What Are Serviced Apartments?
Serviced apartments are furnished residential units that blend home comforts with hotel-style services and amenities. They typically include a kitchen, living area, housekeeping, utilities, Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security. All under flexible lease terms from a few days to months.
In Dubai, they are registered as hotel apartments under DLD and regulated by Dubai Economy & Tourism (DETD).
Are you confused between a serviced apartment or your regular apartment? Then you need to see this: -
Feature | Serviced Apartment | Regular Apartment |
---|---|---|
Ownership Model | Usually part of a branded residence or hotel-style building, sold fully furnished with management services | Standard freehold or leasehold unit; owners manage furnishing, leasing, and maintenance |
Tenant Profile | Short- to medium-term stays: tourists, business travelers, expats on contracts, digital nomads | Long-term residents: families, working professionals, students |
Rental Yield | Generally higher (6–9% annually) due to premium pricing and shorter stays | Moderate (4–7%), depends on location and long-term rental demand |
Occupancy Rates | Linked to Dubai’s tourism market — can reach ~80%+ in prime areas | Depends on residential demand; steady but can fluctuate with job market |
Capital Appreciation | Strong in branded projects and prime districts (Downtown, Marina, Palm Jumeirah) | Stable growth across most communities; it depends more on overall real estate cycle |
Management | Fully managed by the operator (housekeeping, bookings, utilities, maintenance included) | Owner or a property manager must handle tenants, utilities, and upkeep |
Flexibility for Owner | Can use personally when visiting Dubai and rent out the rest of the time | Primarily long-term lease; limited personal use if tenanted |
Initial Cost | Slightly higher per sq. ft. due to furnishing, services, and branding | Generally lower entry price per sq. ft., but additional costs for furnishing and setup |
Liquidity / Resale | Attractive to global investors; branded appeal boosts resale demand | Strong local demand; resale driven by location and community reputation |
Risk Factors | Sensitive to tourism trends and global travel patterns | More stable, as demand is linked to Dubai’s resident population |