Why Buy a Serviced Apartment in Dubai?

Why Buy a Serviced Apartment in Dubai?

Serviced apartments in Dubai witnessed 30% value growth, with the highest rental yield, so different projects- DAMAC Maison Dubai Mall Street, Artesia DAMAC Hills, AYS Serviced Apartments and many more projects are available, so grab the information on every project, the benefits of buying and more inside: -

FACT: More than 30% value growth in serviced apartments in the past years has made serviced apartments the best form of property type for investment or personal use. In fact, if we talk about its occupancy rate, then 80% of them were occupied because of its high tourism in 2024 (18.72 million).

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

Why Buy a Serviced Apartment in Dubai? Facts You Can’t Ignore

  • High rental yields (typically 5–7 % annually) and strong capital appreciation in prime zones
  • Golden Visa eligibility if investment > AED 2 million.
  • Flexibility & convenience: ideal for business travellers, young families, or expats needing temporary housing.
  • Adds different benefits: Inclusive maintenance, concierge, housekeeping – no landlord hassle.
  • Smart home features are increasingly common (automation, energy efficiency)

Strong secondary market demand from tourists, professional tenants, and short-stay users.

Serviced Apartments for Sale in Dubai (2025)

Here are some of the most notable serviced apartment options, with current pricing and location:

  • DAMAC Maison Dubai Mall Street 

DETAILS: 1 BR, AED 2.5 million (905 sq. ft.), yield ~5–7 %

  • Kempinski BLVD, Downtown

DETAILS: 1 BR, AED 3.3 (814 Sq. Ft.)

  • Address Harbour Point, Creek Harbour

DETAILS: 2 BR, AED 1.6 million (1,141Sq. Ft.)

  • Artesia DAMAC Hills

DETAILS: 1 BR, AED 420,000

  • Palazzo Versace, Culture Village

 DETAILS: 2 BR, AED 4,300,000 (1,685 Sq. Ft.)

  • AYS Serviced Apartments 

DETAILS: AED 2 million, eco-friendly and innovative tech-enabled

  • One Za’abeel (One&Only style urban resort) 

DETAILS: Simplex & duplex serviced units with shared resort amenities.

  • Who Should Consider serviced apartments in Dubai?
  • Expats relocating or working temporarily—ready-to-move, no setup, full support.
  • Investors looking for steady ROI, short-stay demand, and limited management hassle.

Families or remote-workers wanting space, kitchen, home-like privacy, and fallback to luxury services.
Considering all its benefits is one side of the story because knowing anything also means to know its drawback too, so if you want to invest in any serviced apartment, then you need to mitigate the following factors: - 

  • Scrutinize the Operator's Track Record: Don't just accept a big brand name while buying a serviced apartment in Dubai, rather investigate the specific operator's performance history, financial stability, and reputation for managing properties in Dubai. A poor operator can drastically reduce your returns.
  • Decipher the Management Agreement: This is a critical document. Pay close attention to the contract length, termination clauses for both parties, and the notice period required. Avoid agreements that are overly long or heavily favor the operator.
  • Understand the Fee Structure: Look beyond the headline management fee. Be aware of hidden costs for marketing, reservations, maintenance reserves, refurbishment clauses, and other administrative charges that can eat into your net income.
  • Clarity on Owner's Usage Rights: The agreement should explicitly state how many days per year you can use the apartment, the booking procedure (blackout periods during high season), and any associated costs for your own stays.
  • Performance Guarantee Clauses: If offered, understand the exact terms of any guaranteed rental return. Is it a net guarantee after deducting all fees? What happens if the operator fails to meet it?
  • Beware of "Guaranteed Returns": Treat long-term guaranteed returns (e.g., 5-8 years) with caution. Often, the cost of this guarantee is built into the inflated purchase price. Model the investment without the guarantee to test its true viability.
  • Future Capex Liabilities: Inquire about the building's sinking fund for major future repairs (e.g., elevator replacement, facade cleaning). If inadequate, you could face a special service charge assessment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are serviced apartments regulated in Dubai?

They’re listed under “hotel apartments” by DLD and governed by existing hospitality laws—no separate law needed.

Is VAT applicable?

resale of serviced apartments (classified as commercial property) triggers 5 % VAT if the sale price exceeds AED 375,000.

Are management fees high?

They can be—clients report higher service charges than standard apartments. Review annual service/maintenance costs before purchase.

Can I control the rental myself?

Typically, no because it is operated by someone else who takes care of handling bookings, rates, and maintenance. Some investors prefer buying regular apartments and managing them as holiday lets independently.

What is the best lease length?

Expect flexible terms—from nightly stays (hotel-style) to monthly or yearly leases. Tailor to your need for flexibility vs. income.