Penthouses aren’t cheap, and if you’re looking for one, you’re well aware of that fact. They’re all not built the same, either. Some can look nice from the outside, but it goes without saying that not every penthouse apartment in a high-rise is built the same. Some off plan penthouses in Abu Dhabi are built to check every box on your list. Buying a penthouse under construction is an easy way to make sure that it’s built to your specifications rather than buying an existing one and having to undergo weeks of demo work and renovations. Regardless of whether you choose an off-plan penthouse or one that has already been built, here are some things to keep in mind.
Views, Views, Views
A penthouse with a view is highly sought after. In Abu Dhabi, where the skyline is a prominent city feature, a view can make or break your penthouse. While most penthouses will be guaranteed a view if they’re high enough in the sky, that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed it forever. There are plenty of stories of people buying apartments only for construction to suddenly sprout up in front of their windows as a new high-rise starts next year.
Location, Location, Location
In Abu Dhabi, there are essentially two choices when it comes to the location of your penthouse: waterfront or urban. Both have their own history and quirks, as does the entirety of Abu Dhabi. Some prefer being near the water for its luxurious views, easy access to the beach, and distance from the hustle and bustle of the city. Others might want a penthouse more centrally located, where they can easily get to and from their business or other shopping centers.
Beyond deciding on views of the city or waterfront, future development is certainly something to consider. New construction is often surrounded by other new developments, but it’s not always the case. Take a look at the surrounding area and try to determine if there will be construction after your penthouse has finished being built. This is also a good time to remember that your view may not be guaranteed, so if your view is important to you, researching nearby developments is something to consider.
Penthouse Features and Building Amenities
Penthouses in Abu Dhabi can range from spacious two-bedroom units overlooking the water to massive luxury apartments that take up entire floors and cost more than a Bugatti Centodieci. The most expensive penthouse recently sold for $37.7m, which is more than most people make in a lifetime. Regardless of your budget, you want a floor plan that makes the most use of your space and maximizes natural light, a prime commodity in a city with high rises.
Security is another thing to consider. Private entrances can help make your walk home feel more private. If you’re a well-known individual, dedicated elevators and restricted access floors are something to keep in mind. Almost every luxury building in Abu Dhabi will have 24/7 security cameras, concierge services, and building security to keep your penthouse and its contents safe.
Developer Reputation
If you’re buying one off-plan and under construction, you can easily get a deal. However, that deal may come with some unsightly strings attached if you’re buying from a developer with a less-than-stellar track record. Look for established developers who have proven time and time again that they can deliver on their promises. You can usually find a detailed history of the developer’s other completed projects as well as reviews from current residents online.
We mentioned amenities but only touched on security and concierge services. There are other amenities to consider that some developers may offer while others may not. Fitness centers, spas, swimming pools, terraces, gardens, and business lounges are just some common amenities you should look for in your building.
If you ever plan on selling your penthouse, you might want to look into your on-site property management or homeowners’ association. Well-managed buildings tend to have higher resale values and fewer issues when it comes to repairs and communal facilities.
Freehold vs. Leasehold
If you’re not a UAE national, you should be aware that there are restrictions on where foreign nationals can own property. Abu Dhabi has designated investment zones where foreign nations can own freehold property, such as Saadiyat and Al Reem Island and Al Raha Beach.
If your penthouse is not located in a freehold zone, expatriates generally have leasehold rights. You’ll be able to lease the penthouse for a number of years, typically a decades long term from 50 to 100 years. While that is plenty of time to live in a penthouse in Abu Dhabi, it could hurt your resale potential since you technically don’t own the property outright.
Contact Others in the Building
This may or may not be possible depending on the building, but contacting your neighbors is a great way to find out about things like how the property managers handle requests, noises, the quality of amenities, etc.
If you’re buying an off-plan penthouse that has yet to be built, this is, of course, not possible. In that case, you’re back to doing what we mentioned above, which is researching the developer. You can try to contact someone who purchased a property from the developer in the past to hear a verifiably real experience.
