Properties for sale in Abu Dhabi

The density of Abu Dhabi's high-rise office, hotel and apartment buildings gives the impression that there is no further room for growth. However, the current population of approximately 1.8m is expected to rise in coming years due to a significant expansion of the City's area. Dating back only as far as the 60s the modern city of Abu Dhabi is still in relative infancy when it comes to the development of a city's character. Designed using a grid pattern the island has seen considerable construction along its' coastline, in particular tall buildings of 20 storeys or more. Al Ain, an inland oasis city at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, enjoys a more comfortable climate than Abu Dhabi and boasts no tall buildings exceeding 6 storeys. Properties in Al Ain are often described as 'palatial'.

Abu Dhabi has been described as a 'landlord's paradise'. There is a severe shortage of rental property although planned and under-construction developments will ease this situation in time. Currently Abu Dhabi has poor public transport and no mass transit system. Gulf Co-operation Council nationals are permitted to buy property anywhere. However, this was not the case for non-nationals until very recently. They were restricted to the three development areas of Al Raha Beach, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem. As such only off-plan purchases were available. The rules relating to the owbership of property by foreign investors have recently changed. Now a warm welcome is offered and comes with the right to buy any leasehold property anywhere in the emirate The ownership of real estate does not give one the right of permanent residence. However, tourist visas are readily granted. A 10% deposit is required to secure a property. There is a registration fee of 2% for a property sale and 1* for a lease. Corporation tax, income tax or capital gains taxes are not levied by Abu Dhabi. Prior to the worldwide credit crisis (2008) mortgages were available up to 90% of the value of the property. Enquiries should be made to ascertain the current maximum. Service charges for the property are required to be paid annually, and in advance.