Blog

Dubai apartment for investment should be chosen wisely. Investment in real estate does not bring fast results or profit. It is a long-term project which has to be planned and executed properly for maximum return on investments. Before considering any kind of a real estate investment you should get knowledgeable about the current situation of Dubai real estate market.

Getting ready for the upcoming Expo 2020, numerous Dubai real estate developers started launching projects. As it is expected that more than 30 million people will be visiting Dubai during the period of Expo 2020 (October 2020 – April 2021), majority of developers planned to hand over their projects before the end of 2021. Due to high projected supply and lower demand, Dubai real estate market faced price decline. Nevertheless, Dubai real estate market will pick up in the next 1-2 years. That is why it is important to invest in Dubai apartment, now.

Dubai apartment for investment and best location

It is not that difficult to find suitable Dubai apartment for investment. Everything depends on your end goal (end user or investor) and the location itself. If you want to go for Dubai apartment for investment as an end user, you should consider such locations as downtown and Jumeirah. Nevertheless, if your end goal is to gain profit as an investor, you should check Discovery Gardens, JVC, Motor City, etc.

Dubai Marina 

Dubai Marina is a home for many European expats. One of the main reasons are relatively new area, water canal, and breathtaking towers. Up until now, Dubai Marina is one of the most popular areas when it comes to investment in apartments because it is located near business offices in Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. It serves as an attraction to many businesspeople, who prefer to be near their workplace and in a prestigious neighborhood that provides plentiful community amenities and the famous Dubai Marina Walk.

Business Bay 

Did you know that Business Bay has the second name? Being a well-known business hub, it is set to become the Manhattan of the emirate. Located in Dubai downtown, it attracts lots of investors due to numerous offices. This area will always be in demand, whether it is rent or purchase.

Al Barsha Heights 

Al Barsha Heights situates close to Media City which hosts multinational and Fortune 500 companies, which include BBC World, Microsoft, HP, CNN, Reuters, CNBC, Vodafone and more. It has numerous residential buildings suitable for anyone seeking to invest in Dubai. It is a top choice for visitors, because it is set in the heart of ‘New Dubai’ and considered a business hub. The perfect location makes it easily accessible from any other area in Dubai. Constant development gives endless opportunities for investment.

Dubai Sports City 

Dubai Sports City was launched in 2003 as Dubai’s sports center, hosting academies in golf, cricket, hockey, football, swimming, and rugby to name a few. Close to Dubai’s major roads, and only 15 minutes away from the much-anticipated Expo 2020 pavilion. It is a recommended choice for investors as millions of visitors are expected to arrive in Dubai for the Expo 2020.

Due to recent market conditions prices on properties went down for both off-plan and secondary markets. As developers started concentrating on more affordable units for end users and investors (studio, 1-,2-bedroom) people started moving from big apartments into smaller ones. Owning became easier than renting. Dubai Sports City is still a young area which is developing rapidly. Due to its popularity and growth, it is one of the most attractive areas when it comes to investments.

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

Considered as one of the fastest growing locations in Dubai, the Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) has a good location when it comes to nearby areas and easy accessibility. It is also a short drive from the Expo 2020 pavilion and Dubai’s major business attractions. In the first three quarters of 2015, it was ranked the 2^nd highest for move-in rates in Dubai. It is just 20-minutes away from the Al Maktoum International Airport. According to Bureau International des Expositions, Expo 2020 will be attracting millions of visitors. JVC’s central location is expected to increase demand for hotel rooms during Expo 2020 which will boost investment in Dubai. Another advantage is that rent will grow in the coming 24-36 months as the market improves. In terms of yield, properties offer between 15%–20% more space comparing to The Springs, and around 15%–20% cheaper to purchase.

Dubai apartment for investment and the best ROI 

When it comes to Dubai apartment for investment, ROI is the major deal maker. Each Dubai area has a different ROI. Depending on what you are looking for and what is the end goal you can choose a suitable location.

According to the research, conducted by Bayut, there are 10 locations in Dubai which can be considered as a profitable investment option, for Dubai apartment investors. According to the obtained results, we can shortlist the following areas:

1. Dubai Marina – 6.4%
2. Downtown Dubai – 5.4%
3. International City – 9.7%
4. JVC – 6.7%
5. Palm Jumeirah – 5.3%
6. JLT – 7.7%
7. Dubai Silicon Oasis – 7.6%
8. Dubai Sports City – 7.9%
9. JBR – 6.3%
10. Business Bay – 6.4%

Dubai Marina and Dubai Downtown still hold their position strong as one of the most attractive places to invest in. Taking into consideration current market trends International City, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Motor City are among top preferences when it comes to real estate investments.

International City, on the other side, is the 3^rd-most searched area for apartment sales in Dubai. Prices for studios stays the same, comparing to 2018. Nevertheless, for those who want to invest with more profit, 2BR apartments in International City is the answer. Prices have risen by 1.4%, increasing from AED 690,000 to AED 700,000 in the first quarter of 2019. A similar trend has also been noticed in other affordable areas like Dubai Sports City, where 2BR units have seen prices jump by 3%.

While property prices in Dubai have decreased over the last quarter, the changes have been modest. Dubai apartment for investment stays the most profitable asset, comparing to villas and townhouses. Current Dubai real estates market conditions such as price decline, oversupply and people’s shift towards new Dubai areas remain investment even more profitable. Taking into consideration Expo 2020 and the expected a rush of tenants Dubai apartment stays a hunk of burning.

Invest in Dubai apartments with Universal Prime Real Estate. Contact one of our property advisors for more information on which location to choose for future investments.

Dubai real estate market witnessed major developments which include new laws, initiatives and projects announced. While prices on properties are still declining, governmental innovations in terms of visas, investments and business opportunities gave more freedom for investors to consider Dubai real estate market as an investment opportunity.

Over 19,700 units have been delivered year to date. Prominent deliveries include Bluewaters Residences, Damac Heights in Dubai Marina and multiple projects in Nshama Townsquare and Akoya (Damac Hills).

Dubai real estate secondary market 

2018 was a good year for Dubai’s secondary real state market. While residential off-plan sales have been low (-32% compared to 2017), there has been a rise in transactional activity in the ready space.

Market correction occurred as property prices have adjusted to the increased supply. This benefits consumers who may have previously aspired to own a property but was priced out, and we’re happy to see long-time UAE residents begin to invest and buy properties as an alternative to renting.

Governmental support 

Dubai government aims to attract more investors to growing Dubai real estate market by implementing different strategies which will benefit investors in the long run. Among the main governmental initiatives are:

• 5-, 10- year visas;
• 100% foreign ownership;
• Long-term residency.

Due to the numerous projects launch, some developers delay handover. Dubai government secured investors by implementing new regulation. According to DLD, developers who delayed handover for more than a year must pay investors an equivalent amount of 1-year rent.

A reform-oriented government continues to be the main driver of the Dubai real estate market growth. Local and international investors build more trust in this market and government in general.

Residential capital values

Overall residential capital values for existing freehold properties declined 11% annually and are 22% below their 2014 peaks. However, not all areas performed equally.  The highest annual declines of more than 15% came from Business Bay, International City and Jumeirah Islands, locations with less than 6% declines were villas in Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Al Furjan.

The rental market has become a tenants’ market 

Landlords have moved from accepting only one cheque to accepting up to 12 cheques. Macro-induced crunch on the consumers’ purchasing power had prompted a fight for affordability in both the rental as well as the sales markets. It directly boosts the retail, insurance and banking sector as more people continue to call Dubai their permanent home.

The shift towards domestic end-users rather than investors took place, as well. Developers offer innovative self-funded payment plans directly to their purchasers, outside of the traditional mortgage market.

What is the current situation of Dubai real estate market? 

At the moment, the Dubai real estate market is experiencing a decline in prices. The drop in the market of around 25% blamed on the oversupply of high-end luxury developments and falling oil prices.

Despite the decline in property prices in Dubai, several new initiatives were announced to improve the market sentiment and provide tangible returns.

One of the new regulations will see banks provided with more flexibility in terms of lending to real estate investors, which in turn will boost the market.

Developers are also focusing more on affordable units for the middle class, aimed at persuading renters to become buyers. They aim to create a community rather than just a single building. Some developers are following the trend when it comes to creating spaces that people can live, work and entertain themselves within.

Market stabilization 

According to Dubai real estate market experts, the market will start stabilizing in 2020 only. It is expected that more than 30 million people will visit Dubai for the Expo 2020. Among these 30 million, 70% will be from outside the UAE. The excessive supply will find its buyers and tenants. Implemented governmental changes only stabilize the Dubai real estate market and give an additional push towards its improvement.

Dubai real estate market is going through cycles, like any other market. Comparing to GCC real estate markets, Dubai is ahead of the curve which means that the worst situation passed. Today’s real estate market is on its way to stabilization.

Despite all rumors that Dubai real estate market will crash – it’s improving constantly. Due to governmental immediate initiatives and support the situation didn’t get worse and handled properly. What can we expect in 2019? The prices will be still dropping, but not that rapidly. By 2021 Dubai real estate market will stabilize.

What are the future trends and what should we expect? If you want to get more details on the future of Dubai real estate market – contact one of our property advisors. They will be able to provide all the needed details regarding the market situation and investment opportunities.