Having been thru the various cycles definately take the company accom when you join as it makes things easier .. as someone pointed out less stress the better!
I eventually opted out and used the allowance to pay the mortgage on a villa which I saw as EK paying my mortgage ... nice!
The comments about difficulties with banks and developers is so true. Whilst owning I have had to deal with estate agents, banks, developers, housing/land authorities etc. which have all been mildly annoying to totally infuriating. The worst being 3 trips to the land department in Deira to complete 1 transaction
If you come here take the time to decide whether you want to stay and see how life is before committing to house purchases etc. If you do want to leave the less ties you have the better as that process is also long winded and bound in red tape
Good luck.