Mensa is correct, you can use the allowance to put towards a mortgage but what Emirates give you won't get you much of a mortgage on it's own- maybe a one bedroom or two bedroom apartment if you only have the minimum deposit. I would take the company accommodation for the first year (but supply your own furniture, makes it fell more like "home") and then decide. Much better than ending up with a flat you don't really want in an area you don't like because you rushed into a decision.