Friday, November 28, 2008

Dubai Property Investment: There Is A Silver Lining After All

Yes, there is a credit crisis gripping Dubai. The government and Dubai property investment authorities are far from sitting idle though.

As part of the ongoing DIFC week, the DIFC Forum has put forth some positive developments on the Dubai real estate and property sector. One faction feels that the GCC region should combine forces with the Asian markets, especially with China for a consolidation of resources. The reasoning is sound as both regions are emerging powers in the global economic scene.

Individual property developers too are doing their bit for the national economy. Dubai Holding, one of the bigger developers and recognized voices in Dubai, U.A.E. real estate is one of them. The organization recently announced their debt-free status by paying off $653.4 million of debt.

Yet, they were barely on the heels of the Dubai International Financial Centre’s investments department, which paid off a loan $500 million.

The U.A.E financial market is another indicator of the improving conditions of the Dubai property sale section. The market sailed through Thursday almost entirely on real estate stocks with developers and construction houses like ETISALAT, EMAAR and DFM putting in a fine display.

As you can see, there is no need to give in to panic, especially not if you are in the hands of extremely able Dubai real estate consultants. Do your bit to gauge the market situation and your financial strength and the real estate company in U.A.E. you hire can help you with the rest.

Get in touch with MEREC Dubai if you’d like a trustworthy second opinion.

The Dubai Pearl – Next Luxury Dubai Property Investment

There is a new development set to add its own sheen to Dubai, U.A.E. real estate with a building tower and town plan that is nothing short of iconic. What I saw of the Dubai Pearl effectively held me in thrall.

The towers of the Dubai Pearl are expected to flank the entrance to the Palm Jumeirah in a most spectacular way. The Palm Jumeirah, as is well known, is one of the three manmade islands and the second biggest among the three, engineered along Dubai’s coastline. 

With such an address, you can be sure that the Pearl is a Dubai property investment worth investing in. The building itself is of an unusual design- its very lack of eccentricity (unlike the more recent crop of towers) striking it as different.  

The properties within the Dubai Pearl are to be constructed keeping commercial and residential developments in mind and include a section called Pedestrian City. According to the developers, this space will be privy to “14,500 parking bays” and a “100 percent pedestrian friendly ‘walkable’ and climate controlled city.”

 Along with a fleet of 5-star hotels and premium Dubai freehold properties (the area is a freezone freehold), Dubai property and real estate at the Dubai Pearl is an excellent grab.  The contract for the Dubai Pearl itself went for a cool USD 2.4 billion to the Al Habtoor-Leighton Group.

If you are looking for sale properties in Dubai on par with addresses like Business Bay and Dubai Land, than this is the place for you. Contact MEREC Dubai for more information on how you can go about this.

Is Dubai, U.A.E. Real Estate In Crisis Too?

While what we may be facing in the U.A.E. property market might not be as critical as what the people in Mumbai are going through, I am certain there are some factions who would wring their hands with the same distress.

Currently, the main thing on everyone’s minds in the Emirates including investors in Dubai freehold properties and sale properties is the credit situation. Staff cuts are expected in such a scenario and many development houses and real estate companies in U.A.E. have no option but to let go.

There are definitely Dubai villas for sale and other sale properties in Dubai available for a significantly lower cost than what they were at in September. Dubai real estate consultants are finding fewer takers though thanks to the limited borrowing options available for investors.

The banks are unrelenting with HSBC already curtailing loans for those earning Dh20, 000 per month in Dubai. Those who have the resources kept aside to buy a house in Dubai are the ones enjoying though. Rather than renting properties in the Emirate and paying through their teeth, for this group of people Dubai real estate investments are infinitely much more attractive.

Check with a reliable and recognized real estate company in Dubai if your finances are in a position to allow you to enjoy the current U.A.E. property market. MEREC Dubai, for instance offers comprehensive solutions- from consultancy and capital raising to property search and development options.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Big 5 & The U.A.E. Property Market – Some New Trends

Held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Big 5 is recognized as the one of the largest meeting grounds for the construction industry in the Middle East and suppliers related to it. This year, the project has collaborated with plant, construction vehicles, machinery and equipment suppliers and dealers, adding more value to the Dubai property investment sector. 

One of the highlights at this year’s Big 5 is the growing concern that the event organizers themselves admit to having in common with Dubai real estate consultants- about the current and future situation of the U.A.E. property market

However, the sheer numbers attending the event (50,000) stand testament to the unflagging popularity and need for a better understanding about the U.A.E. property market.

Companies exhibiting their products and services have stepped in with some remarkable and groundbreaking offerings. DuPont for instance, introduced a new non-staining and un-malleable manmade stone called DuPont Zodiaq.

German-based DSI Arteon is offering a sand solidification process that has been around for years in Europe but has never been marketed globally. The Liquid Sand Slab is supposed to be cheaper than concrete, more aesthetic, easier to use and capable of controlling dust- a veritable plus in a place like Dubai.

Overall, the Dubai real estate and property sector could very well benefit from such advantageous products and processes. Brokers and consultants in Dubai, U.A.E. real estate after all, are looking for the next best thing to attract investors and opportunities like the ones presented at the Big 5 are perfect to grab.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Would You Now Go In For A Dubai Property Investment In The Burj Dubai?

“The Burj Dubai will be known by many names. But only a privileged group of people will call it home.”

-          The Burj Dubai website

With the latest price drop in sale properties in Dubai at the Burj Dubai development, how many more can claim to a home in this luxury tower? According to the latest figures, residential Dubai real estate investments at the Burj Dubai have reduced by 50 percent.

For the developers and sellers, this plunge makes for a rather uncomfortable situation. Compare it to the earlier soar in prices (88 percent by September) and this reaction is certainly understandable.

For buyers looking for a Dubai real estate property they could not afford before, these rates come as a seize-worthy opportunity. The Burj Dubai tower is one-of-a-kind, with engineering and design feats executed in a style that has effectively stunned developers and constructions firms worldwide.

While its status as the tallest tower in the world is short-lived, it remains one of the most delectable options for investors to buy property in Dubai. The floor designed by the fashion label Armani was one of the more costlier units and went for Dh14,000 per sq ft .

On the other hand, apartments at the Burj Dubai are priced at anything from AED 7,894,498 for a 968 Sq. Ft unit to AED 15,554,458 for a 1,254 Sq. Ft sale unit.

To check out the options you have as a U.A.E. property market investor for a space in the Burj Dubai, make sure you trust Dubai real estate consultants who understand the current market scene well. Try MEREC Dubai for a better deal.

Image Courtesy: Flickr

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Winter In Dubai – Enjoy Magical Dubai Property Sale Deals & Balmy Breezes

With a foreigner population surpassing 80 percent- a majority of it Christian, the Christmas season is definitely not given a miss in Dubai. From realistic Santa Villages at air conditioned malls to the advertising and hot-in-consumer-pursuit marketing gimmicks, indigenous residents often rue that Christmas in Dubai is celebrated even more then the Islamic traditions and festivals.

Far from complaining, the Western expat population enjoys the Yule atmosphere pervading Dubai at this time of the year. Gingerbread houses and Ski Dubai are as close to their snow-covered homes as they can get in a land where the beaches are far from frozen and the air holds the tang of sea breezes. 

For those looking to settle down in Dubai and invest in Dubai property and real estate, this December presents a wealth of opportunities.

Sale properties in Dubai are currently quoted at low prices, making it the perfect time for a buyer to invest his money in. Even luxury properties like the projects taking shape in Palm, Jebel Ali have their prices slashed down to 40 percent.

In case you are unsure about how to deal with the U.A.E. property market, hire Dubai real estate consultants who are well acquainted with it. Not only will you be able to make the right decision in time for Christmas, but you will also find assistance in deciding between the various Dubai villas for sale available or a lakefront property.

For expats who have just stepped into Dubai, it would be especially wiser to tread carefully into the Dubai, U.A.E. real estate scene. Get in touch with our real estate company in Dubai for expert analysis and consultations.

Image Courtesy: Flickr

Less Buildings Being Built Will Soon Equal Less Sale Properties In Dubai

Dubai property investment is undergoing a bit of belt-tightening especially where new property proposals are concerned. The trend has already begun, with Nakheel Properties making a definite stance on cutting down on construction projects.

The representatives for Nakheel explained this move saying, “We are witnessing a global negative economic movement, and while we believe that the economic fundamentals of Dubai have not changed, we also believe that we have a responsibility to aid this market maintain healthy momentum.”

Dubai real estate consultants and the U.A.E. property market alike have been treading rough waters ever since developers like Emaar and Damac announced job cuts in their employee ranks. However, given the demand that Dubai property and real estate commands, this situation is bound to improve.

Celebrity endorsements and fashion designers stepping in to conceptualize various sale properties in Dubai are adding their own appeal.

Indian film actor Shah Rukh Khan is the latest in this long line of celebrity designers. After his electrifying Temptations Reloaded 2008 show in Dubai, news that the superstar consented to be the face of a US$2.2 billion development in Ras Al Khaimah filtered out.

Coming back to the pause in Dubai real estate and property development among builders, there is a need for those interested in investing in the same to make a move. A good Dubai real estate company ought to be the best choice to iron out the formalities required.

MEREC Dubai for instance, not only aids builders and developers with project finance and development but also those looking for a Dubai property sale with consultancy services and mortgage options.

Image Courtesy: Flickr

Monday, November 17, 2008

Taking Advantage Of A Changing Skyline in The U.A.E. Property Market

Dubai is developing very quickly- in terms of finance as well as development. A look at the more impossible projects lined up will make it very apparent that architects and designers who want to do something groundbreaking simply head to Dubai.

Take the revolving tower that proposed by controversial designer David Fisher. A stunning piece of Dubai real estate property once complete, from its concept the rotating tower looks like a $700 million marvel of architectural abilities.

Another Dubai property investment project heavily anticipated is the Nakheel Harbor and Tower complex by Arabian canal. The tower’s proposed height is a kilometer, a yet un-attempted height anywhere in the world. These projects are however, for the heavier income bracket.

Far from giving an impression that Dubai property and real estate is only for the affluent, there are some really good options available for the lesser income brackets.

Think studio apartments perfect for a younger crowd in Jumeirah Village or three room houses in Dubailand and two-room houses in Dubai Marina for a family. With the property prices in these areas reducing, it would be a smart choice to buy properties in Dubai at such addresses.

Before you get carried away with the sale properties in Dubai on offer though, make sure you have checked all the investment options and mortgage requirements. Hiring the services of Dubai real estate consultants who are aware of the legalese involved would be a smart first step to take. They can help you out with property finance and raising capital without impinging heavily on your resources.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Government All For Dubai & U.A.E. Real Estate

From all the talk about the U.A.E. property market being too volatile to invest in being rattled about, it would be a good time to suggest turning a deaf ear. There is no reason to panic, the government is doing its best and then some more.

One of the more recent steps is the formation of a committee to tackle the influence of the economy on the Dubai property and real estate sector. The government plans to install a pause or at the very least, a limit in property supply, so that future Dubai real estate investments do not face major devaluation.

Various developers are getting into the picture as well and are putting in their own efforts to further this cause. The distressing job and pay cuts notwithstanding, certain developers and even Dubai real estate consultants are looking at favorable payment and mortgage terms for the investor.

Another instance of governmental concern is the strata laws, which aim at a more transparent system and encourages a high return on investment. Peter Crogan, CEO of BCS Strata Management Services explains, “Strata law is an assurance from the developer on unit delivery and transparency in dealings as well as a reaffirmation of the buyer’s right to know valuable detail and information. This is international best practice and the integration of this into this country’s real estate sector will help lift the mood in the market and build confidence and attract foreign investment.”

In light of such measures, it is unwise to assume that the government is not paying attention to Dubai property and investment. See how these measures can work for you with help from MEREC Dubai.

Image Courtesy: Flickr

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Sale Properties In Dubai Good For Ambitious Arab Youth

The Dubai Chronicle spoke about a recent Arab Youth Survey that found the youth in Saudi, the Emirates and in Jordan to be more optimistic about their future then the rest of their Gulf peers. Naturally, Dubai features prominently in this survey, given the fact that it is the most populous city in the U.A.E.

The opportunities available for Arab youth in Dubai today are myriad. This is important for a demographic that dominates the rest.

The powers that be are doing all they can to pander to the development of the youth in Dubai. Take the MoU signed in June this year between the Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum Foundation and the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) body. The agreement made a Dh37 billion provision for nurturing entrepreneurship and education among the Arab youth.

In terms of a smart Dubai property investment, for an expat looking to settle down in Dubai or a regularly visiting foreigner looking for Dubai freehold properties to own, it would be a good idea to introduce your children to life in Dubai.

There are Dubai villas for sale outfitted with the best amenities offering a safe and vibrant community for a growing child or teen. 

Recent laws like the ban on smoking in public and a ban on tobacco sale for those under 20 are steps that are further making the Emirate a sensible place to look in for sale properties in Dubai. Driving and road safety laws too have improved significantly; especially where youth are concerned. The reduced accident rates show this improvement.

Make sure you consult Dubai real estate consultants who know the ins and outs of the U.A.E. property market that suits your family.

Image Courtesy: Flickr