Overseeing Dubai’s Real Estate Market

Welcome to the dazzling world of Dubai’s real estate market, where skyscrapers reach for the skies, and the only thing higher than the Burj Khalifa is the excitement surrounding property investments. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a curious newbie, understanding the nuances between ready and off-plan properties is crucial.

The Price Tag Tango: Ready vs. Off-Plan

Ready Properties: The Immediate Dwellings

Ready properties are like freshly baked cookies – ready to be enjoyed immediately. These homes are completed and awaiting eager buyers. Ready apartments saw a year-over-year return on investment of 36.1% in 2023[1], while ready villas achieved a return of 38.5% which is around 3% appreciation per month. You can read more about this in our article about the pros and cons of investing in real estate here.

From a citywide perspective since January 2012, Dubai has seen over half a million apartment sales transactions. Despite various market trends, ready apartments have consistently been a reliable choice for immediate living or rental income. Notably, the average price gap between ready and off-plan apartments reached 33.6% in favour of off-plan properties, rising to 45.4% post-COVID​.

Off-Plan Properties: The Visionaries’ Dream

On the other hand, off-plan properties are the blueprint for future potential. These are properties sold before construction is completed. The allure? Lower prices, flexible payment plans, no commission, the chance to personalize your dream home and to be able to move into a brand new property (as opposed to one that has been through years of wear and tear by previous residents). Statistics show that off-plan prices in Dubai have risen by 12% over the past year and offer a juicy discount compared to ready properties. Who doesn’t want a ticket to this future concert with a backstage pass?

According to the report, off-plan apartments have consistently sold at higher average prices per square foot than their ready counterparts. This trend has been more pronounced in the post-COVID era, reflecting a growing investor and end-user preference for newer builds.

Sentiment and Market Dynamics

The Ready Property Buzz

The sentiment around ready properties is largely positive. Buyers value the certainty of a finished product, and as of Q2 2024, ready homes in prime areas like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina have seen a 20% increase in demand. It’s somewhat synonymous to the feeling of walking into a party where everyone’s already having a blast.

Downtown Dubai, for instance, has seen off-plan apartments selling for 27.4% more than ready counterparts as of April 2024. Business Bay, another key area, shows off-plan properties selling at a 53% premium per square foot compared to ready properties​.

Off-Plan Properties: The Exciting Unknown

Off-plan properties, while slightly riskier, have their charm. They offer opportunities for early birds who are willing to wait. The market sentiment here is optimistic, with developers offering tempting incentives like flexible payment plans and attractive ROI projections. Some even have rental guarantee offers where they will rent out the unit for you post handover. According to the latest data, off-plan sales have increased by 18% in 2024 alone.

Communities like Jumeirah Village Circle have seen a significant surge in off-plan prices, with a 20.2% post-COVID price differential compared to ready apartments​.

Location, Location, Location: The Deciding Factor

Ready Properties: The Prime Real Estate

Ready properties are often found in the city’s most sought-after areas. For instance, properties in Dubai Marina have seen an average price increase of 22% over the last year so if you’re in Dubai Marina, you’re right in the middle of all the action.

Off-Plan Properties: The Emerging Gems

Off-plan properties are usually located in up-and-coming areas. Developments in places like Mohammed Bin Rashid City and Dubai South are gaining popularity. Dubai South is one of the hottest areas in Dubai right now as it is close to Al Maktoum International airport, which also goes by the name of Dubai World Central (DWC), is set to cover 27 square miles when completed. In addition to its projected capacity of 260 million passengers annually, it also aims to have a capacity of 12 million tons of cargo per year. ¹ These areas have shown a 10% annual increase in property values, making them the hidden gems of Dubai’s real estate landscape.

The Financial Balancing Act

It is important to note that ready properties are typically more expensive. On average, you might pay 20% more for a ready-made unit compared to an off-plan property. However, this higher price comes with greater peace of mind, knowing that what you see is what you get, much like buying a car that’s already been polished and tested.

Off-Plan Properties: The Budget-Friendly Option

Off-plan properties are generally cheaper, allowing you to get more value for your money. For instance, you might find off-plan studios priced at AED 800,000, while their ready counterparts in the same area could cost up to AED 950,000. This however leaves the opportunity to take advantage of the capital appreciation that comes over time. With Dubai, you are not only buying the individual unit, you are also investing in the city, kind of like buying shares in an index fund on the S&P.

The Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead?

With the Dubai real estate market stabilizing, ready properties are expected to continue their steady rise. Experts predict a 5-7% increase in prices for the next year. It’s like investing in a stock that steadily growing.

Off-Plan Properties: The Potential Goldmine

Off-plan properties, with their enticing price points and potential for appreciation, are projected to see continued growth. Analysts forecast a 10-12% rise in off-plan property values in the next 12 months. Good things come to those who wait.

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Conclusion: Your Next Step

Whether you’re drawn to the allure of a ready property or the exciting prospects of an off-plan venture, Dubai’s real estate market has something for everyone. Ready properties offer immediate gratification, while off-plan projects promise future gains. So whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, it’s time to pick your lane, pack your bags, and embark on this thrilling property journey.

Remember, in the words of the great philosopher (who might or might not have been me), “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Happy house hunting and as always, keep checking Viewit for the latest news and reviews on Dubai!

FAQ

What’s the difference between ready and off-plan properties?

Ready properties are fully built and ready for you to move in or rent out. Off-plan properties are still under construction and usually cheaper, offering potential customization and future value growth.

Why are off-plan properties usually cheaper?

Off-plan properties are cheaper to attract early buyers willing to invest before construction is finished. Developers often provide discounts and flexible payment plans to make them more appealing.

Is it safer to invest in ready properties?

Ready properties are safer because they’re already built, allowing you to see exactly what you’re buying. Off-plan properties come with some risks like construction delays, but choosing a reputable developer can help mitigate these risks.

How are property prices trending in Dubai?

Ready properties have seen a 15% price increase in the past year, showing strong demand. Off-plan properties have also grown by 12%. Experts expect both types to continue rising, with off-plan properties possibly increasing by 10-12% next year.

Which areas in Dubai are popular for property investments?

Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina are hot spots for ready properties with high demand. For off-plan properties, emerging areas like Mohammed Bin Rashid City and Dubai South are becoming increasingly popular, showing steady value growth.

1. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/30/dubais-new-airport-will-be-five-times-the-size-of-its-current-one.html# ↩︎