A home that is close to the office or a Metro station is more important than one with a good view, according to a survey of Dubai residents by master developer Limitless.
Being able to walk to work is the top priority when choosing somewhere to live for nearly 40 percent of people in the emirate, while having a Metro nearby is the most important factor for almost one in three (29 percent), the survey, published on Monday, said.
And residents who took part in the poll said they were prepared to pay more for these privileges, according to the research, which was carried out for Limitless by AMRB.
The research, which polled more than 600 people, also revealed that Dubai drivers were planning to switch to the metro for some journeys when the new service opens.
One in four people will use it up to three times a week; one in five daily; and one in eight up to six times each week, the study found.
Good views came only third on residents’ property wish list, followed by a socially active community and a view of a park.
Saeed Ahmed Saeed, CEO of Limitless, said: "Congestion is costly to health, wellbeing, the environment and the economy. There are an estimated 600 million vehicles crowding the roads on our planet, costing tens of billions of dollars each year in wasted fuel and lost productivity."
"Walkable communities, served by green transport systems, will reduce carbon emissions, cut congestion and allow people to spend less time on the road and more with those who matter.
"Our research sends out a clear message: people want to walk more and try alternative transport, to the extent that it influences where they live and how much they are willing to pay."
The findings showed that cars are currently the most popular form of transport in Dubai. Residents drive, on average, on 24 days each month, with 80 percent travelling by car each week.
