Burj Khalifa

Those looking for a unique address might like to consider a pad in the tallest building in the world: this week, the first apartments in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa were released for rent, and have since been advertised by several real estate companies.

Annual rents start at Dhs 140,000 (£25,925) for a 546 sq ft studio apartment and rise to Dhs 180,000 (£33,333) for a one-bedroom or Dhs 300,000+ (£55,555) for a two-bedroom apartment. Prices rise for higher floors with better views. Given that it’s such a unique property, experts don’t expect prices to fall. But how does it compare to renting in the rest of Dubai? What could £2,160 a month get you elsewhere?

Well, if you were willing to look at the Burj Khalifa rather than actually live inside it, you could move to the Downtown Dubai district nestled in the shadow of the Burj, where the price of your studio would get you a 1,560 sq ft, two-bedroom apartment on the 16^th floor of the South Ridge tower. The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and laundry room, two bathrooms, free access to shared facilities such as a swimming pool, squash courts and gym and, of course, a splendid Burj Khalifa view.

At the other end of town, those who like a touch of five-star luxury could take a one-bedroom fully furnished and serviced apartment in New Fraser Suites, overlooking Dubai Media City. At 753 sq ft, it’s larger than your Burj studio and comes fully equipped with everything from kitchen appliances to a home entertainment system, wireless internet and “designer amenities”.

If you’re sold on the idea of an exclusive address, a 2,055 sq ft two-bedroom apartment on the Palm Jumeirah, with balcony and open kitchen costs the same; or, if you want to stick with heights, you could pick a 2,272 sq ft, four-bedroom apartment on the 28^th floor of a tower in Dubai Marina. This has convenience on its side – it’s just one minute from a Metro station and very handy for those commuting to Abu Dhabi.

Surprisingly, your Burj Khalifa studio budget also stretches to villas. In Dubailand’s Falcon City of Wonders, you could pick up a 3,142 sq ft,three-bedroom “New World” townhouse, which includes landscaped gardens and a maid’s room. The largest property I could find for your money is also a little way out of town: a four-bedroom villa in the Layan Community behind Arabian Ranches and close to Dubai Polo Club. Spread over a whopping 4,101 sq ft the villa includes access to a community pool and children’s play area but, if it’s too far out of town, athree-bedroom, four-bathroom villa in the popular, well-located Springs development will set you back the same.

My advice to anyone still hankering after the Burj Khalifa address is to remember the hidden extras: while reports state that service fees on the property are lower than originally predicted, they are said to be Dhs 52.77 (£9.70) per sq ft, meaning owners of a tiny studio can expect to pay an extra Dhs 29,000 (£5,370) per year. And Dubai Fountain’s very noisy.