Why expats prefer bungalows over villas
In the ever-evolving real estate landscape of Dubai, expats have traditionally gravitated toward villas when seeking more space and a suburban lifestyle. But a subtle shift is taking place: many expatriate residents are now choosing more compact, efficient homes such as bungalows—often found as single-floor homes in larger villa-style developments. This trend is driven by a blend of lifestyle, cost, maintenance and flexibility factors.
Below we explore the why — what makes a bungalow the preferred choice for so many expats in Dubai — and what you should know if you’re considering that path.
Understanding the Housing Spectrum: Bungalow vs Villa
Before diving into the reasons, it’s worth defining our terms in the Dubai context:
- A villa typically means a detached or semi-detached multi-bedroom home, often two-storey (or more), with generous plot size, garden, maybe private pool, and substantial square footage.
- A bungalow, in contrast, is usually a single-storey home (or at times with minimal split level) with fewer bedrooms and a more compact footprint—but retaining many of the benefits of ground-level living, outdoor access, and privacy.
- For many expatriates, the bungalow thus offers “villa-style” living but in a more manageable, lower-cost package.
Key Reasons Expats Are Choosing Bungalows in Dubai
1. Easy Living: One Level, Endless Comfort
For many expats, the appeal of a bungalow begins with its simplicity. The single-storey layout offers seamless movement between living spaces — no stairs, no upper floors to cool, and no extra maintenance.
Bungalows are especially popular among families with young children or elderly parents, as the layout minimizes safety concerns and makes daily living effortless. This ease of access, combined with generous plots and open-plan designs, makes bungalows feel airy, modern, and inviting.
The functional luxury of bungalows in areas like Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah Park, and The Villa, where homes often feature private gardens, shaded patios, and integrated indoor-outdoor living — something that resonates strongly with Dubai’s year-round sunshine.
2. Privacy and Space Without the Stairs
One of the main reasons expats are leaning towards bungalows is the balance between space and privacy. Villas, though spacious, often have multi-storey designs that can feel compartmentalized. In contrast, bungalows spread the space horizontally, giving homeowners a sense of openness without sacrificing seclusion.
Many buyers appreciate how bungalows offer large plot sizes and greater control over landscaping. A single floor allows for private gardens, pools, and outdoor seating areas — perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying quiet evenings away from the city’s bustle.
In Dubai’s suburban communities such as Green Community West, Al Barari, and Jumeirah Islands, bungalows are often detached and surrounded by greenery, offering a sanctuary-like environment. For expats who prioritize peace and privacy, this setup is particularly attractive.
3. Energy Efficiency and Maintenance Advantage
With rising awareness around sustainability and energy efficiency, bungalows also hold a practical advantage. Maintaining a single-storey home is easier and often more cost-effective than managing a multi-level villa.
Cooling is a major consideration in Dubai’s hot climate. Single-level homes can be more energy-efficient to air-condition — especially when designed with smart ventilation and shaded outdoor areas. Routine maintenance, from cleaning to painting, also tends to be simpler and less expensive.
For expats who may be renting long-term or investing in their first property, these reduced maintenance costs add up, making bungalows a smart financial choice as well as a lifestyle one.
4. Ground-Level Living with Privacy
Bungalows offer what many apartments can’t—direct garden access, natural light, and privacy—without the hassle of multi-storey layouts.
Expats with children or elderly family members appreciate that everything is on one floor. Popular bungalow clusters in The Springs, Green Community, and Al Barari provide family-friendly layouts surrounded by parks, walking trails, and lakes—ideal for outdoor living.
These communities emphasize space and safety, which are among the top priorities for expatriate families settling in Dubai.
5. Excellent for Work-from-Home and Lifestyle Balance
With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm in Dubai’s expat community, bungalows are gaining popularity for their flexible floor plans. The open layouts easily accommodate home offices or creative studios while still leaving room for a small garden or patio—perfect for mid-day breaks or evening gatherings.
Communities like DAMAC Hills, Arabian Ranches 2, and Mudon are particularly popular among working expats who want to combine professional comfort with lifestyle amenities like golf courses, gyms, and cafés—all within walking distance.
6. Long-Term Flexibility for Expats
While many expats come to Dubai for career opportunities, a growing number are choosing to settle permanently or retire in the city. For this demographic, bungalows are an ideal fit.
The ease of movement, lower upkeep, and community amenities make them appealing to retirees or families with aging members.Single-storey homes in secure gated communities are in particularly high demand among European and South Asian retirees who value both independence and access to healthcare, leisure, and social facilities.
Moreover, the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa program and property-linked residency incentives have further boosted confidence in homeownership — especially in family-focused, low-density housing.
7. Lifestyle Luxury Without the High Upkeep
Dubai is synonymous with luxury, but many expats want a simpler version of that lifestyle—private, comfortable, and practical.
A bungalow offers villa-style living without requiring a full-time maintenance team or high service charges. The smaller size means homeowners can still enjoy private gardens, shaded patios, or even small plunge pools—without the added costs of large-scale properties.
What Expats Should Assess When Looking at Bungalows
If you’re an expat considering a bungalow in Dubai over a full villa, here are key points to evaluate:
• Community & Location
Ensure the bungalow is in a well-managed community, ideally with good amenities, schools, transport links. Location influences both day-to-day living and future resale/lease value.
• Size & Fit for Purpose
Check whether the layout works for your needs: is there sufficient space for your lifestyle (office, kids, entertaining)? Don’t just rely on “bungalow” label—some are very compact.
• Outdoor Space & Landscaping
Is the garden/terrace usable? Sometimes smaller homes skimp on outdoor space. Ensure you’re getting meaningful outdoor access if that’s why you’re choosing this type of home.
• Maintenance & Service Charges
Even in bungalow communities, service charges apply—check what’s included, landscaping cost, community maintenance etc. Lower upkeep cost was one of the appeals over villas.
• Ownership & Lease-Out Flexibility
If you may lease out the home, check rental demand for that community, lease terms, ease of management (especially if you’ll be overseas part of the time).
• Resale Potential or Exit Strategy
While bungalows may have lower entry cost, consider the long-term story: is the community growing? Are there competing new launches? Will future buyers/tenants still value this product type? Dubai’s market data reminds us that larger “houses” still have distinctive appeal—but quantity and size matter.
Final Thought
For expats in Dubai, choosing a bungalow over a villa isn’t just a matter of layout — it’s a lifestyle statement. The single-storey design symbolizes ease, comfort, and connection — to nature, to family, and to a slower, more intentional pace of living.
As Dubai continues to attract global talent and investment, this demand for grounded, community-centric homes is likely to grow. Whether for young families, professionals seeking balance, or retirees looking for peace, the humble bungalow has re-emerged as one of Dubai’s most desirable home types for expats.
