Dubai Real Estate Real Estate in Dubai

Dubai Real Estate News
UAE Property Market Trends and Reviews

Educating and Sharing Ideas with Buyers and Sellers in the Dynamic Dubai Properties and Real Estate Market.

Dubai Property Market
Dubai.. a great place to live! The Dubai Properties and Real Estate Blog is a resource center for property investors. You will find a wealth of information on topics including property selling, buying, rentals, real estate agents, Dubai housing market updates, mortgages / home loans, Dubayy freehold properties, relocating, Dubai real estate investing, trends, financial analyst, Middle East real estate news and professional reviews. Find property buy and sale information for all of UAE including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaima, Ajman and Umm Al Quain.



Dubai Marina tops list of favourites among tenants, investors alike

Thursday, September 02, 2010

"
Dubai Marina continues to top the list of most sought-after developments in Dubai for tenants and investors alike said a survey by leading real estate portal.

The survey conducted among 400,000 visitors to the website, including 100,000 properties and 200 brokers said that 17.5 percent of online search among people preferred Dubai Marina, while 16.1 percent chose Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), 13.1 percent Palm Jumeirah, 7.3 percent Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and 6.8 percent chose Arabian Ranches.

Even in the rental sector, Dubai Marina topped the list with 16.7 percent choosing it as favourite development, following by JLT at 9.9percent votes, Palm Jumeirah 6.7 percent, Mirdif 5.9 percent and Jumeirah 5.9 percent.

Meanwhile, the once popular rental destinations, Discovery Gardens and International City, showed a downward trend, with only 4.2 percent and 3.4 percent showing interest in them.

The popularity of Dubai Marina has increased considerably, with growing demand from Abu Dhabi commuters as the real estate sector in the capital has suffered a set back due to shortage of units, resulting in high rentals, said Jesse Down, Director of Research and Advisory, Landmark Advisory.

The waterfront location with accessibility to major retail clusters makes Dubai Marina a popular residential area. Moreover, the Marina is a well-established community with a positive feedback loop, drawing more demand, Downs said. But, despite being so, the rents in Dubai Marina registered a 20 percent decline, as per the Rental Index by RERA.

The rent declines are driven by sharp growth in supply and weakening demand fundamentals. The supply in Marina, including JBR, has grown by nearly 20 percent this year. There is a three-year pipeline for the area, which could keep rents from re-bounding any time soon, Downs points out.

Meanwhile, with several projects nearing completion and close to handover in Abu Dhabi, it is likely that several people working in Abu Dhabi and living in Dubai will consider moving into the capital. Given, the increasing supplies and dropping rentals in Abu Dhabi, commuters are likely to be attracted back to the capital, and this trend may gain momentum in 2011 and 2012, which could have a major impact on Dubai Marina and JLT, Downs said.

Labels: ,

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 9/02/2010 04:58:00 PM 0 Comments | Links to this post

Developers strive to keep up the Owners Associations deadline

Thursday, August 26, 2010

"
While the developers have begun using the strata consultants to keep up the October deadline for registration of owners association, it is said that an extension to the deadline is likely.

The CEO of Strata Global, Kent A O'Brien, said that the October deadline to complete all documentation process and to register owners' associations with RERA (Real Estate Regularoty Agency), will be extended further.

The Head of Strata Management at Cluttons, Graham Yeats, also responded similarly.

"The pressure to meet the deadline will be there. Even RERA will have to do a lot of processing within a short span, but it will be worthwhile in the end," he said.

The developers in Dubai, who have been proactive till date, are continuing that way. But, few others are hoping that they will not have to spend money on compliance, O'Brien said.

Yeates said that several developers are using consultants to handle the registration. The main document is the JOP declaration, which outlines the details of the project, including the method of calculating the cost sharing.

RERA will ensure that this is calculated in an equitable manner and consultants can assist with this formula. Although it is a tight deadline, the proactive developers are working towards reaching this goal, he concluded.

Labels:

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/26/2010 11:33:00 PM 0 Comments | Links to this post

Dubai realty sector to be the first to recover from downturn impact

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

"
Dubai's real estate sector will top all the other sectors that are likely to recover from the downturn, which had left a major impact on most economic sectors in the Gulf region, said the Nakheel Chairman.

According to Ali Rashid Lootah, the property sector in the emirate is in a state of stability when it comes to rents and property prices, and this makes it more attractive for investors and dealers.

The developments happening in the Dubai realty sector over the past two years also have a major role in re-structuring the sector, he said.

The property market in Dubai has strong pillars of support that actually helps the sector to remain on the top of all other sectors, and this will help in kick-starting the gradual recovery process. Other major factors that are conducive to property market are the advanced infrastructure and investment environment in the emirate. The current stage is, only a transitional phase which will open doors for a new period in this market, he explained.

Lootah expects a strong "wave" of demand for properties in Dubai, very soon. His expectations are based on the growth of population in Dubai over the past couple of months, which is reflected by the surge in domestic power and water consumption, in comparison to the same period last year.

Labels:

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/25/2010 12:13:00 AM 2 Comments | Links to this post

Few developers announce three-year residence visas for property purchase in RAK

Saturday, August 21, 2010

"
Certain developers in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) are offering three-year residence visas for purchase of property within the emirate, despite the fact that federal law permits only six month visa, it has been reported.

For instance, the Al Hamra Village in RAK is said to have been openly campaigning that it can offer visa and financing to Royal Breeze Direct Sea View Apartments.

An expatriate residing at Al Hamra Village said that an expatriate can have 100 percent ownership of a property in Al Hamra Village, while also enjoying several other benefits, including residence visa renewable every three years, and interest-free financing of up to 40 percent of property value.

The expatriate, who is also a sales agent, said that the visa will be provided by Rakia, and will be guaranteed on purchase of a property. The title deed will be given after submitting full payment. A trade license will be will be given before obtaining the residence visa. For this, a one-time payment of Dh.5000 will have to be submitted. The visa given is renewable every three years for Dh.2000.

Although, the RAK laws are entirely different, the visa is guaranteed, the agent said.
For availing the interest-free finance scheme, a deposit of 60 percent will have to be made over a two-year period, he said.

The sales campaign reflects the newsletter content by an RAK-based legal firm, which said that establishment of a special purpose vehicle in the Rakia free zone will permit the director and shareholder to obtain a three-year visa and permit them to sponsor dependents.

However, as per the UAE federal law foreign owners of the UAE property, are entitled to a six-month multiple entry visa, effective 1st June this year. The law mandates that applicants own a property worth minimum Dh.1million and earn a monthly salary of Dh.10,000 for the visa. The visa will have to be renewable every six months at a cost of Dh.2000.

Labels: ,

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/21/2010 10:58:00 PM 0 Comments | Links to this post

Nakheel to begin work on six mega projects in Dubai

Thursday, August 19, 2010

"
Nakheel, the leading Dubai-based property developer will begin work on a minimum six mega projects in Dubai early next month, it has been announced.

The projects on which Nakheel aims to resume work are Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Park, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Islands Mansions, Al Badrah and Jumeirah Heights Clusters.

Nakheel is currently engaging contractors in certain short-term projects, aiming to continue work in the coming weeks. All short-term projects will kick-start by early October 2010, it has been reported.

The developer, the Palm Islands, has issued payments to contractors, and this has helped in resuming stalled projects in the emirate.

The Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Ahmed Lootah said that the company was dealing with 1000 trade creditors. The companies, including Halcrow and Arabtec Construction, and Halcrow, the UK engineering company is involved in the Palm Jumeirah and they have confirmed to have received payments from Nakheel.

The Chief Financial Officer of Arabtec, Ziad Makhzoumi, stopped work on Al Furjan in January, and said the project would re-start soon.

Labels:

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/19/2010 10:55:00 PM 0 Comments | Links to this post

Victory Heights hands over 600th villa in Dubai Sports City

"
Victory Heights, the Dubai-based developer, has handed over keys to the 600th villa of its 961-unit golfing residential community in Dubai Sports City.

A statement by Victory Heights confirms that 75 percent of the 794 phase-one units of the community have been completed.

The Dh.2.5bn golfing residential development, a joint venture between Arcapita, the Bahraini investment bank and the Dubai Sports City, have been completed towards end of 2010, the statement said.

The General Manager at Victory Heights, Yasser Abulrahman Al Raee, said that with about two-thirds of luxury villas now in the hands of homeowners, the first phase of Victory Heights is now nearing completion.

The development is now buzzing with activity and is more like an established community, given its spacious homes and beautifully landscaped gardens, he said.

The Victory Heights villas are built in three different styles - authentic Spanich Andalusian, Mediterranean and classic European styles, with several offering wonderful views of the golf course fairways and lakes.

Labels: ,

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/19/2010 12:39:00 AM 0 Comments | Links to this post

International City units see less demand

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

"
Despite the drop in prices, at least majority of people are not too keen on investing in international city units, says a survey report by Emirates 24/7.

Atleast 91 percent of those surveyed have shown an aversion to investing these units largely due to infrastructure issues, apart from investor apathy.

The prices are likely to go down further, as nobody would invest until there are proper entry and exit gateways. Further, there is the parking issue and foul smell, said one of the respondent.

Another respondent agreed that International City needs to address the infrastructure issues to support the project. The prices will keep falling until this is met.

The poll findings revealed that at least 24 percent of the respondents believe that the drop in prices are yet to hit the bottom, and is bound to go down further.

Only 8 percent of the respondents agreed and expressed their willingness to invest in International City, while 2 percent of respondents said they may probably buy as the current prices are lower than the launch price, and that rentals could cover the investment. Another 4 percent agreed that International City offers good investment at low risk.

Labels:

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/17/2010 04:35:00 PM 1 Comments | Links to this post

Marina Square units likely to be the costliest in Abu Dhabi rental market

Friday, August 13, 2010

"
Abu Dhabi's Marina Square apartments on Reem Island, ready for handover, are likely to be the costliest in the rental market of the Capital.

At present, the maximum rental for a double bedroom apartment at the Corniche is about Dh.210,000 to Dh.230,000 a year.

The rents will be about 10percent more than those for similar apartments on the Corniche or Abu Dhabi Island, said Andrew Laver, Manager for Valuation and Advisory at Chesterton International.


This could be due to the location, parking, views, and lack of congestion. Several owners and potential tenants have been waiting for the handover of the units. The entire project renders a new lifestyle with excellent views, an underground parking system, away from the hustle-bustle of the city center, he said.

More than 3000 units across the thirteen high-rises will be ready to be occupied post-Ramadan. Several of these will enter the leasing market during the next few months. The owners are likely to demand a premium, and do not mind keeping their properties vacant until they earn the desired rent.

Certain other factors such as limited availability of units for rents on the Corniche, also contributes to high rental prospects for Marina Square. Moreover, any building that is completed is often fully rented out in two months.

The Chesterton's projections indicate that rentals for apartments on the Corniche may remain comparatively stable during the coming months with the delivery of Marina Square units. But, properties along Al Falah and Hazaa Bin Zayed may see considerable decline in rents.

However, Charlie Walsh, Head of transactional services at Asteco Property Management, is not ready to compare Marina Square with Corniche. Comparison of rentals between Marina Square and Corniche is difficult, as the grade and quality of accommodation on the Corniche varies depending on the age of the building. Moreover, the units in Marina Square are yet to be handed over, and therefore, rentals are yet to be proven.

Further, the Corniche is considered a prime locality to life, with older buildings offering larger-sized units, although without much amenities. On the other hand, the Marina Square is a modern development with amenities such as swimming pools, gymnasiums, ample parking and more, although it still needs to establish itself as a community, Walsh concluded.

On the whole, as the experts are yet to arrive on a common ground about rentals, it is for market forces to decide them.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/13/2010 08:00:00 PM 1 Comments | Links to this post

Developers offer attractive perks to lure investors

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

"
The developers have begun trying several marketing strategies to attract property buyers, such as offering "guaranteed rentals" to multiple unit buyers, and also offering free maintenance for their units.

The Dubai-based Vakson Real Estate, for instance, has offered eight percent guaranteed gross rent for two years to investors purchasing three or more apartments in its 'University View Apartments' at Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The units are all ready to be occupied, with majority already sold out. The units located in a good location are much in demand, a company official agreed.

The investors are given post-dated rent cheques on signing contracts. The developer is also offering financing options to investors.

In RAK, Al Hamra Real Estate is offering free furniture and one-year free maintenance to property buyers, apart from developer finance. For those opting to rent, the units are offered with three months' free rental apart from free electricity for three months.

Several developers were offering numerous such perks to attract buyers. But these offers withered away when the real estate sector was hit by the recession.

However, experts are of the opinion that property buyers are no-longer interested in sales gimmicks of companies, and are cautious in making decision. They are looking into quality, location and reputation of developer, rather than the free gifts offered.

The leading global real estate consultancy, CBRE (CB Richard Ellis) expects about 31,194 new properties to enter the Dubai market this year, and more than 10,000 in Abu Dhabi.

According to Reuters' poll, house prices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are likely to fall by 10 percent and 13 percent in 2010, with increase in housing units in both markets.

Labels:

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/10/2010 10:06:00 PM 0 Comments | Links to this post

Declining rentals to make Dubai, Abu Dhabi markets more attractive

Monday, August 09, 2010

"
According to property analysts, an oversupply in the market will actually make the UAE a more competitive place to live and work.

The Manager of Residential sales and leasing, Better Homes, Kosta Giannopoulos, said that growing number of vacant units will make if easier for people from outside the UAE to move in.

Apart from the declining rents, the infrastructure and the systems are improving, and majority of expatriates believe in Team UAE, which could give them a greater sense of belonging, he said.

The Assistant Branch Manager at Better Homes, Jon Yarrow, agrees that the Green Community has a queue of tenants seeking to move in. Although it is difficult to quantify the exact number of vacancies, several developers are delaying handover of units.

The vacancy levels are likely to increase within next six months as more supply enters the market, he added.

Cluttons International recently revealed that Sharjah is not far behind, and there are high levels of residential units being rented out in Sharjah too, particularly in the new projects.

However, there are high vacancy levels looming large in Dubai and Sharjah. This is evident with the growing number of "to-let" boards across Umm Suqueim and Jumeirah, where traditionally villa rental inquiries have been slower.

But, the outlook seems worse for office sector. The latest research by Landmark Advisory indicates those oversupplies will double empty office space to 45.9mn square feet by 2014. The vacancies would grow to 53 percent and 58 percent by 2013 and 2014 respectively.

However, this will bring down quality office rents, thereby making Abu Dhabi and Dubai more attractive for new businesses.

According to Landmark Advisory, the residential sector rents will peak between 25 and 28 percent in 2012. Colliers International sets current vacancy rates at 13 percent.

Labels: ,

posted by Exclusive Dubai, 8/09/2010 09:55:00 AM 2 Comments | Links to this post