jkl- most people remain in company housing because it is the easiest option. Everything is taken care of and most of the property is okay or good. If moving out you have to worry about the municipality housing "fee" (5% of the annual rent), utility bills and the possibility of rent rises in the future. Once you are out of company housing you can't move back in.
Aussie- Yes. But mortgages in Dubai are a whole new minefield.