MENA Properties Services: Q2 Market Summary

DUBAI, UAE, September 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Whilst confidence has been boosted by the number of new developments being launched, along with previously halted projects recommencing work, the rise in prices has resulted in fewer sales transactions in Q2 and diverted potential first time home buyers to shift their immediate attention to continuing to rent (recognized by the much higher rate of rental transactions in the last quarter); whilst others are taking more time to make decisions on when and where they should invest. This market movement has of course also been caused by the increased transfer rates and the reduced borrowing amounts (75% being maximum LTV) offered by the mortgage providers which has been recognized across the media platforms.  

Many of the transactions witnessed by MENA Properties (MPS) are at pre EXPO announcement prices (averaging 15% off the current advertised rates) whether for sale or for rent. Many sellers are taking steps during this slowdown in pricing to cash in on their current investment after making good gains, and upgrading to a higher tier of property where capital appreciation has greater potential.  

MPS has seen specific interest in apartments between AED 600,000 to AED 1.5m and then between AED 3.5m and AED 5m, in the villa communities.

A shift to the suburbs of Dubai, has resulted in more availability in the main stretch of Dubai (from World Trade Centre to Dubai Marina and adjacent communities), thus prices have also softened in these areas and strengthened in less established communities where demand has been created in areas such as Dubailand, Sports City and Jumeirah Village. These less established communities have allowed for more affordable properties to become more attractive, by offering more living space per sqft with limitation mainly being longer commutes (5km - 10km) in to the heart of Dubai.

Off Plan projects have seen fewer launches over the past quarter which has been considered a positive by the Developers and by the MENA Advisory team, with the obvious concern being an oversupply of product in a very short period of time. MENA anticipates several projects to be launched during City Scape, however, believes the focus should be on affordable housing for the end user market who are keen to invest in real estate for their security for the future.

MPS believes the overall market movements in Q2 are healthy for the market as they create a pricing equilibrium across the Dubai region. The movement will (and has) benefited less established areas, but as prices soften on the main stretch, there will be a partial shift back to this area leaving both established and non-established communities with a healthier supply and at healthier prices. This helps stability and will contribute to a more sustainable and even more attractive market in Dubai with a more consistent growth being recognized in Q3 and thereafter.

While these factors are noteworthy in gauging the current market performance, there are some simple steps that investors and end users should consider in order to maximize their earnings.

Those looking to sell should consider this as the right time to open negotiations; however, this is as an option if you have alternative investment opportunities that you can benefit from by cashing in today. With the average ROI on a property in Dubai is approximately 3.5% today (previously achieved average of 5.5%), Dubai Real Estate remains a greater offer of return than most savings accounts and real estate markets in other countries.

Landlords wishing to rent should also consider opening negotiations. Cost incurred whilst owning a vacant unit escalate due to loss of rent and payment of service/management fees. Maintaining properties whilst vacant will also result in additional utilities charges in order to avoid any damage to the property caused by heat and humidity during the summer peak season. Accumulated losses on a monthly basis can compensate any considerations of a higher rent demand.

Overall, buyers, investors and tenants should familiarise themselves with the market prior to making an investment. An individual valuation of investment should take into consideration location, upcoming developments, pre and post 2008 prices (allowing one to ascertain potential peaks), and of course ROI's.  In case of a tenant wishing to purchase, fear of any losses should be voided by factoring rent paid vs potential slowdown in market at time of selling (if any). Those wishing to rent need to compromise where necessary whether related to location or preferred choice of building. Commuting in Dubai is convenient regardless of location. The city's infrastructure provides access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, allowing most locations in or around Dubai to benefit from short commutes. Whilst compromising may be considered as an undesired preference, the current relocation / shift in the property market will result in short term savings and long term opportunities.