Discover Property Finder’s top-searched home features in 2024, from luxury pools to freehold properties, highlighting UAE’s evolving property trends.
DUBAI: UAE residents’ property preferences in 2024 reveal an evolving appetite for luxury, comfort, and flexibility.
Property Finder, MENA’s leading property portal, has updated its Home For Every Life Index 2024, offering insights into the most sought-after home features and unique listings shaping the real estate market.
From homes with industrial kitchens to villas featuring Moroccan baths, the Index showcases the diversity of the UAE housing market. This year, over 5.5 million searches prioritised balconies, making them the most in-demand feature. Other popular preferences included maid’s rooms (3.1 million searches), central air conditioning (2.3 million), and private gyms (1.5 million).
Home For Every Life Index
The Home For Every Life Index highlights properties catering to niche tastes:
- For Foodies: A villa with a full-size industrial kitchen and walk-in fridge.
- Wellness Retreats: A villa with Moroccan baths and steam rooms.
- Art Aficionados: Homes adorned with hand-painted mosaics and curated art from Syria, Morocco, India, and China.
- View Seekers: An apartment with 360 degree terrace.
- Car Enthusiasts: A villa with a carport lift for luxury automobiles.
These bespoke listings reflect the UAE’s diverse cultural influences and the rising importance of personalisation in home design.
Luxury and Lifestyle drive searches
Beyond unique homes, Property Finder’s data underlines a trend towards amenities enhancing lifestyles. Among top preferences:
- Private pools and pet-friendly spaces: Searched 1.3 million and 1.4 million times, respectively.
- Stunning water views: A favourite among 1.3 million users.
- Barbecue areas and private jacuzzis: Niche yet growing demands.
Ownership on the rise
The UAE’s freehold market is witnessing significant interest, with 65,500 manual searches for ‘freehold’ properties in 2024. This surge reflects a growing inclination towards home ownership, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where freehold developments attract global investors and residents alike.
Short-term rentals in demand
Short-term rentals emerged as a top trend, securing a place among the 25 most-searched terms. Dubai recorded over 22,000 searches, while Abu Dhabi accounted for 5,400. The preference for flexible living options aligns with the emirates’ transient yet dynamic lifestyle, catering to tourists, expats, and professionals seeking adaptable housing.
With amenities like outdoor kitchens, zen gardens, and panoramic terraces, the UAE property market continues to redefine luxury and utility. As preferences shift, the Home For Every Life Index 2024 offers an unparalleled snapshot of what residents truly value in a home.