apartment in Dubai Archives - Ellington Properties

Dubai’s Best Area To Invest In Property

Dubai is a favorite destination among people looking to buy an investment property — and for good reasons. Its real estate market has been in robust shape over the years and estimates suggest that things will be even better in the coming years, especially with the pandemic phasing out. Real estate investors are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a location, as Dubai boasts several hotspots. However, two areas particularly stand out. These are MBR City and Downtown Dubai. If you are looking to buy an investment property in Dubai, you may well want to start with either of these locations. Whether you are a beginner searching for your first investment or a real estate expert, both offer great returns in terms of lifestyle offerings, capital gains, and ROI. WHAT MAKES MBR CITY SPECIAL?Four reasons make MBR City a favorite among real estate investors. These are: LOCATIONMBR City is well-connected to the rest of Dubai, and the residents of this new master-community enjoy easy access to all important streets and highways. Plus, Dubai International Airport is just a 10-15 minutes drive away. As a result, it provides great connectivity to foreign travelers, visitors, and residents. PROPERTIESIn this new master-community, you will find a mix of residential communities and commercial establishments from many developers like Ellington Properties. In MBR City you will find a broad selection of luxurious villas and apartments, as well as mid-range apartments and townhouses within lush green, sustainable communities. LIFESTYLEThis part of the city is all set to become a popular destination among tourists and families with a range of services, amenities, and facilities catering to different cultural backgrounds. RETAIL AND SHOPPINGThe Meydan One Mall is home to Dubai’s biggest indoor ski slope and 620 retail shops, including a hypermarket and two major department stores. The residents of MBR City will enjoy easy access to one of the most exciting retail destinations in Dubai. LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENTThere’s no shortage of entertainment options in MBR City. Among the most popular ones are Crystal Lagoons, the biggest man-made lagoon in the world, Meydan Golf Course, a 9-hole golf course spanning more than 7,000 yards of natural lakes and tee options, and Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, one of the most popular race courses in Dubai. WHAT MAKES DOWNTOWN DUBAI SPECIAL?In Downtown Dubai, you will find thoughtfully designed spacious apartments. Some of the main reasons that make this part of the city popular among renters and buyers alike are as follows: SOME OF DUBAI’S BEST SCHOOLS ARE IN DOWNTOWN DUBAIThere are several famous schools as well as nurseries in and around Downtown Dubai. These include Jumeirah International Nursery and Blossom Downtown Nursery. In addition to top schools and nurseries, the Downtown Dubai area is a few minutes drive from two of the best hospitals in Dubai, Emirates Hospital and Mediclinic Parkview Hospital. IT IS A CULTURAL AND NIGHTLIFE HOTSPOT IN DUBAINot only Downtown Dubai is home to the famous Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and Burj Khalifa, but it also boasts some of the very best nightlife and dining venues that the city has to offer. Plus, there are many nightclubs and bars in this part of the city. IT IS CLOSE TO JUMEIRAH BEACHLiving in Downtown Dubai means you will never be far from the beach. If you are an avid beach-lover, that’s really good news. Jumeirah Beach is just a few minutes drive away from Downtown Dubai. OTHER OPTIONSApart from MBR City and Downtown Dubai, some of the other locations that you may want to add to your list include the following:

Live in Dubai’s Apartment Or Villa?

Villas and apartments are both very popular options for residential properties in Dubai. Whether you are buying or renting, both options are available in different sizes, price ranges, styles, and locations. As such, residents may at times find it hard to decide which type of properties will suit them better. If you can’t decide between living in a villa or apartment in Dubai, this post is just for you. We have uncovered some of the main factors to consider so that you can easily and confidently make an informed decision. Price and Size For most people, price and size are among the most important factors while buying or renting a property. Generally speaking, apartments tend to have a lower entry price than villas in Dubai because villas usually offer a bigger internal space in addition to an external terrace or garden area. Of course, size directly impacts the price you end up paying. In other words, a 3-bedroom apartment is more expensive than a 2-bedroom apartment or studio in the same building. However, you may find a reasonably priced 3- bedroom villa 30 minutes away from the downtown that can actually cost you less than a two-bedroom apartment located in the center. So, it all depends on the location which we will talk about next. Location The other main factor to consider while deciding between a villa and apartment in Dubai is location. Some locations in Dubai offer a wide selection of sales and rental properties, but in many areas your choices are rather limited. For example, Downtown Dubai — one of the top neighborhoods located in the city and popular among buyers and renters for its central location — mainly offers apartments. A prospective resident is likely to find it difficult to get a villa in these parts. In contrast, suburban communities — like Dubailand — almost exclusively have beautiful townhouses and cozy villas. Maintenance costs It is important to understand the various maintenance costs involved in an apartment vs. a villa in Dubai. Generally speaking, villas are costlier to maintain than apartments for an obvious reason: A larger space and the lack of shared services (unlike an apartment located in a building). Lifestyle Which is a greater priority for you — convenience or privacy? If you said convenience, an apartment in Dubai is likely to suit you better. Because apartment towers in Dubai tend to be more centrally-located than villas, they are much closer to commercial hubs and leisure activities. But if you value privacy more than convenience, a villa is likely to work out better for you. In Dubai, villas are almost exclusively located in gated communities or residential areas a little away from the urban hubbub. Because these villas provide a quiet environment, they are perfect for families, especially ones with children. On the other hand, single professionals who want to live near the city center or couples looking for a property that’s a few minutes walk from malls or entertainment options might prefer the convenience of living in an apartment. Likewise, those who like having a private outdoor space or hate using the lift might prefer the privacy of a townhouse or villa. By contrast, social butterflies may like living in an apartment complex, where they can have more opportunities to chit-chat with the neighbors. Several trendy villa communities in Dubai — like Emirates Hills — also house nurseries and schools. Therefore, they are a great choice for families with kids. Budget-conscious buyers or renters, however, can consider living in apartments in popular integrated communities, like Jumeirah Village Circle or Mohammad Bin Rashid City, since they offer beautiful apartments and also feature schools and nurseries. Views For some buyers or renters this is not an important factor, but for some others the surrounding views is a big thing. Some high-luxury apartments offer unparalleled views, though they usually come with a steeper price tag. If you like to enjoy sweeping views of the Arabian Sea, you may consider a high-floor flat on Jumeirah or the Palm. On the other hand, those who prefer impressive Burj Khalifa or city skyline views are more likely to find apartments in Downtown Dubai to their liking. Many Dubai villas, in contrast, offer charming greeneries and lake views or golf course views. So, the choice between the two—villa and apartment—may also depend on your personal preference when it comes to the type of surrounding views. Amenities Last but not the least, you may also want to consider the facilities and amenities you will have access to. For instance, if you rely on Dubai Metro to commute to your office, an apartment might be a good choice. That’s because most villa communities are little farther away from Dubai Metro. On the other hand, apartment towers usually offer a shared pool and gym while villa communities offer more extensive facilities, like jogging tracks, tennis courts, community parks…etc.

Five reasons to invest in a new property in Dubai

Growing at a faster rate than most other cosmopolitan cities, Dubai is replete with skyscrapers, idyllic spots, picturesque water views, and more. From the world’s largest artificial islands built in the shape of a date palm tree to the world’s tallest tower, Dubai has a lot that impresses anyone landing here for the first time. Looking to purchase property in Dubai? The real estate market here is as diverse as you can imagine and includes not only a standard commercial and residential inventory but also high-rise buildings, detached houses, and ultra-modern complexes. Plus, Dubai is ideally located between Asia, Africa and Europe, which is a big reason why experienced real estate investors from all over the world flock here. Here are top 5 reasons why investing in a new property in Dubai right now is a smart decision. Trustworthy, regulated real estate market The latest Global Real Estate Transparency Index from JLL ranks Dubai (along with Abu Dhabi) as the most transparent market in the entire MENA region. This index is regarded as key indicator of the health of the real estate market of any city. The government understands the importance of having transparent real estate policies, which is essential for attracting a lot of foreign investments. A case can be made for the new Open Data Law. It paves the way for the sharing of non-confidential data between non-government and government entities without any obstacles. What’s more, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency is also doing its bit to streamline processes. For instance, it has introduced several measures in the past few years to make Dubai’s real estate more regulated. Today, its real estate market is as well regulated as any other top international destination, like Singapore or Paris. Stable economy Dubai is no longer just an oil-dependent economy. Instead, the UAE has diversified its economy immensely in the last several years by developing other sectors like manufacturing and tourism. Dubai features many tourist attractions, like Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa, and the ongoing 2020 Expo is expected to deliver a further boost to its travel and tourism industry. Attractive Rental Yields Dubai, unlike many other cosmopolitan cities, offers a high ROI, which stands for return on investment. A key component of real estate returns is rental income. In contrast to capital appreciation, rental income matures immediately. Capital appreciation, on the other hand, is attainable only when you sell a property or release considerably home equity through a home loan. Dubai apartments achieved a 7% rental yield last year on average, despite the global slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Villas in Dubai, in contrast, registered a 5% ROI. In simple language, it means that if you buy a 2-bedroom unit for AED 1,000,000 and rent it, you will be able to recover the entire property value in 14 years only, even if the rental rate doesn’t grow further. Safety & High Living Standards Another reason to buy a new property in Dubai is its high standard of living. Dubai not only offers a modern lifestyle, but it also has a very low crime rate. As a matter of fact, the crime rate in the UAE is very close to zero, and consequently, it is considered as one of the safest countries in the globe. Different Types of Residential Units Dubai real estate has an impressive and diversified portfolio of residential properties. From ultra-modern apartments and studios in JVC or Downtown or beautiful townhouses and villas in Jumeirah, MBR City and Dubailand, Dubai has it all. No wonder then it is frequently referred to as the real estate capital of the Middle East. Where to buy a residential property in Dubai? Dubai is a prime real estate market offering all types of properties, including affordable and luxury assets. From an investment perspective, there are hundreds of suitable properties in Dubai. These include studios, apartments, villas, and townhouses. If you are interested to invest in a high-yield apartment or a luxury townhouse in Dubai, then take some time out to check out all the available options on our website at www.ellingtonproperties.ae. Alternatively, you can also contact us anytime and we will be glad to assist you.

Dubai’s post-pandemic properties rental market trends

The UAE is one of the few countries that have managed coronavirus well. Thanks to the great success of the UAE’s vaccination drive, the Covid-19 cases in the country are presently at the lowest in the last one year. This, coupled with the fact that Dubai Expo 2020 — touted by many as the biggest global event ever — is currently underway, has pushed the rental market upwards. All experts are unanimous in their opinion that the buildup to this global event has been spectacularly good for the UAE’s economy. Plus, they believe the positive regulations adopted by the government have helped spur business growth in the region. At present, the demand for certain class of real estate properties is very high, so much so that it exceeds the supply. As a result of this, rentals prices as well as real estate prices have gone up. This is particularly true for areas which are close to the mega event. All prominent residential areas near Expo 2020 have seen a remarkable surge in rental demand. These include, among others, the following: Jumeirah Village Circle Dubai South Dubai Investments Park Al Furjan Jebel Ali Dubai Production City Dubai Motor City Dubai Sports City As expected, Dubai Expo 2020 has drawn visitors in large numbers. According to many sources, during this month, Dubai will see no fewer than 25 million visits, which is not a small number by any means. Many of these visitors want to live in close proximity to Expo 2020, and this has resulted in an exponential increase in the demand for rental properties in all the aforementioned areas. Compared to this time last year, the buzz in Dubai is completely different now. Much of that is due to the re-opening of schools, resumption of most flight routes, re-opening of offices, and restaurants and malls at increased occupancy. Of course, it goes without saying that the successful inauguration of Expo in October 2021 has helped too. The successful transition to normalcy with comprehensive public safety and health measures in place has heralded the end of the coronavirus-related restrictions in the country and pushed the real estate industry’s recovery. Here are some important post-pandemic property rental statistics: The 3rd quarter of 2021 witnessed an upward trend in the real estate market. The affordable housing registered an increase of 14% whereas the luxury housing surged by an impressive 30%. Economists are of the opinion that the fourth quarter will be no different, perhaps even better. The reason for this optimism is obviously the commencement of Dubai Expo 2020. Dubai Expo 2020 recorded over 411,000 visitors in the first 10 days. Before the event ends, experts believe near to 25 million people will visit Dubai and the UAE. From these impressive figures, one can easily ascertain that areas in close proximity to the Expo site will be in high demand during October 2021 to March 2022. Both the rental demand and rental prices will grow in such places. Residential rents in Dubai will continue to improve in 2022, but the rental recovery, in all probability, will be segmented. Segments that are likely to see the most growth are prime apartment locations and villa districts. On the other hand outer apartment districts and most affordable districts might see slower stabilization rates. The apartment rates increased by 3% on average during April, May, and June 2021. In contrast, villa rates increased by 8% during the same period. With many tenants still preferring to work from home, there’s a greater demand for rental units that offer better amenities and greater private space. Similar trends are visible in popular localities like JBR and Dubai Marina. However, villa developments like Victory Heights and Arabian Ranches posted much better improvements both annually and quarterly. How tenants are paying has also changed. Tenants prefer to pay in more cheques instead of one or two payments that was the trend some time back. Most tenants are going for rental renewals, which indicates that renters don’t mind an increase in their rent as much as the moving costs and the hassle linked to it. For sure, Dubai Expo 2020 has boosted the rental market. However, as to the question whether this is a long-term effect or not, that is something only time will tell.

The latest trends in Dubai’s rebounding real estate market

With UAE’s economy recovering well from coronavirus, it comes as no surprise that Dubai’s real estate market experienced steady growth since the first half of 2021. The big question, however, is — will Dubai’s property market continue to rebound in the rest of 2021 and beyond? If the latest trends are any indication to go by, the answer is likely to be ‘yes.’ So, what are the factors that have helped Dubai’s real estate market to rebound so well? According to the experts there are several contributing factors, the two most important ones being a successful Covid-19 vaccination plan and visa reforms. Experts are also almost unanimous in their opinions that the positive measures taken by the government to support the economy has also spurred demand in Dubai’s real estate market. In this post, we will look at some of the latest trends in Dubai’s rebounding property market. The Villa Segment is Expected to Perform Better than Apartments At present, the villa segment of the Dubai’s property market is performing much better compared to apartments, and this trend is likely to continue in the future as well. The positive momentum started building in the 3rd quarter of 2020 and has continued throughout 2020 and the first half of 2021. This has been possible because of the general positive market sentiment following improvements in the Covid-19 situation and concrete steps taken by the government to improve growth in the housing market and manage oversupply. The latest real estate data also confirm that Dubai’s real estate is rebounding exceedingly well. While Dubai recorded 35,041 sales worth Dh71.87 billion in 2020, the first half of 2021 has seen 27,373 transactions totaling Dh61.71 billion. According to the experts, this is the most impressive real estate performance in terms of sales transactions in the past 8 years. Prices have increased 1.3% in March 2021 The real estate market is experiencing an uptrend across the board. Real estate prices have jumped by 1.3% in March 2021 compared to March 2020. On year-to-year basis, this is the first increase recorded since 2015. Dubai’s real estate market bottomed out towards the end of 2020 (somewhere around November). Since then the real estate prices have jumped 7%. Premium properties are recording even better gains It’s no secret that the UAE has handled the Covid-19 crisis much better than many other countries. This is perhaps the biggest reason that why right now a large number of luxury buyers regard Dubai as the best place to put in their investments. Many international and regional buyers have relocated to Dubai, spurring growth in the luxury property segment. In addition to a strong response to the pandemic, attractive prices are another key reason that has helped Dubai attract luxury buyers in hordes. According to many real estate experts, the present is nothing short of a historic time for the luxury real estate segment. Data, also points toward the same thing. Properties worth Dh10 million and more have recorded an all-time high market share of 2.5%. Some other factors that have contributed to this uptrend are as follows: Low interest rates. Thanks to this, many tenants are turning into buyers Positive sentiment. The prevailing sentiment among investors is that since the real estate market has already reached its rock bottom in 2020, it is now safe to invest in it. Low prices. In many areas prices are even below replacement cost. This, as you may guess, makes for a great entry point for both first-time investors and seasoned investors. Occupancy rate is still on the lower side in B-grade apartments Even though Dubai real estate market is rebounding impressively, there are some lingering issues. For starters, occupancy rate in B-grade apartments which don’t offer many modern amenities is on the lower side. With that said, most experts agree this is nothing to worry about as it is a sign that people in this new “work-from-home” environment prefer better housing options such as A-grade apartments, townhouses, or villas that usually offers bigger space and more amenities. Perhaps this is the reason why the demand for beachfront properties has also jumped up. However, off-plan market activity is expected to continue facing headwinds. According to experts, it has contracted by 29% on year-on-year basis in the first half of 2021. Nevertheless, they are also hopeful that improved demand and sentiment will soon improve things in this segment as well.

5 Tips to Help You Rent Out Your Apartment in Dubai

Renting an apartment is a great way to secure a monthly income in the UAE, but you will definitely have to put in conscientious efforts to make your property more appealing and optimize your rental yield. Here are five tips to help you rent out your apartment in Dubai. 1. Hire a reliable broker It is important that you partner with a broker you can trust and with whom you can build a win-win professional relationship. Often, property owners in Dubai spend less time picking a real estate agent than picking a restaurant, and that’s where things start to go wrong. It’s paramount that you invest time and effort to find the right broker then have an honest and open conversation with him or her so that they can fully understand your needs and expectations. So, how can find such a broker? A good first step is by getting recommendations from people whose opinions you trust and then following up with interviews of your own. 2. Perform real estate due diligence You may already have a rental figure in your mind, but the question is – is that price realistic and achievable in the Dubai market? Sift through various property portals to find out the average rental price for properties similar to yours in your area. Of course, your broker is going to share their inputs and that’s great, but you should also do some homework of your own. 3. Offer flexibility and add-ons Convenience is one word that resonates well with all potential renters. If you are flexible in the rental contract, you are likely to have a signed contract sooner. Here are four things you may want to consider to make your rental offer more attractive in Dubai: Multiple rent payment cheques: Not all forms of rent payment are equal. If you want to rent out your apartment in Dubai as quickly as possible, you should offer payment options that are easy and convenient for potential renters. One way to do that is by offering multiple payment instalments. It’s no secret that not many renters are interested in signing a one cheque rental contract unless it comes with a hefty discount. One month free rent: Apart from the word ‘convenience,’ another word that can pique renters’ interest in a property is the word ‘free.’ If your Dubai property has been sitting vacant for a few months, why not sweeten the deal for potential renters by including the one-month free offer in your contract? Short-term contracts: While one-year contracts are the norm, the rules of the game are not as rigid as before. Why? Glad you asked. A large number of expats new to Dubai now look for shorter-term contracts until they get acquainted and comfortable with the city and their new jobs. If you want to make your rental offering more attractive, consider offering shorter-term contracts, like 6 or 3 months. Utilities included: As a property owner, it’s up to you whether to include utilities as part of the monthly rent. Before you set the rent and write up the terms of the lease, decide who will pay for things like gas, electricity, heat, water, and so on. If your property is located in an area popular with professionals, especially singles, you may want to draw up an “all utilities included” rent agreement. That’s because busy working professionals are looking for such an arrangement, as that means they will not have to make the effort of setting up payments under their account upon moving in. 4. Consider turning your property into a holiday rental Want to escape the lower rental yields? If so, consider turning your apartment into a vacation rental property like the ones offered on Airbnb. Doing so is simple and easy and doesn’t involve hefty fees. You can take the first step in this direction by registering with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Once you have done that, you will be able to list your studio or apartment on Airbnb and other similar websites. 5. Pay attention to the upkeep Nothing turns off renters more than a property that is being poorly maintained. When a potential tenant visits your apartment, he or she pictures it as their future home, at least for the next few months or years. They don’t expect to see — nor would they appreciate — surfaces that are scratched or unclean or walls with paint peeling off them. Make a strong impression on all potential tenants by keeping your property in top condition.