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The house hunt for affordability

Abu Dhabi - The authorities' plan to introduce affordable houses for low-income families is being welcomed by many residents, who are paying beyond their means for housing

Lack of affordable housing in Abu Dhabi has driven expat families to the city's fringes, looking for financially viable yet illegal living options in shared villas.
Some residents told Khaleej Times the exorbitant rents meant they had to pay beyond their means for apartments that are not even spacious or well-maintained.
So the best option in front of them was to move to the outskirts, into shared housing.
Albert N., a Ugandan national, said he resides in the outskirts on Muroor Road because of the cheap rents compared to houses in the city. "The house rent in Abu Dhabi is very high, especially for the low-income families. I am paying Dh3,000 a month for just a studio apartment. This is almost half my salary," he said.
"I wish I was paying this much for a one-bedroom apartment. We would have had enough space for my wife and our son. But it is impossible to get such a deal in Abu Dhabi city."
Albert noted that it was a fantastic move that the authorities were planning to introduce affordable houses for low-income families.
Egyptian expat Mohammed Alam, working for a private company, said he stays in Musaffah, Shabia because of the affordable rents. "I earn Dh7,000 a month and was living in a studio room in Khalidiya area with my wife two years ago. I was paying Dh3,500 a month," he said. "But I had to leave the city for Musaffah after the landlord increased the rent to Dh40,000 a year. Here, I am paying Dh30,000 for a studio apartment which is relatively affordable."
Sri Lankan technician Amjad Ankara said he shares an apartment in Mohammed bin Zayed city with his friend. "I pay Dh1,500 for a small room in the apartment, where I stay with my wife," said Ankara. "My salary is Dh5,000 and I couldn't afford a studio room alone. They are usually given out for Dh3,000 a month, which is too much for me."
Saurabh Mishra, 34, an Indian expat staying in Mohammed bin Zayed City, said rents in Abu Dhabi are high compared to people's salaries and this is why many families are forced to live outside the city. "I work in the main island, but stay in Mohammed bin Zayed City. I pay Dh40,000 a year for a 1bhk and have to spend almost an extra Dh1,000 monthly on the other bills," said Mishra.
He says the rent he pays is still high for such a house and compared to what he earns. "But it's a bit cheaper compared to houses in the city, where landlords charge Dh50,000 to Dh70,000 for a one-bedroom apartment," said Mishra.
Sajjad Ahmad, 39, an Indian national working as an administrator for a private company in Abu Dhabi, earns Dh5,000 and shares a room with four others. "We jointly pay Dh3,000 in rent for a studio flat in the capital," he said.
"I had plans to bring my family, including my wife and three children. But it is impossible to afford the rent on my own. That is why I am forced to share a room with people from different nationalities." If the authorities build affordable housing for low-income expats, Ahmad says people like him would have the chance to rent their own apartments, and also get to stay with their families.
The Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport - Abu Dhabi City Municipality (ADM) - on Saturday said they have rolled out an initiative targeting to meet the need for residential units by fixed income groups.
The initiative aims to provide high-quality and affordable accommodations for low-income groups at rents ranging from Dh917 to Dh1,563 per month. Officials said the move was intended to solve the problem of congested houses for bachelors and prevent illegal partitions in villas, among families.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com