Studio vs 1-Bedroom Apartment: Which is Better to Buy?

• Studio apartment: A single open-plan unit where the living, sleeping and kitchen areas share one space (plus a bathroom). In Dubai, they usually range 300–700 sq ft.
• 1-BHK apartment: A home with a separate bedroom and living/dining area, usually 600–1,200 sq ft. The “extra wall” makes all the difference in privacy and function.
   

Before diving into the advantages, here’s the key difference in mindset:

Choosing to buy a studio apartment in Dubai often comes down to simplicity, lower costs, less upkeep and a “lock-up-and-leave” lifestyle for people who see their home more as a base than a destination. On the other hand, opting to buy a 1 bedroom apartment in Dubai is usually about comfort and flexibility, a home that can adapt to your routine, give you privacy and support longer-term living plans.

Advantages of Studio Apartments in Dubai:

If you’re single, always on the move, or want to own your first property without overcommitting, studios are a smart way in. They’re easier to clean, cheaper to furnish, and often in central hubs like Business Bay or Deira.
But the trade-off? Limited privacy and storage. Hosting guests, working from home, or growing into family life isn’t as practical in a studio.

When it comes to rentals, studios and 1-BHKs don’t just differ in size—they perform differently as assets.

A Dubai studio apartment on rent is like a quick mover: lower entry cost, quicker tenant cycles, and steady demand in budget-friendly hubs. It’s often where you’ll see higher yields but shorter lease durations.

To rent a 1 bedroom apartment in Dubai is to play a steadier hand: tenants stay longer, contracts are less volatile, and the property itself carries stronger resale appeal when you eventually exit.
 

Advantages of Studio Apartments in Dubai:

Investors love studios because:

• Lower entry cost: You need less capital upfront.
• High occupancy: Always in demand among young professionals, students and expats.
• High yields: In many areas, studios generate strong rental yields. For example, Business Bay studios yield around 6.96%, and in JLT yields can hit 8.13% for studios.
• Faster rental cycles: Cheaper rents = quicker turnaround.

Example: In JVC, studios rent around AED 42k/year, which means strong demand from budget-conscious tenants.

Based on Lifestyle Needs

Your lifestyle is the compass here. If you’re someone who spends most of your time outside, working late, dining out and socializing, then a smaller home may be all you need. A studio becomes your crash pad: efficient, easy to maintain and less of a burden on your daily routine.

But if home is more than just a place to sleep, if you enjoy hosting friends, need a quiet corner to work, or want space to grow into, then a 1-BHK gives you that breathing room. 

Based on Investment Goals

Think of this as a short game vs long game. Studios are like sprinters: quick to rent, high demand among singles and often deliver higher yields on a percentage basis. They’re attractive if your focus is cash flow now.

A 1-BHK, however, plays the marathon. It appeals to a wider pool of tenants, tends to lock in longer lease contracts and usually holds stronger value when you decide to resell. If you’re more interested in stability and appreciation, a 1-BHK often wins the race.