Bigger homes in Dubai for smaller rents: Why more residents are moving to the suburbs

Bigger homes in Dubai for smaller rents: Why more residents are moving to the suburbs

Residential units outside the city are more affordable to buy, too

Published: Thu 22 Sep 2022, 7:00 AM

Filipina expat Rachel Delacruz was a city girl and loved the easy access to everything that came with it. However, when she got pregnant with her first child, she had this overwhelming desire to have her “own personal space”. That’s why she decided to move to a suburb — Damac Hills 2 — which is about 50km away from her office.

“When I got pregnant, I wanted a place that had a semblance of home. That’s why we moved here,” she said.

Delacruz got a brilliant deal. She moved from a 2BHK apartment in the city with an annual rent of Dh60,000 to a 3BHK townhouse that costs Dh40,000 a year. What’s more, “it comes with a garden”.

Rachel is among thousands of UAE residents who are moving away from the hustle and bustle of the city for some after-work peace and quiet. Though it has meant hospitals being farther off, lesser eating out and fast food options, she loves the fact that her now three-month-old will grow up in a “large space he can call his own”.

Most popular suburban options

Research done by real estate marketplace Property