UAE: New residential projects to offer 5-star hotel amenities – News

Amenities comparable to 5-star hotels are becoming a common feature among new residential projects in the UAE.

Location is definitely a key factor when purchasing a property anywhere in the world, but amenities also play a vital role, especially in advanced cities like Dubai, where residents look for villas and towers equipped with modern features and facilities that meet their lifestyle needs.

These amenities play a major role in influencing buyers to make a decision, as well as dictating the prices of properties in the projects.

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To meet growing demand, developers are incorporating amenities on podium levels, rooftops and dedicated floors, making the most of every available space.

“We have also seen an increase in the addition of luxury amenities as a norm in almost all new launches by developers. A common trend observed among developers launching new projects in Dubai is that most are looking to add new amenities such as private cinemas and gaming rooms.

“They are also looking to add outdoor areas such as barbecue areas, paddle tennis courts or any sports courts to incorporate health and wellness as part of the amenities offered,” said Liam Chase, senior property consultant for developers at Allsopp & Allsopp Group.

He noted that there is a much bigger push towards health and wellness, with a greater focus on gyms, studios and quiet spaces for meditation. “Overall, developers are trying to make properties with amenities that allow for a brief escape from city life,” he added.

According to Chase, one of the amenities that is gaining a lot of attention from buyers and renters is the paddle tennis court. He stressed that, noting the trend of increasing demand for amenities, some developers have begun to highlight the number of amenities offered by their developments as their main selling point.

“It is important to note that what we are seeing is a growing trend. There are still investors who prefer simplicity or focus solely on capitalising on Dubai’s growth, giving less importance to the development offering in general,” he explained.

Amenities influence buyers and prices

“Amenities significantly influence the decisions of property buyers. In fact, numerous studies and surveys indicate that a well-planned array of amenities can be a deciding factor for potential buyers when choosing a property.

“Properties with attractive amenities tend to have higher demand and, consequently, higher real estate values. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that 81 percent of buyers considered neighborhood amenities to be a ‘very important’ factor in their decision-making process,” said Rizwan Sajan, Founder and President of Danube Properties.

Citing a survey, he noted that nearly 9 in 10 (87 percent) of homebuyers are willing to pay more for a home in a community that offers amenities that align with their lifestyle needs.

“Families, especially those with children, place a high value on amenities that promote health, safety and recreation. According to a Zillow report, 62 percent of buyers with children said access to parks and recreational facilities was a top priority,” he added.

Danube Properties offers over 40 amenities in its projects, including an infinity pool, jacuzzi, aqua gym, cricket pitch, trampoline area, rock climbing wall, basketball court, badminton, cabana seating, daycare for children with babysitting services, play area, table tennis room, jogging track, billiard area, bowling alley, doctor on call, a business centre and more.

“A complete set of amenities can significantly increase the attractiveness and value of a property, making it a key factor in buyers’ decisions,” he noted.

Sean McCauley, CEO of Devmark, said: Khaleej’s time that amenities significantly influence property buyers’ decisions, especially in markets like Dubai where the expectation is not just a home but a lifestyle.

“As the emirate is a premier luxury tourist destination, buyers are seeking an opulent lifestyle with residential options that mirror luxury hotels, complete with swimming pools and concierge services. Our analysis reveals that residents are seeking homes that seamlessly integrate amenities into their daily routines, eliminating the need for costly memberships and time-consuming commutes,” he said.

As remote or flexible working becomes more prevalent, McCauley explained that this increases the demand for homes that facilitate a work-from-home lifestyle.

“Families are also looking for residences that offer family-friendly features such as children’s play areas and proximity to schools. This setup not only allows busy professionals to work effectively from home if they choose, but also enables them to maximise quality time with family or engage in leisure activities. For example, developments that offer state-of-the-art gyms, spa facilities and on-site restaurants and shops provide a high level of comfort and luxury that appeals to discerning buyers,” he added.

Prices rise as developers add more amenities

Residences with abundant amenities come at a cost. Direct expenses, such as building swimming pools, resident lounges, movie theaters and golf simulators, can push developers to raise property prices.

“Developers may need to purchase larger lots to accommodate more extensive amenities, such as crystal lagoons or tennis courts. There is also the opportunity cost of not selling units in the space occupied by these amenities. For example, the floor space devoted to the residents’ lounge, gym and cinema could be sold as additional units.

“Cost increases vary significantly depending on the scale of the project and the specific amenities included. For example, a 400-unit tower may spread the cost of amenities across more units compared to a 200-unit tower, making it difficult to provide a precise percentage,” Sean McCauley explained.

According to Rizwan Sajan, it is common for developers to increase unit prices when introducing new services.

“However, we take a different approach. We don’t mark up our prices based on the amenities offered. Instead, we focus on providing added value without passing the cost on to our buyers, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.”