Alongside the Index, proprietary data from Property Finder indicates that homebuyers and renters place a premium on amenities that enhance their lifestyle. More than 5.5 million homeseekers wanted properties with a balcony, for example, while 3.1 million prioritised larger spaces featuring a maid’s room. Central air conditioning followed closely behind with 2.3 million searches considering this a must-have. Other common preferences included: 

• Gyms (1.5 million)
• Pet-friendly spaces (1.4 million)
• Private pools (1.3 million)
• Homes with stunning water views (1.3 million)

Interestingly, more niche searches for homes with barbecue areas, private jacuzzis and security systems are also on the rise.

Additionally, over 65,500 manual searches were for ‘freehold’ properties highlighting the growing demand for ownership opportunities in the UAE, while short-term rentals ranked within the top 25 most searched terms, reflecting a growing interest for more flexible living options. Notably, this was also seen within the most searched terms for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai saw over 22,000 searches for short-term rentals, while Abu Dhabi recorded 5,400 searches, underlining the growing trend for shorter term stays across the different emirates.

To explore the breadth of properties available on Property Finder, visit https://www.propertyfinder.ae/ or download the Property Finder app, available on Google Play and Apple Store.