As we move into the new year, it’s time to analyse property trends for the Abu Dhabi sales market to understand property preferences in the capital better. Based on the data available on dubizzle for advertised properties, prices in Abu Dhabi have appreciated for villas and apartments across the board in both the luxury and affordable segments of the market.
At a glance, here are the Abu Dhabi real estate market trends in 2022.
- For apartments, Masdar City has the highest ROI (7.16%). For villas, 6.84% has been recorded as the highest ROI in Hydra Village.
- The per-square-foot price of apartments and villas in both luxury and affordable categories has increased by 0.07% to 38.79%.
The uptick in the prices and positive sales trend reflects the investors’ trust and interest in the Abu Dhabi real estate market.
For an in-depth overview of the Abu Dhabi annual sales property market report 2022, we have segmented the affordable and luxury areas into different categories mentioned below. Moreover, the 2022 property price of each area is compared with the cost in 2021 to elaborate on the market trends.
The prices mentioned in the Abu Dhabi sales market report 2022 are extracted from dubizzle’s data and do not reflect the market dynamics.
Top Areas for Buying Apartments in Abu Dhabi
According to the searches conducted by prospective buyers on dubizzle in 2022, here are the top areas of Abu Dhabi to purchase affordable and luxury apartments.
Top 4 Affordable Areas For Buying Apartments in Abu Dhabi
POPULAR AREAS | ROI | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021 | Studio | 1-Bed | 2-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Ghadeer | ROI 7.06% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
| Masdar City | ROI 7.16% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
| Al Reef | ROI 6.96% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
| Baniyas | ROI 4.66% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
The sales trend in the affordable market segment of Abu Dhabi has remained positive. Al Ghadeer, Masdar City and Al Reef have been the top favourites of investors in this segment.
Here are the complete details of the prices and ROI of properties as observed in these areas during 2022.
Al Ghadeer
Al Ghadeer has topped the list of affordable areas for buying apartments in Abu Dhabi. The area is located on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border, which provides easy accessibility from both the Emirates. In 2022, the average sale price for apartments in Al Ghadeer was AED 55.5K with a 7.06% ROI.
- The per-square-foot price for apartments in Al Ghadeer in 2022 decreased by 0.88% and has averaged AED 697.
- The asking price of apartments in 2022 was AED 346k for Studio, AED 496k for a 1-bedroom and AED 670k for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Masdar City
Masdar City is a sustainable urban community known for its clean environment as it uses solar and renewable energy resources for community operations. For this area, the average sale price in 2022 was AED 866k with an ROI of 7.16%.
- The average price per-square-foot of apartments in the area has increased by 12.39%.
- The studio apartment has an average sale price of AED 527k in 2022. Whereas, for 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, the average prices have been AED 787k and AED 1.22M, respectively.
Al Reef
Al Reef is one of the fully integrated communities in Abu Dhabi. The area is located on the outskirts of the main island neighbouring Abu Dhabi airport and Al Raha Beach.
In 2022, the sale price of apartments in Al Reef increased by 11.29% and averaged AED 749k.
- The per-square-foot price of apartments has averaged AED 747.
- For studio apartments, buyers have paid AED 453k.
- The prices of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments have averaged AED 601k and AED 766k, respectively
Baniyas
Baniyas is located south of Abu Dhabi on the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highway (E22). This waterfront area is popular for its sports activities and is home to Baniyas Sports and Culture Club.
In this area, AED 1M has been recorded as the average sales price of apartments with a 4.66% investment return.
- A decrease in the per-square-foot price has been observed in Baniyas. That said, the recorded per-square-foot price has been AED 747.
- The value of studio apartments dropped from AED 541k in 2021 to AED 468k in 2022.
- The asking prices of a 1 and 2-bedroom apartment have averaged AED 617k and AED 1.1M in 2022.
Top 5 Luxury Areas For Buying Apartments in Abu Dhabi
POPULAR AREAS | ROI | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021 | Studio | 1-Bed | 2-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Reem Island | ROI 6.58% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
| Yas Island | ROI 6.31% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
| Al Raha Beach | ROI 5.77% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
| Saadiyat Island | ROI 4.20% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
| Al Maryah Island | ROI 4.92% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| Studio
| 1-Bed
| 2-Bed
|
The luxury areas in Abu Dhabi are known for their upscale lifestyle and high-end amenities.
The top luxury areas to purchase apartments in Abu Dhabi, according to the investors’ interest, are mentioned below.
Al Reem Island
Al Reem is situated on the northeastern coast of Abu Dhabi. This island offers a splendid waterfront view of the Arabian Gulf. The sales price of apartments in Al Reem Island in 2022 has averaged around AED 1.24M with an estimated ROI of 6.58%.
- The per-square-foot average price of apartments in this area was AED 1,017.
- The asking price of a studio apartment in this area has averaged AED 468k.
- For 1-bedroom apartments, the average asking price has been AED 617k.
- Whereas, the average recorded price for a 2-bedroom has been AED 1.1k.
Yas Island
Yas Island is included in some of the most popular and luxurious areas of Abu Dhabi. A project by ALDAR, Yas Island provides a myriad of entertainment and other leisure activities to its residents.
Buyers have paid an average sales price of AED 1.34M on the purchase of apartments in the area. Whereas, the estimated ROI yield on the apartments in 2022 was 6.31%.
- An uptick of 6.26% has been recorded in the per-square-foot price and averaged AED 1,298.
- The average recorded price for a studio apartment has been AED 725k.
- Whereas, the asking price of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments have been averaged at AED 1M and AED 1.53M, respectively.
Al Raha Beach
Al Raha Beach is enveloped between the shoreline and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10). Buyers have paid an average sales price of AED 1,758,000 with an ROI of 5.77%.
- The per-square-foot price jumped from AED 1,167 in 2021 to AED 1,220 in 2022.
- The price of a studio apartment has averaged AED 903k in 2022.
- The average recorded asking price for a 1-bedroom apartment has been AED 1.13M and AED 1.63M for 2 bedrooms.
Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island is popularly known for its prestigious location in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s art and cultural centre. Therefore, the sales price of apartments in this area has increased by 10.43% and averaged AED 2.58M with an ROI of 4.20%.
The rapid surge in the demand for apartments located in sub-communities like Park View and Soho Square has contributed significantly to the overall price increase.
- The recorded per-square-foot average price of apartments in this area has been AED 1,851
- The sales price of the studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments have averaged AED 882k, AED 1.75M and AED 2.89M, respectively.
Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island was started in 2007 by Mubadala Development Company and is counted as one of the largest construction sites in the Emirate. The estimated ROI yield of the area has been 4.92% with an average sales price of AED 1.12M.
- In comparison to 2021, an increase of 16.90% has been observed in the per-square-foot prices. That said, the per-square-foot price of apartments has averaged AED 1,362.
- AED 575k has been recorded as the average sales price of a studio apartment in 2022.
- For a 1-bedroom, the price has averaged AED 884k and for a 2-bedroom it has been AED 1.18M.
Top Areas for Buying Villa in Abu Dhabi
Villas are the second most popular type of residence in Abu Dhabi. Legal protection, transparency in processes and long-term sustainability make Abu Dhabi a favourable palace for purchasing villas.
Top 5 Affordable Areas for Buying villas in Abu Dhabi
POPULAR AREAS | ROI | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021 | 3-Bed | 4-Bed | 5-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Reef | ROI 6.21% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Khalifa City A | ROI 4.49% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Hydra Village | ROI 6.84% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Al Samha | ROI 5.32% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Al Ghadeer | ROI 5.70% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed |
| Not available due to low/no historical inventory or influx of off-plan properties | |||||
Following are the top 5 affordable areas to buy villas in Abu Dhabi extracted from the analysis of dubizzle’s data.
Al Reef
Al Reef is equally popular for purchasing apartments and villas. Residents of Al Reef leverage a family-friendly environment along with multiple amenities.
The sales price of villas in this gated community has averaged AED 2.15M with a 6.21% investment return. The overall prices of villas in Al Reef have increased by 4.50%.
- That said, in 2022, the per-square-foot price of villas has averaged AED 696.
- Whereas, the price of a 3-bedroom villa has averaged AED 1.59M.
- For a 4-bedroom villa, AED 2.21M has been the average sales price in 2022.
Khalifa City A
Khalifa City A also known as Khalifa City is located between the E20 and E21 highways which makes commuting between the Emirates easier for its residents.
With this ideal location, the sales price of Khalifa City A has averaged AED 6.54M with an increase of 6.80% in prices contrary to 2021. Whereas, the recorded ROI on the villas has been 4.49%.
- The per-square-foot price of villas has averaged AED 684.
- The recorded average sales price of a 3-bedroom villa has been AED 4.26M and for a 4-bed it has been AED 5.33M.
Hydra Village
Hydra Village is situated on Highway 11 and is only 20 km away from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Nearby areas include Al Raha Garden, Al Raha Beach and Yas Island. Contrary to 2021, the prices in Hydra Village have stabilised. The sales price of villas in Hydra Village has been averaged at AED 909k with a 6.84% ROI.
- The per-square-foot price has increased from AED 488 in 2021 to only AED 489 in 2022.
- The price of a 3-bedroom villa has averaged AED 903k.
Al Samha
Al Samha is located on Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11) and is enveloped between Al Rahba and Al Samha. The recorded average sales price of a villa in Al Samha has been AED 1.41M with an ROI of 5.32% in 2022.
- The per-square-foot price of villas increased by 2.02% and averaged AED 573.
- The price of a 3-bedroom villa dropped from AED 1.44M to AED 1.41M in 2022.
Al Ghadeer
A project of ALDAR, Al Ghadeer is located on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border and is easily accessible by both the Emirates. Buyers had paid an average price of AED 1.55M for purchasing a villa in Al Ghadeer.
- The per-square-foot price of a villa has averaged AED 735 in 2022.
- For 3 and 4-bedroom, the prices have averaged AED 1.45M and AED 2.28M, respectively.
Top 5 Luxury Areas For Buying Villas in Abu Dhabi
POPULAR AREAS | ROI | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021 | 3-Bed | 4-Bed | 5-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yas Island | ROI 4.97% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Saadiyat Island | ROI 5.01% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Al Raha Gardens | ROI 5.91% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Al Mushrif | ROI 4.71% | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Nurai Island | ROI N/A | PRICE PER SQ.FT Avg. Price/sq.ftChange from 2021
| 3-Bed
| 4-Bed
| 5-Bed
|
| Not available due to low/no historical inventory or influx of off-plan properties | |||||
Here are the luxury areas of Abu Dhabi that are investors’ favourites in 2022.
Yas Island
Yas Island is one of the most sought-after areas of Abu Dhabi. That said, it is equally popular for purchasing luxury apartments and villas as well. An investment return of 4.97% has been estimated on the properties in Yas Island that are available with an average price of AED 4.55M.
- The per-square-foot price has been increased from AED 1,112 in 2021 to AED 1,183 in 2022.
- The price of a 3-bedroom villa has averaged AED 2.93M.
- For 4 and 5-bedroom, the price has averaged AED 4.93M and AED 6.87M, respectively.
Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island also maintains its position in the list by offering luxury apartments and villas both. The average sale price in Saadiyat Island has increased by 23.24%.
Therefore, the recorded average asking price of the villa has been AED 10,.41M with a 5.01% investment return.
- The per-square-foot price has also increased by 10.41% and averaged AED 1,515.
- The price of a 3-bedroom villa has averaged AED 5.58M.
- For 4 and 5-bedroom villas, buyers had paid an average price of AED 7.30M and AED 13.65M, respectively.
Al Raha Gardens
Al Raha Garden is a family-friendly area that offers a wide range of luxury and modern villas. Buyers had paid an average price of AED 2.88M with an estimated investment return of 5.91%.
- The per-square-foot price dropped from AED 817 to AED 814 in 2022.
- The 3-bedroom price in 2022 has averaged AED 2.44M.
- The price has averaged AED 2.82M for 4-bedroom and AED 4.15M for 5-bedroom villas.
Al Mushrif
Al Mushrif is located in the centre of Abu Dhabi between Al Khaleej Al Arabi and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street. A 5.29% increase has been observed in the prices of villas in the area. That said, the recorded average asking price of villas has been AED 7.18M with an ROI of 4.71%.
- The per-square-foot price of villas has averaged AED 913.
- Whereas, the price of a 4-bedroom villa has averaged AED 7.82M and a 5-bedroom at AED 5.77M.
Nurai Island
Nurai Island is near the Abu Dhabi coastline. Apart from residence, the area is also a popular tourist and holiday destination. Buyers had paid an average price of AED 25.67M for purchasing a villa in this area.
- The recorded average per-square-foot price has been AED 2,710 with an increase of 38.79% in comparison to 2021.
- The cost of a 4-bedroom villa is averaged at AED 25.67M.
Here we conclude our Abu Dhabi sales market report for 2022. The detailed explanation of sales trends in each area will aid buyers in choosing the appropriate property units for investment. You can browse through these properties for sale in Abu Dhabi and purchase an ideal unit for investment.
Commenting on the findings, Haider Ali Khan, the CEO of Bayut & dubizzle and the Head of EMPG MENA said:
“Over the last few years the Abu Dhabi real estate market has established its reputation as a safe, stable and reliable investment opportunity. In the last year, the government also focussed on enhancing digitalisation and transparency by launching DARI, where property seekers can get in depth information about the transactions in the capital. This coupled with the timely completion of projects and steady demand has resulted in an overall positive outlook for Abu Dhabi as an attractive place for investors.
At dubizzle, our aim has always been to keep improving our products and technology for a better user experience for the millions of visitors we get on the platform on a daily basis, and we’ve taken this a step forward with the launch of Verified Properties, the proven authentication solution for properties on portals. In the next few months, our users will also be able to find very valuable insights on the platform for a more holistic experience. As the largest horizontal platform in the region, we’d like to stay true to our commitment and provide best in class service to all our loyal user base”.
Stay tuned to UAE’s leading property blog for Abu Dhabi's Annual Rent Market Report 2022.
Disclaimer: The trends mentioned in the Abu Dhabi sales real estate market report 2022 is based on the properties listed on dubizzle for sale. This, by any means, is not an actual representation of real estate trends in the Emirate.
