Showing posts with label investment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label investment. Show all posts

How to get a mortgage on Dubai property

16 February, 2008

A lot of people ask me about getting mortgages on property in Dubai, so I thought I should shed a little light on the subject.

With so much freehold on the Dubai market, and something for all different types of income level, be it modest or very high, putting the finance in place to take advantage of the market is key. Over recent years the Dubai property market has benefitted not just from better regulation and property law, but also from increasing choice when taking out a mortgage.

The old situation
Early buyers looking for a mortgage were severely restricted in doing so because just about the only options were the financial subsidiaries of the two main developers Emaar and Nakheel. That was about it, as they were the first property developers on the market, and there was no stable law in place.

Fast forward to now
These days, the government has completely opened up the property mortgage market, making it a more competitive place and of huge benefit to buyers. A lot more banks are offering mortgages at competitive rates. The choice of lenders includes RakBank, HSBC, National Bank of Dubai, Mashreq Bank, Barclays and many, many more. Here is a great mortgage table which outlines some of the options.

If you are serious about making money from property investments, and you're lookingat Dubai speak to me and I will put you directly in touch with my mortgage experts who can help.

Predicting the Dubai property market

16 November, 2007
Here's an interesting excerpt from an article by Ryan Mahoney of The Gulf News, published today.

If I had a dirham for every time I was asked what is going to happen to property prices in this market I would have built up a tidy sum by now! The truth of the matter is that nobody has the definitive answer, we can debate for hours on end and come up with a likely scenario, but without a crystal ball it's tricky. It is possible however, to look to other similar markets and consider the natural cycle of real estate for guidance so for what its worth, here are my thoughts on one of the most frequently asked questions in Dubai.

There are many factors that affect the price of property but the biggest single factor that has influenced the Dubai market over recent times has been supply and demand. At a time when the majority of units are still under construction, we have seen an incredible level of demand for all types of properties; from apartments to villas and warehouses to office towers.

When the freehold property law was introduced, the Dubai property boom was born. Attractive launch prices along with unique and aspirational projects such as The Palm Jumeirah and The World made Dubai an investor's paradise. Speculators looked for quick returns by capitalising on an untapped market, expatriates bought somewhere to live and holidaymakers looked to these shores for a second home.

Ever since, demand has continued to increase, pushing prices up with it, providing investors with fantastic returns, both in terms of capital growth and leasing revenue. Such increases have spurred more people to buy here, creating further demand and driving prices up.

The massive influx of people, driven by Dubai's positioning as a major business hub for the region and a luxury holiday destination, has created an insatiable demand for property. All new residents need a place to stay and in the same way, multinationals need business premises. The pace of growth means there hasn't been enough property to go around and therefore, any completed property available for sale or lease has been at a premium rate.

The second biggest factor affecting the supply shortfall, and therefore prices, is delivery delays. In many cases, construction has taken far longer than was ever expected, adding further pressure to an already strained market.

So getting back to where I started; what does the future hold? Dubai is currently a hive of construction activity and as each development reaches completion, more products become available. However, as these projects are delivered, there will, of course, be more and more people relocating to Dubai for work, the number of which will affect how long it takes for supply to even out. The nature of real estate suggests that at this point we could see a levelling of prices.

Ultimately though, I don't see anything drastic happening to prices. Dubai still has a lot to offer buyers. With increased regulations adding further credibility to the market, and the current strength of some foreign currencies making Dubai property more affordable, as well as some exciting new projects underway, demand should remain a firm favourite with buyers for some time to come.

Inflation sparking price rises in Dubai

13 November, 2007

Inflation is sparking property price rises in Dubai as supply continues to lag behind demand. Fears from some quarters that an imminent oversupply of real estate in Dubai would depress the sector in 2008 have now been pushed back by most observers to 2010, due to construction capacity constraints and the continued tide of new immigration. Indeed, the main concern is that local inflationary pressures are going to drive rents and prices higher.

It was not very long ago that Dubai property watchers believed that this autumn would be the moment that the market tipped into oversupply, with the prospect of declining prices and rents in 2008.

But today it would be hard to find a single analyst supporting that view. The new consensus is that construction delays and the continuing economic boom in Dubai mean that it will be 2010 at least before the proverbial shoe drops, and even then the slowdown will be gradual rather than a bursting of a bubble.

Why is it that the harbingers of doom have been so convincingly trounced by the outcome this autumn?

The short answer is that analysts overestimated the speed at which construction projects could be completed in Dubai. According to the original schedule, The Palm Jumeirah should have been completely finished by the end of this year, and yet the contract for the landmark Trump hotel complex has only just been awarded and the hotel sites on the crescent remain vacant.

Analysts also underestimated the strength and longevity of the Dubai economic boom. Again this can be forgiven, who would have forecast oil at $96-a-barrel even two years ago?

What is on the agenda instead for the immediate future is a period of further supply and demand pressures on the local housing stock in Dubai. That will mean higher rents and selling prices. This will be compounded by the impact of falling local mortgage rates. There will be more money available to pursue the limited housing stock and prices will be driven even higher.

At some point these pressures will ease. Perhaps the world economy will slow and consume less oil and that cools the Dubai economy with a lag of around six months. And eventually the mega projects will deliver a supply of property nearer to the level of demand.

However, the fact of the matter is that earlier wary forecasts have proven misleading. At least now observers are taking a more detached and skeptical view of the information on offer, and that might mean that the conclusions drawn are that bit more accurate. But we will probably have to wait until 2010 before that can be really known.

Personally I put little sway in the wary forecasters; its easy to play safe but rarely does safe equate to gains. My view is that no-one can predict the longer term future, but if gains are there to be had now, 1 - 3 years, then strike and take what you can and don't miss the boat. I like to compare the whole situation with the current UK market: invest in UK now and you may achieve some moderate appreciation over the next 2 - 5 years, may, but nothing stellar. In fact, right now in the UK the wary observers are predicting a slight correction in 2008, which is not good for investors. Invest in Dubia property now and you get the short-term gains, the huge potential for continued long-term gains, and in my view a lot less risk than the UK. Will your Dubai investment be underwater in 1 year's time - HIGHLY unlikely.

Finding the right property

24 October, 2007

Looking for property on the Dubai real estate market can be a daunting task, there is just so much choice and variety. Most overseas property investors are only familiar with the largest of property developments such as the Burj Dubai or the Palm Trilogy, yet there are so many more that can also be more affordable simply because they haven't received the same level of hype. Thats why its important to seek expert local advice when considering investments in Dubai.

The most important thing that property buyers need to know is what exactly is available on the market. Besides the most commercial of projects, there are also a good variety of projects that cater to property investors that want something more affordable. Whatever your taste, there really is property to suit every need, from small apartments to penthouses, comfortable villas to luxury mansions.

Property prices stretch across quite a large range, with studio apartments available from around £50,000 to £140,000. Larger apartments can range up to the £700,000 mark and for villas, as they tend to be in short supply, they can range from around £300,000 for a smaller villa or town house, upwards beyond £700,000 and even in some cases beyond £1.5m for exclusive luxury villas and mansions. At the top end are luxury custom personalized penthouses which stretch all the way to £7m.

The prices of property really depends on the amount of square footage, location, the type of project and the number of units available. Fortunately, the sheer variety of projects allow you to pick and choose the property that is right for you

We work with the region's largest independent developer, and have access to an unrivalled variety of property in the region - residential, offices, and retail - and with project ranging from around £50,000 up to £7m there is something to suit every investors budget.

See our property lists here online or contact us now to speak directly to an expert.
Residential
Office
Retail

Dubai property boom to continue

October 24th, 2007

The property boom in Dubai will continue and is set to expand further across the UAE, says Khaleej Times.

This according to AME Info which studied the attitude of property buyers in the UAE in a survey entitled "Buying Property in the UAE".

"The AME Info Buying Property in the UAE survey, part of a wider report on property in the region, found that Dubai is still the emirate of choice for many buyers," said the online news firm's editorial director Rob Jones. "But as prices skyrocket, it is having a ripple effect that is reaching other emirates."

He added: "Overall the survey show there is a thirst to buy in the UAE — many people see it as a good investment and want to get in before prices go higher to escape the annual cycle of rental increases."


The survey said that 84 per cent of the more than 1,300 respondents plan to buy property in Dubai. It stressed that almost half of those wanting to own property plan to live in it, showing interests to stay longer in the UAE.

Annual property prices to increase 25 per cent

October 19th, 2007

Annual property prices in Dubai are set to be up by 25% over the next ten years said a senior official of a Dubai based developer. He also predicted that 45,000 additional units of property are needed per year in Dubai until 2020.

Announcing it at Cityscape, a trade show for institutional investors in the real estate industry, the developer cited Dubai’s growing population and steady economic growth as the reason.

Property boom set to expand throughout the UAE

October 18th, 2007

AME Info, the leading provider of online business news in the Middle East, today published the results of a new survey, 'Buying Property in the UAE', profiling the attitudes of property buyers throughout the UAE.

The survey conducted with over 1,300 respondents who use the free AME Info service, reported that the Dubai property boom is on course to continue and is set to expand further across the Emirates, with purchasers looking to Sharjah and Ajman as destinations of choice.

The survey also reveals that of the 84% of respondents who plan to buy property in Dubai, almost half plan to live in the property, demonstrating a long term commitment to the UAE. Of the 60% of the respondents who said they were planning to buy in the UAE, 39% of these said they would buy off plan as it was a cheaper option - seven out of ten respondents (70%) were of the opinion that property prices were too high in the region.

Commercial property growth forecast strong

In its latest study on the Dubai property market, Egypt's largest investment bank observed that while prices for freehold commercial space have risen, selling prices remain at the bottom end among business cities, coming in at an average of about $400 per square foot, resulting in rental yields of around 20 per cent, compared to a global average of 6-7 per cent.

The study noted that over the short term, with demand for commercial property outpacing supply, rents will continue to rise. This has sustained the trend of rental increases.

Market analysis estimate commercial occupancy rates of around 99 per cent in both traditional and newer areas of Dubai. "According to our estimates, office rents have risen by almost 40 per cent year-to-date (YTD) in both old and new areas of Dubai as demand continues to outweigh supply," it said.

The bank's analysis shows that office and commercial rents in Old Dubai (Garhoud, Bur Dubai and parts of Sheikh Zayed Road) have risen by 36 per cent on average (YTD) and in new Dubai (Shaikh Zayed Road, DIFC, Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Internet and Media City) by almost 45 per cent (YTD).
"The more luxurious Grade A properties in both areas jumped by around 35 per cent on average. Finding office space in the city remains arduous, with companies settling for less desirable locations, renting temporary space in villas, setting up branches or smaller offices or buying rather than leasing office space. Newer areas of Dubai have become centres of commerce, a trend that explains why rental rate increases are not easing in these locations."

It observed that selling prices for off-plan developments in the DIFC, Burj Dubai and offices in the JLT have increased by approximately 17 per cent over the past eight months due to the desirability of their locations and on expectations of strong yields based on current off-plan prices and expected future rents.

Dubai Land Department committed to property consumer protection


Dubai Land Department (DLD) yesterday signed an escrow account agreement with National Bank of Dubai (NBD).

The decision to establish an escrow framework for property developers further enhances the confidence of investors and end users in the long-term stability of the real estate sector in Dubai. Proactive steps to regulate the real estate industry underlines Dubai's committment to ensure the highest of standards are adhered to while raising the bar of the industry and encouraging both domestic and international investment.


The signing ceremony took place in the offices of DLD, where Juma'a Bin Humaidan, Assistant Director General, Dubai Land Department and Rajesh Thapar, Group Head of Corporate & Institutional Banking, National Bank of Dubai signed the agreement.

Through this agreement, NBD has been appointed as an official escrow account bank by the DLD. The signing appoints NBD as one of the few banks in Dubai to provide escrow accounts designed to protect consumer payments on new and in the pipeline properties in Dubai.

Under the recently promulgated Law No. 8, property developers in Dubai must place project receivables in escrow, or trust, until predetermined development milestones are achieved and independently verified by the escrow account bank. These escrow accounts are regulated by the Dubai Land Department.

NBD's Retail Banking is ranked amongst the top 3 mortgage finance providers in the UAE, offering a suite of mortgage finance solutions and a reputed panel of 14 developers to choose from. This appointment will complement NBD's leading position in the mortgage finance market, adding value both to its customers and its property development partners.

FREE Aston Martin to one fortunate buyer

One of our premier developers has been giving away free supercars in a series of fortnightly draws for new property buyers. The latest winner walked away with an Aston Martin!

The joint winners were Sven M. Reinicke and Alexander Gurny who bought properties in Park Towers, The Crescent, Tuscan and Lago Vista.

To be eligible for the draw buyers needed to spend just AED350,000 (~£50,000). It looks like these two investors got more than they bargained for!!!

There is one prize draw remaining, this one for a Bentley Continental. If you’re interested in Dubai property and want the chance to walk away with a new super-car into the bargain, contact me, Roshi, now through Cowshed Properties.

Property as a pension

Interior view of one of our exclusive loft-style developments
For many people buy to let is becoming a mainstream alternative to traditional investments such as pensions and the stock market. Mintel reports that 3% of homeowners are considering buying another property to let by 2010, doubling the number of current landlords.

Despite the tax relief benefits of traditional pensions, many people today are exchanging their pension for property as a long term wealth strategy. With pensions not offering their previous returns and the real cost of living accelerating at an alarming rate, property investment continues to grow in popularity as an alternative investment vehicle which produces solid returns.

In the UK in 2006, buy to let accounted for 11% of all mortgage lending figures and the Council of Mortgage lenders (CML) revealed the buy-to-let sector turnover amounted to £38.4 billion of all mortgages processed. Mortgage lenders have grown more confident in the buy-to-let sector in the UK and abroad, and they are currently offering more attractive buy-to-let mortgage deals than ever.

Many investors are seeing the benefits of investing in bricks and mortar and good returns in the buy-to-let market continue to be achieved by the astute investor, as long as you manage your risks, and conduct thorough due diligence.

There is a lot more to Dubai than meets the eye

The Gulf News reports today as follows...

It has been suggested time and time again that the property market in Dubai is a huge bubble destined to burst. In my opinion, this is a long way from the truth. The reality is that Dubai has cleverly positioned itself as the gateway to the world for countries such as India and Pakistan...
... In attracting such a large number and wide range of corporations, it has already become an international commercial and economic hub and a leading tourist destination. With the plans that are in place, things will only get better...
... Dubai's Strategic Plan 2015 has one clear objective, which is: "To become the commercial, financial and recreational hub of the region." I have no doubt this objective will be realised...
[read more].
Report by Ryan Mahoney, Special to Gulf News, August 30, 2007

Dubai, the "hot spot" of the overseas market

The delights of Dubai have been well documented by real estate professionals in the last twelve months. An important financial capital and the current ‘hot spot’ of the overseas property market, things are set to get even hotter in the emirate.

Some of the new luxury waterfront units from leading developers are netting up to 18% rental yields per year, reports one developer.

Dubai offers unparalleled luxury to visitors and is purpose built for pleasure. Rapid expansion is controlled by Government planning, ensuring properties are completed to exacting standards and in a timely fashion - all great news for overseas property investors.

Properties in desirable locations command high rental yields, making studios and apartments in popular complexes a solid investment opportunity. The annual visitor figure currently stands at five million but is set to swell in the next decade. This growth in visitors is matched by a burgeoning residential population, pegged at 3 million by 2010 according to demographic studies.

For those looking to cash in on the Dubai property boom I have a number of fantastic opportunities, with one of the regions top developers, to suit every budget from £60K (GPB) to £7m (GBP). There are ultra luxurious waterfront properties in marina locations, stunning one, two and three bedroom apartments all within breathtaking futuristic developments designed to cater to every need and desire. With all facilities and amenities these developments will command premium rental yields as a residential lets, as well as solid year on year capital growth.

I'm just receiving details in the next few hours and I'll post more details and photos right here in the next few days - remember to come back and look, or contact me at any time through Cowshed Properties.

Spanish economy cools on property slowdown


Rising interest rates and house prices have begun to cool the Spanish economy, according to figures released on Wednesday by The National Statistics Insititute, prompting independent investors to consider newer developing markets like Dubai.

The National Statistics Institute said on Wednesday second-quarter year-on-year growth in gross domestic product was 4 per cent, down from the 4.1 per cent re­corded in the first quarter. Construction, which accounts for nearly 20% of Spain's GDP, is the main laggard.

The new figures contrast sharply with annual growth rates of more than 15 per cent at the height of Spain's 10-year property boom. Time to start looking further afield for European property investors.

New residential and commercial investment properties in Dubai

My company Cowshed Properties in near Winchester, Hampshire, UK has just signed a deal to promote and sell some of the most desirable investment properties in Dubai.

The properties, built by a $20bn award-winning developer, range in price from £60k (GBP) to £7m (GBP), so whether you're a seasoned property investment professional or a first timer there's something to suit every budget.

I'm very excited about this deal because it complements my existing UK property location business. It offers my new and existing clients far greater scope in their investments, and the chance to take advantage of exceptional rental yields and great equity gains characteristic of the Middle Eastern market right now.

Remember to contact me for more details about the opportunities on offer.

Win one of five supercars - 1 every two weeks


I'm very excited to tell you about this amazing offer. You can win one of five supercars every fortnight when you invest in one of our Dubai properties.

Now isn't that a nice bonus?

Contact me through Cowshed Properties for more details.

Dubai becomes property investment hotspot

Real estate experts are predicting that the next popular overseas market is set to be Dubai. Property companys in the region believe that the ongoing development of the region's tourist industry could lead to a very successful buy-to-let market and strong rental yields, reports Easier.com.

Dubai has seen a vast increase in investment from both the government and overseas developers in recent years and the country is keen to develop its tourist industry. At the moment, the annual visitor figure stands at around five million but this is set to grow as new attractions tempt additional holiday makers.

"Purchasing a unit in one of the luxury new residences can net you up to 18 per cent rental yields per year"
explained one senior Dubai property consultant.

He added:
"With up to 51 per cent tax free growth and an expected 15 million tourists by 2010, the buy to let market is a very attractive prospect for property owners."

OFFICE PROPERTIES

WATER'S EDGE
Water's Edge is a spectacular 20-storey waterfront tower offering the ultimate convenience for anyone seeking to work and enjoy their leisure time in one strategic location. Offering vistas of sparkling water, buzzing and vibrant surroundings, activities, events and wide-open spaces, this tower gives a whole new definition to a work environment. Employees, clients and business associates can enjoy the diversity that comes with working and rejuvenating both side by side.

Type: Office
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Completion: TBC
Accommodation: 1355 - 2100 sqft.
Prices: ~ 2,500,000 - 3,900,000 (AED), 360,000 - 560,000 (GBP)

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THE CORNER
The Corner at Business Bay is a spectacular 19-storey office tower, ideally located for those who enjoy being in the midst of all the action. Working here is intended for people who seek to be associated with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. From an incredible architectural style to the breathtaking views outside, The Corner at Business Bay provides a fitting ambience for multinationals seeking to establish base in this region.

Type: Office
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Completion: TBC
Accommodation: 920 - 1600sqft.
Prices: ~ 1,600,000 - 2,800,000 (AED), 230,000 - 400,000 (GBP)

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PARK CENTRAL
Park Central is a spectacular 17-storey office tower, right in the heart of Business Bay. An ideal location for those who enjoy being in the midst of all the action. With offices designed to give you fantastic lake views from three sides of the tower.

Type: Office
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Completion: TBC
Accommodation: 900 - 1600 sqft.
Prices: ~ 1,600,000 - 2,800,000 (AED), 230,000 - 400,000 (GBP)

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EXECUTIVE BAY
Designed to the highest standards and offering a previously unimagined office environment, Executive Bay is a 19-storey marvel. Situated on a prime waterfront location in Business Bay, it offers dramatic views of the region's new business hub. From an incredible architectural style to the breathtaking views outside, working here is intended for people that seek to be associated with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

Type: Office
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Completion: TBC
Accommodation: 950 - 1250 sqft.
Prices: ~ 1,600,000 - 2,200,000 (AED), 230,000 - 315,000 (GBP)

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XL TOWER
An excellent environment and infrastructure for businesses from around the world to set up their local, regional and international headquarters located next to Downtown Dubai.
A master development of all developments, Business Bay is the new emerging freehold business, commercial and residential district. Next to Downtown Dubai (Burj Dubai), along Sheikh Zayed Road, extending up to a new creek and all the way to Dubai's coast.
XL Towers is a modern elegance designed for commercial use. Where professionals can enjoy their own space, in every sense of the world. Airy lobby, Spacious elevators, Expansively planned workstations etc. A project with a place for everything and everything in its place.

Type: Office
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Completion: Oct-08
Accommodation: 1000 - 1500 sqft.
Prices: ~ 2,100,000 - 3,100,000 (AED), 300,000 - 440,000 (GBP)

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BUSINESS TOWER
A symbol of dynamism and growth, the Business Tower at Business Bay is a signature commercial building which stands out among the others. An innovative office design with leading edge sustainability, the form of the tower is in direct response to the path of the sun as it moves around the building thus encouraging maximum natural light into the office. Contributing to the perfect balance of light is an exterior layer of translucent screen and solar shading, which keeps away harsh glares and ensure soft filtered light into the office.

Stay ahead of competition. Work better. Meet deadlines earlier. Make smooth transactions a daily routine. And to this end, Business Tower offers varied infrastructure which makes all this easily possible.

Type: Office
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Completion: Dec-08
Accommodation: 1200 - 1300 sqft.
Prices: ~ 2,500,000 - 2,800,000 (AED), 360,000 - 400,000 (GBP)

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PARK TOWERS
Inspired by the evolution of Dubai and the undulating soft forms of the desert, the Park Towers is an incredible twin landmark, designed by the finest architects in the world. Its duality is expressed by two vertical solid fins, which represent the rigid urban form reaching into the sky, from which the curved expressive soft form of the tower façade is suspended. .
Minutes away from the hip and happening parts of the city, Park Towers offers a panoramic view of Dubai and the new financial centre and is poised to be the most sought after address in Dubai's International Financial Centre.

Type: Office
Location:
Completion: TBC
Accommodation: 2100 - 2800 sqft.
Prices: ~ 6,500,000 - 8,300,000 (AED), 930,000 - 1,200,000 (GBP)

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Please note: We do our best to ensure that price guides are accurate, but prices can change. Therefore prices shown are for guidance only. Equivalents shown in £ (GBP) are calculated using an approximated exchange rate, and are also for guidance only. Exchange rates are always subject to fluctuation. We will be happy to confirm prices on request.

Contact us

Roshi Fakouhi
Cowshed Properties
The Cowshed, Longstock
Hampshire, SO20 6DP
United Kingdom

phone: +44 (0)1264 811103
mobile: +44 (0)7834 245486
email: roshi [AT] cowshedproperties [DOT] com
website: www.cowshedproperties.com