Investment in Dubai property market can be considered as one of the most profitable investments, in UAE. But what exactly makes it so special and worth considering? Investment in Dubai property market became more attractive due to the decline in property price.
Market Cycle
Among one of the reasons is that Dubai property market is going through a 7-year cycle. Like every market, Dubai property market has to go through booming, recession and slump phases. It was booming few years back. Now is the time for the slump. This business cycle is typical for every industry which brings lots of improvements, as a result.
Oversupply
The second reason for Dubai property market to decline is property oversupply. Due to the upcoming Expo 2020, Dubai developers started launching numerous real estate projects. It led to Dubai property price to drop for both off-plan and secondary markets. In order to stabilize the situation and slow down price decline, numerous measurements took place from the developer’s and government’s sides. Developers slowed down development in order not to oversupply the market and keep prices relatively stable. Government, from their side, implemented rules and regulations which benefit Dubai property market investors such as 5-, 10-years residency visa and 100% foreign ownership. All these changes worked positively for Dubai property market. It led to slowing down price decline and attracting more investors to the city.
Dubai real estate market trends
For a very long period of time, Dubai was popular for its luxury apartments and villas, attracting thousands of investors from all over the world. Nevertheless, starting from 2016 Dubai property market’s trends have shifted. Due to constant population growth, mainly through labor flows, the citizenry of Dubai increases each year. Majority of these people are middle-class workers whose main objective is to earn money. The vast majority of them are single, couples or young families. A new strategy towards affordable housing was implemented, in order to keep people in the country and to ease their life.
Dubai property market strategy
Dubai property market is shifting towards the mid-market segment and smaller units. This is where the real demand is picking up. Developers started focusing more on smaller and affordable units, specifically to satisfy the needs of a middle class. Three-bedroom apartments and villas were substituted by more affordable studios and 1-, 2-bedroom apartments. Proportionately, it led to an increase in ROI. While investing in a smaller apartment investor will get higher ROI, comparing to investment in bigger apartments or villas. This factor is the key when it comes to investment in Dubai property market.
Which property to choose to invest in?
If you are an investor and interested in getting high ROI, you should consider investing in smaller units. Investments in a studio or 1-bedroom apartment can bring up to 10% – 12% ROI, depending on the location. These are the type of units in demand. Taking into consideration the upcoming Expo 2020 (with more than 30 million visitors) Dubai developers will continue implementing this strategy and focus on more affordable housing.
Choose your location
According to numerous market studies, when it comes to investments, Dubai property market experts highlight 3 main areas:
- Discovery Gardens;
- Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina;
- Jumeirah Village Circle.
Discovery Gardens
One of the main advantages is that Discovery Gardens consists of multi-sized apartments. It is possible to get a studio in Discovery Gardens and pay all needed bills for less than USD 100,000. Gross rent of 11%-12% can be achieved with a net rent of 8%. Apartments in such locations will attract expat workers. By trying to save they move as far as possible from Dubai downtown. Apartments will surely be in demand, in Discovery Gardens.
Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina
Property prices in Dubai Marina and JLT differ between developers. There is also a great difference in the quality of units. You can find larger apartments but with poor quality and smaller apartment (for the same price) with better finishing. The first step is to find the right building rather than a developer. Some developers and buildings vary in quality and price point. The key here is to go for quality over quantity. Less square footage but to a higher spec may be a better proposition than the reverse.
Jumeirah Village Circle
JVC is a perfect location when larger investments are considered, such as a 3-bedroom apartment. The main reason is that multiple demand points can be covered. People in larger villas or townhouses who want to downsize due to budget constraints will get attracted to this area. Also, people in larger units downsizing as they want to save, and people in smaller units with a growing family. Another advantage is that rent (in this area) will grow in the coming 24-36 months as the market improves. In terms of yield, on average properties in the JVC development offers between 15%–20% more space than those in The Springs and around 15%–20% cheaper to purchase.
Even those looking for a larger living space in Dubai still seek out value for money. This hunt for cheaper living in the heart of the city will drive more and more renters to developments like JVC, Dubai Marina and Discovery Gardens increasing demand and keeping rental yields healthy.
If you are looking for a great investment opportunity, would like to get high ROI – contact one of our property advisors. Universal Prime Real Estate team of experts will have answers to all of your questions.
