Tips for Expats: How to Rent an Apartment in Dubai
Dubai boasts a well-developed rental market, offering a wide range of apartments for first-time visitors and returning expats alike. However, finding that perfect, cozy home or a fully-equipped vacation rental can be a bit challenging.
Before you start your search, it’s important to define your key requirements:
- Budget;
- Preferred area;
- Type of accommodation (room, studio, one-bedroom, multi-bedroom apartment);
- Additional amenities (parking, pool, gym, etc.).
The experts from Colife Dubai have already gathered all the information you need to find an apartment that meets your standards, making search easier and more efficient.
Popular rental websites
There are numerous online platforms and aggregators that can help you find your ideal home. Here are a few popular resources: Bayut, Property Finder, Dubizzle, Just Property, and Airbnb.
Bayut and Property Finder are the go-to platforms for long-term rentals in Dubai. They feature modern, user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive search tools (interactive maps and virtual tours, detailed descriptions with lots of photos), and a vast number of listings. However, if you’re new to the city, Bayut can feel a bit overwhelming with information, and Property Finder sometimes has outdated listings.
Dubizzle is great if you’re willing to invest more time in finding, selecting, and verifying a rental for a better price. The advantages of this platform include lower prices, a convenient mobile app, and a wide range of listings. However, be cautious, as this site requires extra watchfulness due to potential scams, especially in the private listings section.
Airbnb is perfect for short-term rentals. It’s one of the most popular rental platforms worldwide, featuring an easy-to-use interface and a helpful review system. However, high service fees make it more expensive than long-term rentals.
Using two or more of these platforms will help you find suitable housing based on your needs and preferences. Stylish and functional apartments by Colife Dubai can be found on each of these platforms, ensuring you can secure your rental confidently and conveniently.
Telegram-channels and Facebook groups
Another popular way to find housing in Dubai is through groups and channels on Facebook and Telegram. This method is especially popular among expats as it allows you to find current listings, avoid middlemen, and contact landlords directly.
The benefits of using social networks for finding housing include a wide variety of listings, the ability to contact landlords or tenants directly, and the opportunity to find a place without paying extra agent fees. However, there is a significant drawback — you need to be cautious and verify each listing to avoid potential scams.
There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to renting housing in Dubai. Here are some popular groups recommended by the experts at Colife:
- Apartments Homes For Rent & Sale in Dubai
- Dubai Property and Rooms for Rent/Sale
- Dubai Properties Group
- Rooms For Rent In Dubai
- Studios & Apartments For Rent in Dubai
- Dubai Marina/JBR/JLT/Room, Apartment, Partition
Telegram also has several channels and groups where you can find rental listings:
- Renting Dubai
- Dubai Rent
- All Rents & Sales in Dubai
Using Facebook and Telegram groups and channels can be a great addition to traditional housing search platforms.
Visit our blog for more helpful resources about life in Dubai. ✨
Real estate agencies
Many newcomers in Dubai prefer working with real estate agents as it simplifies the search and rental process. For example, Colife Dubai can take care of all your needs — we offer a vast catalog of available properties where you can choose your perfect apartment, or simply reach out to us, and Colife experts will find your dream home or help you make the best choice.
Don’t forget, with our rentals, the following are already included in the price:
- Weekly cleaning and bills (Wi-Fi, DEWA, chiller);
- Weekly tenant events — paddle tennis, nature trips, quizzes, group outings to restaurants and coffeeshops;
- Tenant support.
All our apartments are decorated by designers. They come fully equipped with everything you need for daily living: appliances, dishes and cutlery, bed linens, laundry supplies, coffee capsules, and other household essentials.
Choosing Colife Dubai means opting for a hassle-free and comfortable living experience.
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