Choosing between a villa and an apartment can be a daunting task, especially when both options have unique benefits.
Whether you’re considering this decision for investment purposes or personal living, it’s crucial to understand which type of property suits your lifestyle, financial situation, and long-term goals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of villas and apartments, so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your needs.
Are you stuck between choosing a villa or an apartment? You’re not alone! Whether you’re buying a new home or making an investment, deciding between the two can be tricky.
Both options have their own unique advantages, but ultimately, it all comes down to what fits your lifestyle and budget. So, let’s dive into the key factors you need to consider to make the right choice.
When considering whether to buy a villa or an apartment in Sharjah, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your needs, lifestyle, and investment goals. Sharjah’s real estate market offers a mix of both, each with its own advantages.
Let’s explore the key factors to help you make an informed decision.
Pros And Cons Of Buying A Villa In Sharjah
More than return on investment, this should really come down to where you want to live.
On the purely financial side of things, in my opinion, there are 3 reasons why I think a Villa is a better option:
1 – Service charges are lower (significantly) in a Villa. Yes, more things might be included with the apartment, but this means that when the market goes down and you compare the opportunity cost of renting (like if you buy to save on rent), the service charges can be a huge drag on your investment. The apartment was initially rented for 140k with 30k of service charges, so fixed costs were about 21%. At the lowest, it went down to 80k rent with the same service charges, so 37.5%. The reality is that these numbers can keep you up at night. For Villas, the current unit rents for 215k, with 8k in service charges. If the market goes really really down, it will remain insignificant.
2 – The net (of charges and maintenance) in Villas is generally better. Not the case for all developments, but the average Villa nets more percentage-wise than an apartment. They also usually go for more than average apartments, so you’re less subject to the extreme cases of renegotiation and high turnovers because they are for more established families (this is debatable and there are counter examples).
3 – Its value depends on you. In an apartment, if you’re in a Cheap Tower, there is so much you can do to make it better / more marketable. The opportunities are far greater in that aspect in a Villa (or townhouse).
But again, if you’d rather live in an apartment, all of the above is irrelevant. Let’s list down everything and take a look below;
Pros:
Space and Privacy
Villas in Sharjah typically offer more space, both indoors and outdoors, with private gardens and sometimes even swimming pools. This makes them ideal for families who value privacy and outdoor living.
Customization
Villas allow you to modify and renovate the property as per your needs. Whether you want to extend a room, add a garden feature, or upgrade interiors, a villa gives you the flexibility to do so.
Luxury and Prestige
Villas generally symbolize luxury living. Owning a villa in Sharjah can offer a sense of exclusivity and prestige, especially in premium neighborhoods.
Ideal for Families
If you have a growing family or prefer a more peaceful suburban environment, a villa provides the space, security, and comfort that families often seek.
Higher Resale Value
Villas in Sharjah often have better long-term appreciation due to the value of the land and space. This can be a strong investment for the future.
Cons:
Higher Costs
Villas are typically more expensive to purchase, maintain, and service. Property taxes, utility bills, and maintenance costs tend to be higher than apartments.
Maintenance Responsibility
Owning a villa means you are responsible for the upkeep of the property, including the garden, roof, and any amenities like a swimming pool. This can add to your monthly expenses and time commitment.
Location
Villas in Sharjah are often located in suburban or less central areas. While these areas are peaceful, they may be farther away from schools, work, and city amenities.
Limited Social Interaction
Unlike apartment complexes, where socializing with neighbors is more common, villas tend to offer a more isolated lifestyle, which may not suit everyone.
Villa costs are less than those of apartments. Service charges for apartments are give or take 10-20 AED per square foot. Standard service charges for townhouses and villas are 3-4dhs per square foot of the plot.
If you’re looking for end use, the villa would have cheaper operating costs (no chiller fees in the majority of villas, lower service charges, and if it’s a newer construction the Utility bill will be reasonable.
If you’re looking for investment, stick to downtown/beachside projects that will hold their value the best as well as have higher demand than apartments further away from the city center.
Pros And Cons Of Buying An Apartment In Sharjah
Pros:
Affordability
Apartments in Sharjah are generally more affordable than villas, both in terms of purchase price and ongoing expenses.
Sustainable city has no service charges and lower utility bills as it is sustainable…. Its where id buy if I could.
This makes them a good option for first-time buyers or those on a budget.
Convenience
Apartments are often located in more central areas, close to schools, shopping centers, and public transportation. This convenience is especially valuable if you work in or near Sharjah’s business districts.
Low Maintenance
Maintenance in apartments is often managed by the building or community management. This includes repairs, landscaping, and security, reducing the burden on the owner.
Amenities
Many apartment complexes in Sharjah come with shared amenities like gyms, pools, and play areas. These shared facilities can enhance your lifestyle without the need to manage them personally.
Security
Apartments generally offer better security with 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and security personnel, making them a safer option for families and individuals alike.
Cons:
Sewage and maintenance issues become a huge concern in apartments in 8-10 years’ time unless properly maintained.
Service charges may be high in apartments compared to villas. ( I personally experienced AED 16/sq.ft on a 900 sqft apartment whereas townhouses were at AED 4-5/sq.ft for 2000 sqft unit. . for a year. nit as an investment.
Townhouses have a higher chance of getting the rent paid in 1-2 cheques compared to 2-4 on apartments ( still depends on unit size, location, community, and demand) if you plan to rent/consider the unit as an investment..
Parking will be at least 2 in the case of a townhouse / villa whereas in an apartment it depends on size of the unit / you buy additional parking.
In case if depreciation happens compared to apartments villas will have less as it’s less in numbers with respect to supply and demand. ( still depends on market conditions)
Regarding utility and bills, it depends on how you keep an eye on things; when it comes to maintenance make sure to do the homework on user reviews on the builder. There are the worst and nicest builders in the market. Don’t believe the sales guys blindly, do study the personal user experience FB groups can help you with that.
Upgrading the units in the future can be expensive in the case of townhouses/villas compared to apartments.
Limited Space
Apartments tend to offer less living space compared to villas. If you value privacy and need outdoor areas, an apartment might feel restrictive, especially for larger families.
Shared Amenities
While shared amenities are a benefit, they can also mean less privacy and more competition for using these facilities. This might not appeal to everyone.
Noise and Crowds
Living in an apartment means having neighbors close by, which can lead to more noise or lack of privacy. If you’re sensitive to noise or prefer a quieter lifestyle, this might be a drawback.
Resale Value
Although apartments in prime areas maintain their value, they may not appreciate as much as villas. The potential for high long-term appreciation tends to be lower in comparison to villas.
Restrictions on Modifications
Unlike villas, apartments often come with restrictions on renovation or customization. You may not have as much freedom to modify the layout or make significant changes to your space.
Which Should You Choose?
Villas are standalone homes with a larger floor plan and more space, while apartments are typically smaller and more compact, with residents sharing common areas. As a result, villas are ideal for large families or those who require more space for work or leisure activities.
Villa:
- Best for: Families, privacy seekers, those who prefer suburban living, and buyers looking for long-term investment with space and customization.
- Why: Villas offer more space, privacy, and the potential for future growth. However, they come with higher costs and responsibilities.
Villas are great but the costs sneak up on you. You’ll have the usual cooling, knowledge, and Utility fees that will be higher but what you really need to look out for is the extra you’ll spend on doing the place up (curtains), swapping up the backyard (grass or astroturf) and, most importantly of all, maintenance!
Did I mention maintenance? You might think “Oh, the landlord pays that, no big deal”. That lasts right up until the moment you need to choose between waiting for landlord approval or hiring somebody yourself when your AC suddenly dies, your water pump suddenly dies or your hot water tank explodes. All of which are inevitable.
Basically, it adds up. Is it worth it? To a point. Especially when the rents are dirt cheap. Having no more elevators to deal with when you get home is nice. Having a backyard is nice too, but you get mosquitoes, ants, and possibly roaches in return for that one.
Apartment:
- Best for: Singles, small families, professionals, and those looking for convenience and affordability.
- Why: Apartments provide a low-maintenance, cost-effective option in more central locations, but they come with less space and more communal living.
Ultimately, the choice between a villa and an apartment in Sharjah depends on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals.
If you value privacy, and space, and have the budget for it, a villa could be the perfect option. If convenience, affordability, and a low-maintenance lifestyle are your priorities, then an apartment might be the better fit.
Cost Considerations
When it comes to the price, there’s a significant difference between villas and apartments. Villas generally require a larger upfront investment due to their size and the land they occupy.
On the other hand, apartments are often more affordable, especially in highly populated urban areas.
However, it’s not just the initial cost you need to consider. Ongoing costs like utilities, property taxes, and maintenance are typically higher for villas.
Apartment living, especially in complexes that offer maintenance services, tends to be more cost-effective in terms of upkeep.
Space and Privacy
Villas wins hands down when it comes to space. They offer more square footage, both indoors and outdoors, making them ideal for families or individuals who prioritize space. You’ll also enjoy more privacy in a villa, with no neighbors living right next to you.
In contrast, apartments have limited space, especially in highly populated cities. If privacy is a major concern for you, villa living may be the better option as apartment dwellers often share walls, floors, and even common areas with neighbors.
Amenities and Facilities
Many villa communities offer luxury amenities like private pools, spacious gardens, and even tennis courts. However, these are generally limited to your own property.
Apartments, especially in modern complexes, come with a wide range of amenities like gyms, pools, parks, and even retail outlets. The downside is that these amenities are shared with other residents.
Security
Villas are often located in gated communities with security services, but the level of security depends largely on the area and the homeowner. You may need to invest in additional security measures like cameras or alarm systems.
Apartments, particularly in high-rise buildings, tend to offer robust security features such as 24/7 security staff, CCTV, and access-controlled entry points.
Location Preferences
Villas are usually found in quieter, suburban locations or even in countryside settings. If you prefer peace and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, a villa could be the ideal choice for you.
Apartments are typically located in urban centers, close to work, schools, and recreational facilities. This makes them a great option for city lovers who want everything within walking distance.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Owning a villa comes with significant responsibility in terms of maintenance. You’ll need to take care of the garden, swimming pool, and the general upkeep of a larger property.
Apartments, on the other hand, offer much more convenience. Most apartment complexes provide maintenance services, so you don’t need to worry about repairs, landscaping, or cleaning communal areas.
Community and Social Life
In a villa, you have more privacy but less opportunity to socialize with neighbors, as villas are typically spaced out. However, villa communities do offer the option of a quieter, more independent lifestyle.
Apartment living, especially in larger complexes, offers more social opportunities. You’ll often find shared spaces, events, and a more vibrant community atmosphere.
Future Resale Value
Both villas and apartments have strong resale values, but villas often appreciate more over time due to the value of the land. They can also be more attractive to families looking for larger living spaces.
Apartments, especially in prime locations, also hold their value well. However, they may not appreciate as much as villas because they don’t come with land ownership.
Environmental Impact
Villas, due to their larger size, often have a higher environmental impact, with more energy required for heating, cooling, and maintaining the property.
Apartments tend to be more eco-friendly, particularly those built with sustainability in mind. Their smaller size means less energy consumption, and shared resources like heating can lower the environmental footprint.
Investment Potential
Both villas and apartments offer great investment opportunities. Villas, with their spaciousness and luxury appeal, can attract high-end buyers and renters.
Apartments, especially those in city centers, are always in demand, particularly from young professionals and expatriates, making them a steady investment option.
Lifestyle Choices
If you love peace, privacy, and space, a villa is the way to go. Villas are perfect for families or individuals who want a more relaxed, suburban lifestyle.
Apartments, on the other hand, are great for people who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, prefer convenience, and don’t want to deal with property maintenance.
Conclusion
When it comes down to choosing between a villa and an apartment, it’s all about your priorities.
If you are planning on staying there, a villa is a better choice. Service charges are generally lower but utility bills are higher (more so if you have a villa connected by district cooling).
Maintenance will crop up a lot more too. However, a villa gives you your own personal bit of outdoor space, which with a family, is awesome. Villa prices also shot up during and after the lockdown as a lot of people realized that it is better to stay in a villa vs an apartment if you are forced into lockdown.
For investment purposes, I feel apartments are much better in terms of ROI than villas. Fewer maintenance headaches for you, as a landlord, to deal with.
Regarding selling your property when the time comes, follow the golden rule of real estate when buying, which is ‘location, location, location’.
Is your villa on the beach? Does it have a gated community? Is it a corner plot? Next to the community club? Walking distance to the community mall? Factors like these will help your property stand out in the market when it comes to selling.
Villas offer space, privacy, and luxury, but they come with higher costs and more maintenance.
Apartments are more affordable and convenient, particularly if you prefer city living and less responsibility for upkeep.
Take time to weigh your options based on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals before making your final decision.
FAQs
- Is it cheaper to maintain an apartment or a villa?
Apartments are generally cheaper to maintain due to shared services and facilities, while villas require individual upkeep. - Which is better for families: a villa or an apartment?
Villas are often preferred by families due to the space and privacy they offer. - Do villas appreciate more than apartments?
Villas often appreciate more because they come with land, which increases in value over time. - Are villas more secure than apartments?
While villas can be secure, apartments usually offer better security features due to their controlled entry points and 24/7 security services. - What’s better for investment: a villa or an apartment?
Both can be great investments, but villas often offer higher long-term appreciation, while apartments provide steady rental income, especially in urban areas.
