Dream home in Dubai? Check wider options
The right place and the right time are the two most critical factors to consider before making a real estate investment. At some point in our lives, we all think of buying property. While some look for inspiring spaces where they can live fulfilling lives with their loved ones, others seek properties that add value to their investment portfolios. Irrespective of the reason behind investing in real estate, the decision is based on the same two factors — the right place and the right time. When it comes to ‘the right place’, Dubai ticks all the right boxes. The Emirate’s stable and growing economy, pro-people government, cultural diversity, and a future-proof outlook, are a significant draw for people from every corner of the world. Anyone who has ever been to Dubai or lives here aspires to own a piece of this magnificent city. For those wanting to invest in a property in Dubai, now may be the perfect time to do so.
As Dubai evolves into a city of the future, its real estate landscape is undergoing a transformational evolution. What was once just a go-to destination for global investors seeking good returns, is now maturing into a place where people are looking to settle in and invest for the long term. The days of unsustainable price growth are behind us, and Dubai has become a more affordable buyer’s market, prompting many to invest. On September 2, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launch of the Higher Committee for Real Estate, which will chalk out a long-term growth strategy for the sector. The announcement received a phenomenal response from the market, which witnessed a 134 per cent rise in real estate transactions within a month of the announcement. More and more people are seeing this as the right time to invest in Dubai’s real estate. Here’s why you should too.
The price is right
Property prices are perhaps the most influential factor while making a real estate investment decision. At this stage, Dubai’s property market presents the right conditions for buyers, investors and renters alike. Compared to Q2 2019, in Q3 2019, the average price per square foot declined by 8 per cent for apartments and 6.6 per cent for villas across the board. However, the decline is softening, and we believe that the market is bottoming out. The declining prices have prompted many to take advantage of market conditions and make their first property investment in Dubai. In 2018, nearly 66 per cent of the total investors in Dubai’s real estate were first time buyers; and we expect that this trend will continue in 2019. We are also witnessing a trend where long-term renters are instead considering buying their own home in the Emirate. Those who invest now are sure to benefit in terms of longterm returns once there is an uptick in the market in the coming years.
So many options
Today, investors and buyers looking at Dubai’s real estate landscape are spoilt for choice. From off-plan projects to ready-tomove-in units, from gated communities to exquisite branded residences, the market offers unique products that suit different needs. It is also an excellent time for buyers who are looking for luxury real estate as Dubai is set to overtake New York as the global branded residences capital by the end of the year, with 23 existing projects and another 22 in the pipeline. At Damac, we have always believed that creating a diverse range of living experiences is the key to success in a market such as Dubai. From Ghalia, our first Shariah compliant project, to Damac Hills, our master community that caters to residents’ holistic lifestyle needs, our projects have been inspired by the different cultural needs and aspirations of buyers and investors.
Attractive returns
Dubai has always been a preferred destination for those who are looking at property as an investment. Despite the decline in prices, at 7 per cent, average rental returns of Dubai in the first half of 2019 remain stronger than in most big cities around the world. Besides long-term returns on investment, Dubai’s real estate landscape offffers multiple ways to make money from your investments. Compared to long-term rentals, holiday homes offer up to 25 per cent more returns to investors. As per a recent report by Knight Frank, the holiday home market of Dubai accounts for two per cent of its total households, which is the highest in proportion, compared to other big cities.
Better financing and easy payment plans
To encourage mortgage-based home purchases, the UAE Central Bank recently instructed banks and other finance providers to reduce early settlement fees to a maximum of 1 per cent or Dh10,000, whichever is less, for borrowers who want to exit their mortgage early. The UAE Central Bank also scrapped the 70-year age limit for the last mortgage repayment. These reforms will bring more flexibility for those who wish to buy a property through financing. Buying a home is a big decision that involves a complex emotional and logical reasoning. Whether you’re an investor looking for returns or a buyer in search of your dream home, Dubai will never disappoint. However, it’s all about taking the right decision at the right time.
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