Top areas to buy a freehold property in Abu Dhabi

• Popular Freehold Areas
• Freehold Areas with Apartments
• Freehold Areas with Villas
• FAQs

Abu Dhabi’s property market saw a strong increase in demand subsequent to the rule change that ensured foreign nationals could buy freehold property in special investment zones. Also known as freehold areas in Abu Dhabi, these districts have now become ‘to-go’ options for anyone interested in real estate investment. Coming up next is an overview of the most popular areas to buy freehold property in Abu Dhabi. You will learn more about the property types, area amenities and chances of long-term growth.

POPULAR AREAS TO BUY FREEHOLD PROPERTY IN ABU DHABI

Changes to the Abu Dhabi freehold property laws in recent years opened exciting avenues for foreign investment in the UAE capital. If you want to know the best places in Abu Dhabi for foreign investors, check out these freehold communities that offer an ideal mix of apartments and villas.

Area	Starting price for apartments	Starting price for villas
Area Al Reef	Starting price for apartments AED 491,000	Starting price for villas AED 1,528,000
Area Saadiyat Island	Starting price for apartments AED 663,000	Starting price for villas AED 6,180,000
Area Yas Island	Starting price for apartments AED 633,000	Starting price for villas AED 4,485,000

YAS ISLAND

Yas Island is one of the most popular areas where expats can buy freehold property in Abu Dhabi. Home to famous attractions like the newly launched Yas Bay, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island attracts global attention and offers some of the trendiest freehold properties in Abu Dhabi.

Residents can expect a luxurious lifestyle as the neighbourhood has no shortage of lush golf courses, retail outlets, restaurants, schools, upscale hotels and entertainment destinations. Properties range from affordable to luxury flats and villas, catering to various investor profiles. Besides all this, the island’s proximity to the Abu Dhabi – Dubai Highway gives it excellent investment potential.

The ROI offered by Yas Island apartments is 6.96%; it is 4.79% for villas. You can buy a studio on Yas Island for AED 633k. For a 1-bed flat for sale on Yas Island, the average sales price increases to AED 920k. Similarly, 2 and 3-bed flats are available for AED 1.4M and AED 2.2M.

Those interested in buying villas also have plenty of choices. A 3-bed villa for sale on Yas Island is priced around AED 4.4M. The average sales price rises to AED 5.6M and AED 6.8M for 4 and 5-bed villas. AED 9.2M is the average asking price for a 6-bed for sale villa in Yas Island.

SAADIYAT ISLAND

A master development by ALDAR Properties, Saadiyat Island has gained popularity as the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi. With renowned museums, cultural attractions and regular art exhibitions and workshops, Saadiyat Island has caught the eye of global investors.

Properties in Saadiyat Island enjoy quick access to golf courses, beaches, restaurants, and urban amenities like supermarkets, schools, and universities. It also has excellent connectivity to Abu Dhabi’s main island.

Expats looking for an ideal blend of comfort and an affluent lifestyle in one of the capital’s prime residential areas offering freehold ownership should consider properties on Saadiyat Island.

The ROI for apartments in Saadiyat Island stands at 6.23%. To buy a studio flat in Saadiyat Island, expect to pay AED 663k, on average. In comparison, 1 and 2-bed apartments for sale are available for AED 2.1M and AED 2.8M. On average, a 3-bed flat for sale on the island is priced at AED 4.4M.

Villas are equally popular amongst investors, especially as the ROI is 4.84%. AED 6.1M is the average price of 3-bed villas for sale in Saadiyat Island. Similarly, to buy a 4-bed villa in Saadiyat Island, you will have to pay around AED 9M.

AED 15M and AED 23M would be your expense on average when buying a 5 and a 6-bed villa on Saadiyat Island, respectively.

AL REEF

The next entry on the list of popular freehold areas in Abu Dhabi is Al Reef. Developed by Manazel Real Estate, the neighbourhood is strategically located on the mainland, close to the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Its location just off the Abu Dhabi-Ghweifat Highway ensures a shorter commute to Dubai, making it a popular choice among investors.

Those who buy Al Reef properties can expect quick access to other popular developments such as Al Raha Beach and Yas Island. This also means easy access to fantastic entertainment and retail options. 

The sales price for villas and apartments in Al Reef is comparatively affordable than other upscale communities in Abu Dhabi, making them more appealing to a larger pool of investors.

Foreign investors interested in buying affordable freehold properties in Abu Dhabi consider Al Reef an ideal opportunity.

To buy a studio in Al Reef, the financial outlay on average would be AED 491k. Whereas, for a 1 and 2-bedroom apartment for sale, it rises to AED 640k and AED 788k, respectively. The average sales price for a 3-bed apartment in Al Reef stands at AED 1M.

The ROI of apartments in Al Reef is 7.91%. On the other hand, the ROI for villas in Al Reef is 6.27%. The average sales price for a 3-bed villa in Al Reef is AED 1.5M. It rises to AED 2.1M and AED 2.5M for 4 and 5-bed villas, respectively.

POPULAR FREEHOLD NEIGHBOURHOODS IN ABU DHABI FOR APARTMENTS

Let’s first check out popular freehold communities in Abu Dhabi for investing in apartments.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the average sales prices of studio to 3-bedroom flats in the areas.

Area	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Area Al Reem Island	Studio AED 563,000	1-Bed AED 807,000	2-Bed AED 1,291,000	3-Bed AED 1,975,000
Area Al Raha Beach	Studio AED 945,000	1-Bed AED 1,133,000 1,625,000	2-Bed AED 1,625,000	3-Bed AED 2,543,000
Area Masdar City	Studio AED 527,000	1-Bed AED 757,000	2-Bed AED 1,110,000	3-Bed AED 2,279,000
Area Al Maryah Island	Studio AED 498,000	1-Bed AED 749,000	2-Bed AED 1,067,000	3-Bed AED 1,549,000

AL REEM ISLAND

Al Reem Island secures the top spot when it comes to districts offering upscale waterfront freehold apartments in Abu Dhabi. It is also one of the city’s most in-demand communities ranking consistently as the top area to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi.

Potential buyers will find a range of residential developments on Al Reem Island, including contemporary apartments and penthouses. This mixed-use development also offers commercial properties like offices and retail outlets to interested buyers.

When investing in a property, location is always a key consideration. Al Reem Island connects to the Abu Dhabi main island via highways, offering residents easy access to popular venues.

With malls, parks, schools and universities in the area, apartments in Al Reem are ideal for foreigners and expats interested in buying freehold properties in Abu Dhabi.

When buying a studio in Al Reem Island, you need to have at least AED 563k. Similarly, for a 1 and 2-bed flat, the sales price on average would jump to AED 807k and AED 1.2M. Larger 3-bed flats for sale in Al Reem Island have an average price of AED 1.9M. The ROI is 6.52%, so you are likely to make a substantial profit in the long run.

AL RAHA BEACH

Al Raha Beach is another popular investment zone for expats buying freehold property in Abu Dhabi. The development boasts a range of waterfront properties for sale.

Consistently ranked amongst the most popular areas to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach is ideal for young professionals and families who want quick access to amenities, including schools, beaches and malls.

The apartments and villas for sale in Al Raha Beach are well-connected to the Abu Dhabi – Dubai highway (E11) and enjoy proximity to the happening Yas Island.

Investors show keen interest as apartments in the area have an ROI of 6.6%. To buy a studio flat in Al Raha Beach, you must invest AED 945k, on average. The asking sales prices jump to AED 1.3M and AED 1.6M for a 1 and 2-bed flat. Likewise, a 3-bed apartment for sale in Al Raha Beach goes for an average price of AED 2.5M.  

MASDAR CITY

Masdar City is a mixed-use development that aims to be the leading example for sustainable cities worldwide. Developed by Masdar – a subsidiary of the Mubadala Investment Group – Masdar City was recently given the status of a freehold area in Abu Dhabi.

This energy-efficient neighbourhood combines residential and commercial spaces with useful amenities, including retail outlets, parks, universities, and schools.

Masdar City is quite close to the Abu Dhabi International Airport and bustling residential hubs like Khalifa City and Al Raha Beach.

Foreign investors and expats eyeing smart investments in Abu Dhabi freehold property should consider properties in Masdar City as they offer an ROI of 7.36%.

Are you planning to buy a studio in Masdar City? You will have to pay AED 527k, on average. If you prefer a 1-bed flat for sale in Masdar City, the average price is likely to be AED 757k. Whereas 2 and 3-bed apartments are likely to have average sales prices of AED 1.1M and AED 2.2M, respectively.

AL MARYAH ISLAND

Another popular investment zone with many freehold properties in Abu Dhabi is Al Maryah Island. This premium waterfront address boasts a modern, vibrant lifestyle with hotels, beaches and an abundance of restaurants.

The Galleria Al Maryah Island offers entertainment and dining options for residents to explore. The island is well-connected to the Abu Dhabi mainland and the nearby Al Reem Island, allowing residents access to a world of fun attractions.

Al Maryah Island has an impressive ROI of 8.97%. Coupled with attractive prices, it is no surprise that investors are interested in the area.

For a studio and 1-bed apartment in Al Maryah Island, you will be paying AED 498k and AED 749k, on average. For 2-bed flats for sale in Al Maryah Island, the average asking price would be around AED 1M. When buying a 3-bed apartment in Al Maryah Island, you will have to pay AED 1.5M.

POPULAR FREEHOLD AREAS IN ABU DHABI WITH VILLAS

If you want to buy villas in Abu Dhabi, these freehold districts have great opportunities for investment.

AL SHAMKHA

Situated along the Abu Dhabi-Sweihan Road (E20), Al Shamkha is a leading choice among the freehold areas in Abu Dhabi that’s popular with investors, especially those interested in purchasing villas.

Located on the city’s outskirts, Al Shamkha provides a quaint suburban lifestyle facilitated by supermarkets, schools, clinics and other amenities for residents.

Although far from the central city, the Al Shamkha neighbourhood enjoys proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport and is connected to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).

The ROI of villas in the area is 5.53%. The average price for a 6-bed villa for sale in Al Shamkha is AED 4.8M. Investors can likely make a handsome return on their initial investment in the long run.

NURAI ISLAND

High-profile foreign investors looking for a dream holiday home should consider the freehold properties in the stunning Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi.

A 10-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island, Nurai Island offers seaside homes that are the epitome of luxury and serenity. The villas for sale in Nurai Island provide ultimate privacy and gorgeous lagoon views.

The luxurious Zaya Nurai Resort has drawn attention from tourists and visitors.

Nurai Island is the most lavish and expensive of the freehold areas in Abu Dhabi. Given the high demand for properties, you will have to pay a higher average price for the properties in Nurai Island. For instance, the average price for a 4-bed villa for sale in Nurai Island is AED 21M. It rises to a whopping AED 46M for a 6-bed villa.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN EXPATS BUY PROPERTIES IN OTHER EMIRATES?

If you are searching for freehold investment options in the country, don’t forget to check out Dubai’s popular freehold neighbourhoods. Those interested in living away from the hustle and bustle of the city can find great opportunities for property investment in top freehold areas in Ras Al Khaimah.

Though limited, there are designated areas for foreign real estate investment in Sharjah as well.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC RULES REGARDING FOREIGN PROPERTY OWNERSHIP?

While expats and foreign investors are allowed to buy property in the country, conditions are attached to the purchase. Read more about foreign property ownership rules in the UAE to ensure you are always on the right side of the law.

And that completes our list of freehold areas in Abu Dhabi that are popular among investors – both local and foreign. We hope this article on Abu Dhabi freehold properties helps you find your dream home or just the investment opportunity you were looking for.

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