The vibrant and ever-evolving Abu Dhabi real estate market of 2025 offers incredible opportunities—but only if you’re fluent in its language.
Whether you’re selling *residential homes, **commercial buildings, **industrial properties, or *land, understanding key real estate terminology isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Imagine negotiating a high-value commercial deal and stumbling over terms like FAR (Floor Area Ratio) or hesitating when asked about the difference between leasehold and freehold ownership. Every misunderstood term could cost you thousands—or even millions—in missed deals and lost trust.
Here Are Key Terms You Must Know in 2025:
General Terms (All Property Types):
- Freehold: Full ownership without time limits.
- Leasehold: Ownership for a specific term (e.g., 99 years).
- Escrow Account: Safeguards buyer funds until contract conditions are met.
- ROI: Return on Investment.
- Yield: Rental income as a percentage of property value.
- Capital Appreciation: Increase in value over time.
- Title Deed: Official ownership document.
- SPA (Sales Purchase Agreement): Legally binding sale contract.
- Valuation Report: Independent assessment of a property’s market value.
- DLD / ADREC Fees: Government fees (DLD for Dubai, ADREC for Abu Dhabi).
- Ejari / Tawtheeq: Rental contract registration platforms.
Residential Real Estate Terms:
- Built-up Area (BUA): Total area including balconies and walls.
- Net Area / Carpet Area: Usable space inside the unit.
- Service Charges: Maintenance of shared areas.
- Mortgage Pre-Approval: Early bank confirmation of loan eligibility.
- Community Fees: Regular charges by developers for amenities.
- Snagging: Defect-check process before handover.
- Handover Date: Official property possession date.
- Oqood: Registration for off-plan property transactions.
Commercial Real Estate Terms:
- FAR (Floor Area Ratio): Buildable area vs land area.
- GLA (Gross Leasable Area): Rentable space for tenants.
- Anchor Tenant: Major brand or tenant that drives traffic.
- CAM Charges: Common area maintenance fees.
- Shell & Core: Unfurnished commercial units.
- Fit-Out: Interior setup for operational use.
- Triple Net Lease (NNN): Lease where tenant covers rent + expenses.
Industrial Real Estate Terms:
- Zoning Classification: Permitted land use as per government regulations.
- Warehousing Space: Buildings used for storage/distribution.
- Power Capacity: Available electricity supply.
- Industrial Lease Terms: Conditions, safety rules, permitted use.
- Cold Storage Facility: Temperature-controlled storage.
- Loading Dock / Bay: Designated loading/unloading areas.
- Logistics Hub: Key node for transport and supply chain services.
Follow Re/max Smart Concept for more insights and tools to master the Abu Dhabi property market.
📩 Request a Free Consultation at +971549900046 or email yasar@remax-sc.com
Author: Ms.Yasar Abu Hejleh
