Why Dubai property below Dh1.5M is a stable investment

Dubai - Majority of expats in UAE traditionally seek to rent rather than purchase realty

Expats should invest in property priced below Dh1.5 million, which is the most stable segment and offers best long-term returns, according to real estate market analysts.
"For a family that has money to invest, we would also advise to stick below Dh1.5 million price point, which represents the most stable market segment currently," said Richard Paul, head of professional Services for Cluttons Middle East. "At this price point, even if the decision is to lease the property investment out, post-acquisition, a purchaser should expect a 7-9 per cent gross yield in some areas and subsequently after interest payment, service charges and upkeep, there is still good profit rent to be achieved."
According to Cluttons Middle East, market activity in studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, valued at a price point below Dh1.5 million, is the most active segment. In their opinion, it currently makes more financial sense for hopeful end-users who wish to offset the cost of rent to buy at these levels.
"One- and two-bedroom apartments in an established area are dominating most of the activity in the market. This is also the case for prospective owner occupiers who wish to cease paying rent. It does depend on where the individual sits financially, but if they have adequate equity, it makes sense for them to contemplate paying off their own mortgage and look at real estate as a mid and long-term investment," Paul said.
Craig Plumb, head of research at JLL Mena, said majority of expatriates in the UAE have traditionally sought to rent rather than purchase properties.
"As the market has become more mature - with less price volatility than in previous cycles, expatriates can be more confident to buy at close to the bottom of the current cycle to benefit from potential long-term capital growth. Recent changes to visa laws - allowing 10 year residency for certain groups of expatriates - is also likely to increase demand to purchase property in the UAE for their own occupation," Plumb added. "The case for purchasing properties is further strengthened by the attractive payment plans that are currently being offered by developers that are keen to dispose of unsold off plan units and the increased choice of low-to-mid market product available for sale."
According to a research from JLL, residential prices in Dubai, which have fallen around 20 per cent since the last market peak in October 2014, are now approaching the bottom of its cycle, with only limited further declines expected. "Prices and rents are both expected to soften further in the short term but a solid case can be made for long-term expatriates to purchase property rather than continuing to rent," it said.
- waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com