New Abu Dhabi legislation to bring down villa construction costs

• Minimum size requirements for bedrooms, kitchens, dining areas and majlis seating to be lowered
• Landowners will no longer have to construct a hallway in new homes
• Maximum height required for side fences reduced from six to four metres

In a bid to lower construction costs for landowners, the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM) has issued a legislation regulating the construction of private villas in Abu Dhabi.

Under the new law, the minimum size requirements for bedrooms, kitchens, dining areas and majlis seating will be lowered. Landowners will no longer have to construct a hallway in new homes. The maximum height required for side fences has also been reduced from six metres to four metres.

The new legislation will also permit landowners to construct extensions to their properties overlooking a street.

According to the DPM, the move is in response to feedback from landowners requesting more flexibility on spatial requirements.

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, executive director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at the DPM, said, “The legislation will lower building costs for landowners, providing practical and modern solutions that can be easily applied, speeding up the delivery of housing projects and improving quality of life for residents.

“Compliance with the legislation will help stimulate business, investment, community development and enhance lifestyle, while increasing the emirate’s competitiveness,” he added.Cavendish Maxwell is the MENA region’s leading firm of property consultants and chartered surveyors. If you are looking for professional real estate consultation or advice on property related matters, please view our services.