Updated: 24 September 2026

Choosing between a studio and a bigger apartment comes down to privacy, who you live with, whether you work from home, and what you can comfortably afford each month.

A studio is itself an apartment. In this guide, “larger apartment” means a unit with one or more separate bedrooms, such as a one-bedroom or two-bedroom flat. It covers renters and buyers, with a short note for investors.

TL; DR

  • A studio combines living and sleeping space in one room. A one-bedroom adds a door between them, and a two-bedroom adds a second private room.
  • Studios usually cost less than one-bedroom units in the same building, but a large studio in a newer tower can cost more than a small one-bedroom in an older one. Always compare like with like.
  • Total cost matters more than headline price. Renters should add deposits, attestation, utilities, cooling and parking. Buyers should add registration fees, financing costs and service charges.
  • Studios suit people who value low running costs and simplicity. Separate bedrooms suit couples, families, sharers and anyone who works from home.
  • No unit type is guaranteed to earn a better rental return. Net yield depends on the price, achievable rent, service charges, occupancy and the building.

Studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom: how do they compare?

 

Studio

One-bedroom

Two-bedroom

Layout

One main room for living and sleeping, plus kitchen or kitchenette and bathroom

Separate bedroom and living room

Two separate bedrooms and a living room

Privacy

Limited. One shared space

Good for one person or a couple

Best for sharers, families or guests

Storage

Usually the tightest. Check wardrobes carefully

More wardrobe and cupboard space

Most storage, often including a spare room

Working from home

Possible, but work and rest share one room

Workable in the living room

The second room can become an office

Guests

Awkward for overnight stays

Sofa bed in the living room

A proper guest room

Household fit

One person, or a couple with few belongings

Couples, or one person who wants space

Families, sharers, or couples planning ahead

Likely cost

Usually the lowest in the same building

Typically higher than a studio in the same building

Higher again, with higher running costs

 

How big is the price gap in practice?

The fairest comparison is between similar units in the same building or community. Asking prices on major UAE listing sites in September 2026 illustrate the gap:

  • Horizon Tower, Ajman Downtown (sale): average asking prices of about AED 288,000 for a studio, AED 401,000 for a one-bedroom and AED 554,000 for a two-bedroom.
  • Garden City (rent): average asking rents of about AED 23,000 a year for a studio, AED 28,500 for a one-bedroom and AED 38,800 for a two-bedroom.

These are advertised asking figures, not completed sales, and the sale figures are full prices, not down payments. Individual units vary with size, floor and condition.

Studio living: advantages and limitations

Advantages

  • Lower entry cost. In most buildings, studios have the lowest rent or purchase price.
  • Lower running costs. Less space to cool and furnish usually means smaller bills, although this depends on the cooling system.

Limitations

  • No separation. Sleeping, cooking, working and relaxing all happen in one room.
  • Limited storage. Studios fill up quickly if you own a lot or plan to stay long term.
  • Harder to share. Couples with different schedules, or anyone hosting guests, may find it cramped.
  • Layouts vary widely. Some studios are compact rooms, while others have alcoves or balconies. Judge the layout, not just the label.

One-bedroom and larger apartments: advantages and limitations

Advantages

  • Privacy. A bedroom door separates rest from daily life, which matters for couples and remote workers.
  • Flexibility. A second bedroom can be a nursery, office, guest room or storage room as your needs change.
  • Better for longer stays. More space makes it easier to stay put as your life changes, which saves on moving costs.

Limitations

  • Higher costs overall. Rent or price, deposits, furnishing and cooling all rise with size.
  • Higher service charges for owners. Service charges are often calculated on unit area, so larger units usually pay more each year.

How to compare the total cost

Keep refundable deposits separate from expenses when you budget.

If you are renting

  • Rent: check how many cheques or instalments the landlord accepts.
  • Security deposit (refundable): set by the contract and returned at the end, less any agreed deductions for damage.
  • Agent commission (expense): if a broker is involved, agree the amount in writing.
  • Lease attestation (expense): residential leases are attested through Ajman’s Tasdeeq service. The fee is 2% of the rental value, with a minimum of AED 400 for expatriates. Confirm in the contract who pays it.
  • Electricity and water: Etihad Water and Electricity supplies Ajman. You need an attested tenancy contract to connect, and you pay a security deposit (refundable when you disconnect) plus monthly bills.
  • Cooling, internet and parking: cooling may be included, billed separately, or on your electricity bill, depending on the building. Parking is not guaranteed with every unit. Ask about all three before signing.

If you are buying

  • Registration: the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation charges 2% of the apartment value, plus AED 350 for the title deed.
  • Other purchase costs: agent commission, the developer’s NOC charge, and bank fees if you use a mortgage.
  • Financing: Central Bank of the UAE rules cap loans at 80% of the value for an expatriate’s first home up to AED 5 million, so plan for a down payment of at least 20%. Off-plan purchases are capped at 50%. Mortgage registration costs 0.5% of the loan, with a minimum of AED 1,000.
  • Recurring costs: annual service charges, utilities, maintenance and home insurance.

Before you commit, compare rents and prices for similar units in the same building on apartments for rent in Ajman and apartments for sale in Ajman.

Where to find studios and larger apartments in Ajman

  • Al Nuaimiya: established high-rise towers next to the Sharjah border, with Thumbay Hospital in Al Nuaimiya 1. It has a large supply of studios and one-bedrooms.
  • Al Rashidiya: a mix of older towers, such as Falcon Towers, and newer ones, such as Gulfa Towers, offering the widest range of unit sizes.
  • Ajman Downtown: central towers, including Horizon Tower and Ajman Pearl Towers, close to the beach and Corniche.
  • Corniche Ajman: seafront buildings for people who prioritise views and a walkable promenade.
  • Emirates City: a high-rise community on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), convenient for people who drive towards Dubai.

A note for investors: gross versus net yield

Gross yield is the annual rent divided by the purchase price. Net yield subtracts service charges, maintenance, agent fees and empty months first.

Here is a hypothetical example, not a real listing. An apartment bought for AED 300,000 and rented at AED 21,000 a year has a gross yield of 7%. If service charges are AED 4,000, maintenance is AED 1,000, and the unit sits empty for one month (losing AED 1,750 of rent), the net income falls to AED 14,250. That is a net yield of about 4.75%.

Neither studios nor larger apartments reliably outperform. Results depend on price, achievable rent, service charges, management and vacancy, so compare actual rents in the exact building.

Viewing checklist

  • Layout: can your bed, sofa, desk and wardrobe all fit without blocking windows or walkways?
  • Natural light and ventilation: visit in daylight, and check that windows open.
  • Noise: listen for traffic, lifts, rubbish chutes and neighbours, especially in a studio where there is no separate bedroom.
  • Maintenance: look for damp, leaks and worn fittings, and ask how quickly the building fixes problems.
  • Cooling: find out the system type, who pays, and what recent bills looked like.
  • Parking: confirm whether a space is included, and whether it is covered or allocated.
  • Commute: test the route to work at peak time before committing.

Frequently asked questions

Is a studio considered an apartment?

Yes. A studio is a self-contained apartment where the living and sleeping areas share one main room. It has its own kitchen area and bathroom.

Can a couple live comfortably in a studio?

Some do, particularly in larger studios with good storage and when neither works from home.

Is a large studio better value than a small one-bedroom?

Sometimes. Compare the usable floor area, price per square foot, layout and storage rather than the unit label.

Can I get a mortgage on a studio in Ajman?

Yes, Central Bank of the UAE loan-to-value rules apply regardless of unit type. However, each bank sets its own minimum loan and building criteria, so get pre-approval for the specific unit.

Are utility bills lower in a studio?

Usually, as there is less space to cool. The cooling system matters too, so ask to see recent bills.

Is cooling included in the rent?

It depends on the building. Cooling can be included in the rent, charged separately by a cooling provider, or included in your electricity bill. Confirm this before signing.

Do I need an attested tenancy contract to connect electricity?

Yes. Etihad Water and Electricity requires tenants to provide an attested tenancy contract and their Emirates ID before activating electricity and water.

Is the rental security deposit refundable?

Generally yes, subject to your contract and the condition of the unit when you leave. Photograph the apartment at move-in to help avoid disputes.

Which is easier to rent out, a studio or a one-bedroom?

There is no universal answer. Check tenant demand and how many similar units are advertised in the same building.

Should I buy a studio now and upgrade later?

It can work, but each purchase adds registration and agent costs. If your household may grow soon, a one-bedroom could cost less overall.

Related guides

Find the right fit for your budget

Renting? Browse apartments for rent in Ajman or one-bedroom apartments for rent. Buying? Explore apartments for sale or one-bedroom apartments for sale.

Not sure which size suits you? Contact AjmanProperties with your budget, preferred area, number of bedrooms and moving date, and we will help you narrow down the options.

This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Fees and rules can change, so confirm them before you commit.