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| A hassle-free option is to move to furnished studios where some landlords take care of everything, from internet to Dewa bills, maintenance and cleaning services, but others require tenants to pitch in. Image Credit: Oliver Clarke/Gulf News |
Dubai: With many consumers looking to avoid numerous hidden costs of housing, fully serviced apartments can offer convenience compared to bare flats and villas.
Serviced accommodations are popular among leisure and business travellers who want to cut their travel budgets, but they might just be a good alternative for working expats who opt for a hotel style or hassle-free living.
Serviced apartments come with all the necessary furnishings and services that you get from hotels, such as maintenance, concierge, cleaning and laundry. Essentially, all you need to carry with you is your toothbrush and wardrobe.
But the question most budget-conscious consumers often ask is whether or not this option can offer considerable cost savings. Robyn Nagent from South Africa believes it can. "In fact, we have considered this and if I was new to Dubai, I would definitely do it. It wasn't really an option before as serviced apartments were so expensive.
"If you are planning on being in Dubai for a short time and not planning to settle, then I think this is a great option and there is so much on offer now. When you add up how much you pay to set up home in Dubai, it definitely makes economic sense," she says.
According to Parag Parekh, portfolio manager at Better Homes Short-Term Rentals, serviced studio apartments can now be had for Dh6,000 to Dh7,000 a month in Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residences, or even lower (Dh5,000 to Dh6,000) in the Greens.
Ready
Another option for hassle-free renting is furnished apartments. Furnished studios can cost anywhere between Dh4,000 and Dh9,000 a month. These units are ready to move into, so there is usually no need to spend money on furnishings and utility connections. Some landlords do take care of everything, from internet to Dewa bills, maintenance and cleaning services, but others require tenants to pitch in.
"It's more convenient and economical to live in furnished/serviced accommodation for a number of reasons. You don't have to worry about the management and payment of internet, Dewa or district cooling charges, nor do you have to worry about the cost and hassle of furnishing your home.
In addition, the cleaning and laundry are efficiently handled by the housekeeping," Parekh says.
Parekh points out that consumers spend considerable amounts on home furnishings and appliances, as well as standard fees when moving into a new place, so living in a serviced apartment can offer some sort of financial relief.
"A large percentage of personal income is spent on buying furniture, white goods, utility setup, initial and longer-term maintenance, for the set up of a new apartment or villa.
So, the furnished/serviced apartment option will work for those on a tight budget or who need a temporary, hassle-free stop-gap until they're ready to settle."
However, Michael Michael of Landmark Properties says they would only recommend such an option if the tenant is looking for a temporary accommodation for, say, three to six months.
"For such circumstances, the rates then become competitive as furnished apartments are few and this allows for savings."
Have your say
Were you aware of hidden costs in your home’s lease before you moved in? Is it creating significant financial trouble?
Were you aware of hidden costs in your home’s lease before you moved in? Is it creating significant financial trouble?
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