the project edges closer to completion, promises to have a seismic effect on property prices in the area. You can currently find spacious townhouses for sale in Dubai South at competitive and tempting prices.

• According to Bayut’s data, 2-bedroom townhouses in Dubai South cost around AED 1.65M.
• Buyers can purchase a 3-bedroom townhouse for AED 2.44M
• Whereas 5-bedroom townhouses will cost an average of AED 3.27M.
• The ROI of townhouses in the area averages at 5.64%.

Checkout Dubai South floor plans to find out more.

TOWN SQUARE

Town Square is next on our list of preferred areas for affordable townhouses for sale in Dubai. It is a project by Nshama Group covering an area of 154,000 sq. m. Residents can benefit from the presence of 16 gardens and cycling, walking and jogging trails. 

Young parents considering buying a townhouse in Town Square would be pleased to know that there are top schools close by.

• To buy a 3-bed house in Town Square, you can expect to pay AED 2.41M, on average.
• For AED 3.08M, you can buy a 4-bed townhouse in the area.
• The ROI of townhouses in the area stands at 6.01%.

Considering a townhouse in the area? Check out the Town Square floor plan to see if it fits your needs.

SERENA

Rounding off our list of the best areas to invest in Dubai real estate, specifically for townhouses, is Serena. A new contemporary residential community, it is subdivided into three localities: Casa Viva, Bella Casa and Casa Dora.

Located at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and Dubai Bypass Road, residents of the area have quick access to other parts of the emirate. You can buy townhouses in Serena at competitive prices when compared with other communities throughout Dubai:

• To buy a 2-bed townhouse in Serena, the average price is AED 2.17M.
• The cost rises to AED 3.04M for 3-bed units.
• The ROI for townhouses is 6.44%.

TOP AREAS FOR BUYING AFFORDABLE VILLAS

The list of popular areas to buy affordable villas in Dubai include the following.

Area	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Area DAMAC Hills 2 (Akoya by DAMAC)	3-Bed AED 1,429,000	4-Bed AED 1,629,000	5-Bed AED 1,875,000	6-Bed AED 2,492,000
Area Dubai South	3-Bed AED 1,496,000	4-Bed AED 2,526,000	5-Bed AED 3,064,000	6-Bed AED 3,606,000
Area Town Square	3-Bed AED 1,654,000	4-Bed AED 2,441,000	5-Bed 3,268,000	6-Bed N/A
Area The Valley by Emaar	3-Bed N/A	4-Bed AED 2,407,000	5-Bed AED 3,083,000	6-Bed N/A
Area International City	3-Bed AED 2,172,000	4-Bed AED 3,043,000	5-Bed N/A	6-Bed N/A

DAMAC HILLS 2

Featuring on the list of areas with cheap apartments for rent in Dubai, as well as townhouses and villas, DAMAC Hills 2 stands out. You can buy villas in DAMAC Hills 2 and expect a strong return on your investment.

• The average cost of 3-bed villa in the area is AED 1.67M.
• It rises to an average of AED 1.89M and AED 2.89M for 4 and 5-bed villas, respectively.
• For a 6-bed villas, you can expect to pay AED 3.97M, on average.
• The ROI stands at 6.62%

DUBAI SOUTH

Dubai South is rapidly rising in popularity for buying affordable villas in Dubai. The elegantly designed villas for sale in Dubai South offer great value for money.

• According per our data analysis, the average cost of 3-bedroom villas in Dubai South is AED 2.51M.
• Buyers can purchase a 4-bedroom villa for an average of AED 3.44M.
• The ROI of villas in the area averages at 5.58%.

TOWN SQUARE

Nestled within a popular and well-established community, the villas for sale in Town Square are available in both 3-bed and 4-bed configurations. Spacious and well-designed, these villas have swiftly developed a solid reputation on the Dubai real estate market.

• For a 3-bed villa, the average cost stands at 2.38M.
• It rises to AED 3.09M for a 4-bed villa.
• ROI for villas here is 6.91%.

THE VALLEY

The Valley unsurprisingly makes it to our list of top areas to buy affordable villas in Dubai. You can find elegantly designed villas with top amenities at reasonable rates. It is located by the Dubai – Al Ain Road (E66) ensuring easy access to other areas. Residents of villas in The Valley can find educational and healthcare institutes nearby.

• The average sales price of a 3-bed villa in The Valley is AED 2.52M.
• The average ROI stands at 5.91%.

The Valley floor plans will give you a better idea of property layouts.

INTERNATIONAL CITY

Along with offering a good portfolio of affordable apartments, International City is ideal for investing in a reasonably-priced villa. When compared to average property prices throughout Dubai, the villas for sale in International City definitely fall into the budget-friendly category.

• The average sales price for 3-bedroom villas in International City stands at around AED 1.87M.
• The ROI recorded for villas for sale is 6.28%.

FAQS ABOUT TOP AREAS TO BUY AFFORDABLE PROPERTY IN DUBAI

WHAT ARE THE RULES OF FOREIGN PROPERTY OWNERSHIP IN THE UAE?

There are certain requisites for property ownership by foreigners in the UAE. However, once you meet these conditions, you can refer to our guide on how to buy a house in Dubai to ensure you go through the right processes.

WHERE CAN FOREIGNERS BUY A PROPERTY IN DUBAI?

Here is a list of freehold areas in Dubai where foreigners can buy properties.

WHAT ARE THE DLD CHARGES WHEN BUYING A PROPERTY IN DUBAI?

DLD charges in Dubai amount to 4% of the sale price. To learn more, read our explainer on the cost of buying a property in Dubai.

WHICH COMMUNITIES OFFER LUXURIOUS VILLAS IN DUBAI?

Looking to buy a luxurious villa in Dubai? You can consider any of the top luxury villa communities in Dubai, including Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills.

This sums up our sales trends for the popular areas to buy affordable property in Dubai.

It’s important to factor in the cost of buying property in Dubai before finalising your dream home. Also, if you like to get familiar with an area, it’s a good idea to rent a property for a short time. But like any other financial decision, it’s always better to plan ahead and prepare for contingencies. Remember, the rent you pay adds to your total cost of living in Dubai for single person. You can also hire movers and packers in Dubai to avoid any hassle with the relocation process.

Bayut’s Dubai Sales Transactions page offers a detailed index of real estate transaction data from the Dubai Land Department, including property sales history, annual sales volume and area-specific transactional values. This resource enables you to make informed decisions by comparing advertised prices with actual transactional prices for properties of interest. You can study data to analyze the trends from list of areas to buy affordable properties in Dubai.

Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on the latest sales and rental trends in the UAE.