In Dubai, smaller units often outperform bigger ones. Studios and 1-bedroom apartments consistently deliver higher rental yields, faster leasing, and better resale liquidity—when chosen correctly.
At Jamoka Properties, we help investors cut through noise and focus on what actually drives ROI. This guide explains why studios & 1BRs work, where to buy them, and how to avoid the common traps.
Dubai’s renter base is dominated by:
Young professionals
Couples
Corporate tenants
Remote workers
These groups overwhelmingly prefer studios and 1BRs due to affordability and convenience.
Smaller units mean:
Lower purchase prices
Higher rent-to-price ratios
Easier financing and resale
Result: stronger net yields versus larger units in the same building.
Studios and 1BRs:
Rent faster
Have broader buyer pools
Are easier to resell in all market cycles
Liquidity is a silent ROI multiplier.
| Factor | Studio | 1BR |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Cost | Lower | Medium |
| Yield | Higher (gross) | Balanced |
| Tenant Profile | Singles, short-term | Couples, professionals |
| Vacancy Risk | Slightly higher | Lower |
| Resale Liquidity | High | Very High |
Jamoka Insight:
Studios win on yield. 1BRs win on stability and resale. The best choice depends on your goal.
Best for: Maximum ROI on budget
Affordable entry prices
Strong demand from professionals & families
Consistently high occupancy
Typical Net Yield: 7–9%
Ideal for first-time investors and portfolio scaling.
Best for: Liquidity + short-term rental demand
Waterfront lifestyle appeal
Strong holiday & corporate rentals
Easy resale
Typical Net Yield: 6–8%
Great balance of income and exit flexibility.
Best for: Central living + appreciation
Close to Downtown
Growing residential demand
Popular for furnished 1BRs
Typical Net Yield: 6–7%
Works best with modern buildings and efficient layouts.
Best for: Quality tenants & long-term growth
Strong end-user demand
Family & professional tenant mix
Premium but stable
Typical Net Yield: 5–6%
Slightly lower yield, stronger appreciation and tenant quality.
Avoid wasted corridors
Prioritize open kitchens
Ensure balcony usability
A well-planned 500 sqft unit can outperform a poorly planned 650 sqft one.
High service charges silently kill yield.
Jamoka always evaluates:
AED/sqft charges
What’s included
Historical increases
Studios: modern, compact furniture
1BRs: neutral, durable finishes
Correct furnishing can increase rent 10–20% and reduce vacancy.
ROI is built on:
AC performance
Elevators
Parking access
Management efficiency
Tenants leave buildings—not areas.
Off-Plan
Lower entry price
Payment plans
Appreciation potential
Requires strong developer selection
Ready
Immediate rental income
Known service charges
Lower execution risk
Jamoka Rule:
Off-plan for appreciation. Ready for income. Never confuse the two.
Buying the cheapest unit in the building
Ignoring service charges
Overestimating rent
Choosing poor layouts
Buying “luxury” without tenant demand
High ROI is engineered—not accidental.
Before recommending any studio or 1BR, we assess:
Net yield after all costs
Tenant demand profile
Layout efficiency
Service charge impact
Exit liquidity
Building management quality
This is why Jamoka clients outperform averages.
In Dubai, studios and 1BRs are the backbone of smart portfolios.
But not all small units are equal.
The winners in 2025–2026 will be investors who:
Buy the right building
Choose the right layout
Price realistically
Think in net returns, not marketing numbers
Let Jamoka Properties curate opportunities that fit your budget, risk level, and ROI target—without hype, without guesswork.