Top 6 must-have features in UAE homes, revealed by residents’ preferences
<p>DUBAI: When it comes to finding the perfect home in the UAE, residents today are guided by lifestyle needs as much as by price and location. A new analysis by Property Finder, based on over 30 million online searches during 2024–2025, reveals what people truly prioritize when choosing their ideal living space.</p><p>Whether you’re a renter looking for convenience or a buyer planning a long-term investment, the data highlights the top six features that UAE residents simply can’t live without.</p><h3>1. A Balcony: The Number-One Priority</h3><p>With an impressive <strong>10.1 million searches</strong>, balconies top the wish list for UAE homes. For apartment dwellers, a balcony provides essential outdoor space — a private corner for coffee mornings, evening relaxation, or a bit of greenery. For villa owners, it means better views, ventilation, and a sense of openness.</p><p>Property Finder’s report underlines just how essential this feature has become: “Balconies dominate the search charts, nearly doubling the demand of the next most-searched amenity.” In a country where outdoor living is a way of life for much of the year, it’s easy to see why balconies are a non-negotiable feature.</p><h3>2. Maid’s Room: A Reflection of Lifestyle</h3><p>Coming in second with <strong>5.7 million searches</strong>, maid’s rooms are a uniquely UAE-specific must-have. With many families employing live-in domestic help, having a separate, dedicated space is seen not just as a convenience, but as an essential element of functional home design.</p><p>Beyond daily practicality, a maid’s room can also boost a property’s <strong>resale value</strong>, especially for villas. It reflects the way households in the UAE operate and signals that the home was designed with family life in mind.</p><h3>3. Central Air Conditioning: Comfort Above All</h3><p>With soaring summer temperatures, it’s unsurprising that central air conditioning ranks high with <strong>4.4 million searches</strong>. But what’s new is the growing emphasis on <strong>energy efficiency and smart systems</strong>.</p><p>Home seekers are now looking for AC units that not only guarantee comfort but also keep electricity bills in check. In many modern UAE properties, smart thermostats and energy-saving technologies are becoming standard — an attractive feature for both renters and buyers conscious of long-term costs.</p><h3>4. Pools and Gyms: Lifestyle Amenities That Matter</h3><p>For renters especially, shared amenities are a huge draw. Pools saw <strong>3.4 million searches</strong>, while gyms registered <strong>3 million</strong>. These features offer residents the perks of resort-style living without the expense and hassle of personal maintenance.</p><p>For families with children, a pool provides weekend entertainment just steps from home. For working professionals, an on-site gym eliminates the need for costly memberships and commutes. Developers and landlords who invest in such amenities often see higher occupancy rates and tenant satisfaction.</p><h3>5. Pet-Friendly Communities: Growing in Popularity</h3><p>With <strong>2.8 million searches</strong>, demand for pet-friendly housing is on the rise. This reflects a wider social trend — pets are increasingly seen as integral members of the household in the UAE.</p><p>Communities that welcome pets, with facilities like dog parks or walking tracks, stand out in the crowded property market. For many families and young professionals, pet-friendliness can be the deciding factor between one community and another.</p><h3>6. Shaded Parking: Practical Yet Essential</h3><p>Covered parking may seem like a small detail, but it drew <strong>2.5 million searches</strong>, showing just how important it is to residents. Anyone who has tried to step into a car left in the UAE sun during August will understand the appeal.</p><p>Shaded parking isn’t just about convenience — it also protects vehicles from heat damage and ensures comfort for residents during the hottest months.</p><h3>Bonus Aspirations: Waterfronts, Gardens, and Luxury Living</h3><p>Beyond the top six must-haves, aspirational features also play a role in shaping demand. Waterfront views (2.5 million searches), private pools (2.7 million), and private gardens (0.9 million) remain highly desirable for villa buyers. These features reflect the prestige, lifestyle, and long-term value associated with luxury living in the UAE.</p><h3>What It Means for Buyers, Renters, and Developers</h3><p>The data shows a clear divide between priorities:</p><p><strong>Renters</strong> focus on convenience and shared amenities like pools, gyms, and shaded parking.</p><p><strong>Buyers</strong> prioritize long-term lifestyle investments, such as private balconies, waterfront views, and additional rooms.</p><p>Ultimately, the findings reveal that UAE residents are designing their homes around how they want to live today. Developers and landlords who adapt to these lifestyle-driven preferences — from balconies to pet-friendly communities — are most likely to thrive in an increasingly competitive property market.</p><p>For many, the message is clear: a dream home in the UAE isn’t just about square footage or location — it’s about the features that make everyday life more comfortable, practical, and enjoyable.</p>