Saadiyat Island or Yas Island: Where should you live?
Do you want to buy or rent property in Abu Dhabi but can’t decide between Saadiyat Island or Yas Island? Both islands are among the most popular areas to buy luxury villas in the capital. Fabulous properties, amenities and attractions in these developments make the decision even harder. To help you reach a sound decision on Saadiyat Island vs Yas Island debate, here’s a look at the properties and the lifestyle on offer on both these islands.
SAADIYAT ISLAND VS YAS ISLAND, WHERE SHOULD YOU BUY PROPERTY?
So, if you’ve been asking yourself, ‘which is more expensive: Yas Island or Saadiyat Island?’, ‘which area has a better ROI’ and ‘which area offers bigger properties’- worry not. This comparison between lifestyles in the two islands will help you decide when investing or renting in two of Abu Dhabi’s hottest residential developments.
One crucial factor to consider when buying property is the developer. And in this instance, both islands are an incredible creation of ALDAR Properties, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading real estate developers. The same developer is credited for other prime residential developments in Abu Dhabi, including Al Raha Beach and Al Raha Gardens.
Investors will find that both islands have diverse properties, including apartments and villas. Both areas also have a mix of ready and off-plan properties.
So, now let’s look at the differences between the two islands.
BUYING APARTMENTS IN SAADIYAT ISLAND VS YAS ISLAND
Looking to buy apartments in Yas Island or Saadiyat Island? Buyers will find that Yas Island has a larger portfolio of apartments for sale, giving them more choices. These flats range from studios to 4-bedroom units, which will appeal to different investor profiles.
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 675 SQFT
Similarly, Saadiyat Island also offers apartments in various configurations, from studios to luxurious 4-bedroom penthouses.
Remember that the average square footage for apartments for sale in Saadiyat Island is larger than those in Yas Island.
For instance, the average size of a 1-bedroom apartment in Yas Island is 686 sq. ft., while a 1-bedroom apartment in Saadiyat Island is 1,050 sq. ft. For home buyers looking for larger living spaces, the availability of spacious apartments for sale in Saadiyat Island is a significant influencing factor.
However, the larger square footage also has a heftier price tag, as seen below.
Area | Studio | 1-Bed | 2-Bed | 3-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Area Saadiyat Island | Studio AED 751,000 | 1-Bed AED 1,936,000 | 2-Bed AED 3,536,000 | 3-Bed AED 6,447,000 |
Area Yas Island | Studio AED 710,000 | 1-Bed AED 971,000 | 2-Bed AED 1,621,000 | 3-Bed AED 1,951,000 |
The price to buy apartments in Saadiyat Island is considerably higher than Yas Island in some cases.
- Saadiyat Island’s apartments for sale are priced slightly higher at AED 751k for studios, AED 1.9M for 1-bedroom units and AED 3.5M for 2-bedroom units. AED 6.4M is the average sales price of 3-bed apartments in Saadiyat Island.
- For apartments in Yas Island, investors can expect to shell out AED 710k for studios. 1 and 2-bedroom units cost an average of AED 971k and AED 1.6M, respectively. In contrast, 3-bed units for sale in Yas Island cost AED 1.9M.
- Investors must also remember that Saadiyat Island apartments offer an ROI of 3.94%. Whereas Yas Island’s ROI stands at 6.21%.
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1226 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1738 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 2324 SQFT
BUYING VILLAS: YAS ISLAND VS SAADIYAT ISLAND?
Bayut’s 2022 Abu Dhabi sales market report mentions Yas Island and Saadiyat Island as two of the most popular communities to buy luxury villas. Hence, interest in properties remains high. Both islands are known for their luxury villas with high-quality interiors, manicured gardens and spacious layouts.
In Yas Island, villas range from 3 to 6-bedroom units, while Saadiyat Island villas for sale are available in 3 to 7-bedroom layouts.
- 4 BEDS
- |
- 8 BATHS
- |
- 5795 SQFT
- 5 BEDS
- |
- 9 BATHS
- |
- 8779 SQFT
Investors looking for 3 to 4-bedroom villas will find a more extensive selection on Yas Island. Meanwhile, Saadiyat Island has a broader choice for larger units in 5 to 6-bedroom configurations.
Many investors also ask which is more expensive to buy: Yas Island or Saadiyat Island houses? Like apartments, Saadiyat Island villas for sale are priced higher for their ultra-luxurious interiors and larger living spaces.
Area | 3-Bed | 4-Bed | 5-Bed | 6-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Area Saadiyat Island | 3-Bed AED 6,798,000 | 4-Bed AED 6,567,000 | 5-Bed AED 13,187,000 | 6-Bed AED 14,158,000 |
Area Yas Island | 3-Bed AED 3,979,000 | 4-Bed AED 5,586,000 | 5-Bed AED 6,420,000 | 6-Bed AED 10,550,000 |
Regarding average square footage, the villas for sale in Saadiyat Island tend to have larger layouts than Yas Island. So, if you fancy a bigger villa, Saadiyat Island will be the better bet.
- The Saadiyat Island villas for sale will cost buyers more, averaging AED 6.5M for 4-bedroom villas and AED 13M for 5-bedroom units. The asking price for a 6-bed villa in Saadiyat Island is AED 14M.
- The average sales price for 3-bed villas in Yas Island is AED 3.9M and AED 5.5M for 4-bedroom units. The average cost of 5-bedroom units in Yas Island stands at AED 6M. It rises to AED 10M for a 6-bed villa.
- The villas in Yas Island have a slightly lower ROI of 4.71%. Saadiyat Island villas for sale generate an ROI of 5.56%.
SAADIYAT ISLAND VS YAS ISLAND: WHERE SHOULD YOU RENT PROPERTY?
If you’re moving homes and have wondered, ‘Yas Island or Saadiyat Island: which is more expensive to rent?’, here’s some data-backed insight.
We’ll check out properties for rent on both islands and compare the lifestyle offered so that you can make the right choice for yourself and your family.
RENTING APARTMENTS IN YAS ISLAND AND SAADIYAT ISLAND
Are you thinking of renting apartments in Saadiyat Island or Yas Island? On Yas Island, you have options like Water’s Edge, Mayan and Ansam. Many apartment complexes boast golf course views and offer upscale apartments from studios to 4-bedroom units.
Meanwhile, several Saadiyat Island subcommunities have elegantly designed apartments, including Saadiyat Cultural District, Soho Square, Saadiyat Beach, Park View and Saadiyat Noon.
Many luxury apartments benefit from access to private beaches and lush golf courses. Potential tenants searching for larger units will find that Saadiyat Island apartments for rent range from studios to 4-bedroom units.
- Saadiyat Island apartments for rent average at AED 44k for studios, AED 77k for 1-bedroom units and AED 133k for 2-bedroom units. AED 193k is the average rental price of a 3-bed apartment in Saadiyat Island.
- Renters can expect to pay an average price of AED 50k for a studio in Yas Island. It jumps to AED 59k for 1-bedroom units and AED 95k for 2-bedroom units. For a larger 3-bed apartment in Yas Island, the average rent rises to AED 121k.
Area | 3-Bed | 4-Bed | 5-Bed | 6-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Area Saadiyat Island | 3-Bed AED 44,000 | 4-Bed AED 77,000 | 5-Bed AED 133,000 | 6-Bed AED 192,000 |
Area Yas Island | 3-Bed AED 50,000 | 4-Bed AED 59,000 | 5-Bed AED 95,000 | 6-Bed AED 121,000 |
RENTING VILLAS IN SAADIYAT VS YAS ISLAND
There will be plenty of choices regarding villas for rent in Yas Island or Saadiyat Island.
In Yas Island, subcommunities like West Yas and Yas Acres offer regal villas on the island’s edge, overlooking lush mangroves. You can find 3 to 6-bed villas in the area.
The villas for rent in Saadiyat Island range from 3 to 7-bedroom units, offering tenants a wider choice. There are two developments with rental villas in Saadiyat Island: HIDD Al Saadiyat and Saadiyat Beach. The beachfront villas in both destinations are designed with comfort and style in mind.
- The rental prices for villas in Saadiyat Island are higher than on Yas Island. Renters can expect to pay an average of AED 315k for 3-bedroom villas and AED 439k for 4-bedroom units. For larger 5-bed villas in Saadiyat Island, the average rent goes up to AED 581k.
- The average price to rent villas in Yas Island is AED 233k for 3-bedroom units and AED 316k for 4-bedroom villas. The annual average rent for a 5-bed villa in Yas Island is AED 302k. It rises to AED 541k for a 6-bed villa.
Area | 3-Bed | 4-Bed | 5-Bed | 6-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Area Saadiyat Island | 3-Bed AED 315,000 | 4-Bed AED 439,000 | 5-Bed AED 581,000 | 6-Bed N/A |
Area Yas Island | 3-Bed AED 233,000 | 4-Bed AED 316,000 | 5-Bed AED 302,000 | 6-Bed AED 541,000 |
LIVING IN YAS ISLAND VS LIVING IN SAADIYAT ISLAND
When choosing a place to live, the lifestyles offered can make a difference.
Here is what you need to know about life on Yas Island.
- Living in Yas Island means proximity to various thrilling attractions, such as the Yas Marina Circuit, which annually hosts the highly-anticipated Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
- The apartments and villas in Yas Island are close to the capital city’s famous theme parks, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World.
- Other amenities, such as Abu Dhabi’s largest mall, parks, beaches and supermarkets, make living in Yas Island a luxurious experience.
- Yas Mall is one of the emirate’s biggest attractions, and Yas Bay in a short time, has become a tourist hotspot.
- The various events, attractions, dining, and retail options draw many single professionals and young couples to live in the area.
- Similarly, the island’s schools, mosques, and clinics make the area family-friendly.
Meanwhile, Saadiyat Island has earned its spot as the city’s cultural capital, with art fairs, exhibitions and workshops happening often. Life on Saadiyat Island would be peaceful yet luxurious.
- Attractions like Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat make the area ideal for those interested in art, history and culture.
- Living on Saadiyat Island means many leisure activities and amenities to enjoy. Residents have access to restaurants, world-class golf courses and beaches.
- Saadiyat Island is also home to supermarkets, a nursery and educational institutes, making it ideal for families.
- Both islands have a mix of expats and locals that proudly call these areas home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR SUBCOMMUNITIES TO RENT A PROPERTY IN YAS ISLAND?
Have you decided that Yas Island is the preferred option? Check out our list of the most popular area to rent a property in Yas Island to find your dream home.
You can also check out the popular subcommunities to rent a property in Saadiyat Island.
WHAT CAN I DO WHEN VISITING THESE ISLANDS?
Even if you are in Abu Dhabi for a holiday, it’s worth visiting these islands. There are plenty of things to do on Yas Island. Similarly, the list of things to do on Saadiyat Island is impressive too!
And that brings an end to the in-depth comparison of Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. We hope this article helps you find your dream home or a fruitful investment.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on Abu Dhabi’s residential islands.
