Sunday, March 2, 2014

Conquering Dubai’s Rental Market

dubai
Why does it seem that finding a property to rent seems harder in Dubai than it is in other parts of the world? There are enough apartments to go around, yet still you are left desperately calling estate agents and scouring property websites trying to find your perfect place. It can be agreed amongst most renters that using popular property websites to find your new home is easy, but never effective. Rarely do you call up an estate agent and mention the exact apartment you are looking at the web and find it is still available. Instead you’re graced with the familiar line: ‘That particular one is no longer available, but we do have something similar’. Ironically, the ‘something similar’ is normally more expensive. Could it be true that the properties really do get snapped up that quickly or is this an industry trick to get you to meet them in person, where it will be easier to convince you that the property they have really is the perfect one for you?
Asking around, it would seem it is a little bit of both. Property in desirable areas, such as JBR and Dubai Marina, really do vanish like gold dust. The best advice to those looking to rent a property in a popular area is to visit as soon as you can, and do not prolong your decision whether to rent the property or not. While you are deliberating over whether you would like a larger balcony or would prefer more natural light, another tenant has swooped in and taken the property right from under your feet.
In a property market as quick as Dubai’s, you really do need to be on the ball. One way to ensure you do not miss out is to make a priority list before you even start looking at properties. List the things you definitely want and the things you could not live without. Next add the aspects that would really impress you but are not 100% necessary, such as extra cupboard space or a large entrance hall. When you have the idea of what you want clear in your mind, searching properties on property websites will be much simpler and when speaking with the real estate agent you will not waste your time being shown around properties that do not match your wish-list. Your list of preferred aspects may have to change if you realise you are asking too much for your budget, but generally if a property has 75% of the things you want, it’s a great find!
Another tip is to make sure all your finances and paperwork are in order before you start looking to rent a property– just in case you find your dream one, you don’t want to be caught off guard! Make sure all of the mundane ‘admin’ is complete, such as photocopying your passport and visa and ensuring you have a cheque book from your current bank account. These small things take time and in the end could cost you your dream home, as time is not of the essence in this market.
Having said all of the above, an important factor to bear in mind is to not panic rent. Do not rush out and rent the first property you see even if you don’t like it. There are many real estate agents in Dubai, eager to show you their properties, so do not panic into signing the first one you see. Many will agree that, although signing a rental agreement is a financial and thought out process, the most important deal breaker is the feeling you get when you walk into a potential home. There will be some you will just hate and some you can’t stop thinking about. Just don’t deliberate too long with your Dubai home otherwise you may find yourself out of time, out of energy and out of luck!
via:http://www.oceanviewdubai.com/blog/conquering-dubais-rental-market/

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