Month: April 2023

Thinking about relocating to Dubai? Great choice! Let’s bring you up to speed about the cost of living in this city of the future. 

The cost of living in Dubai is relatively high compared to other cities in the Middle East, but it is still considered affordable when compared to other major global cities. Naming names — it’s affordable on a Prague level. And is way cheaper than New York, London, Sydney, or even Berlin. 

According to Numbeo, a family of 4 estimated monthly costs are 12,942 AED without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 3,743 AED without rent. Keep in mind, that the rent will take 40% of your monthly budget. 

Here are some other estimates of the cost of living in Dubai in 2023:

1. Housing: The cost of housing in Dubai varies depending on the location and size of the apartment. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs on average around AED 7,000 per month, while a 3-bedroom apartment can cost around AED 13,000 per month. A 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center will cost about 4,000 per month on average. A 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost around AED 7,600 monthly.

2. Transportation: Dubai has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and the metro. A one-way ticket on the metro costs around AED 6, while a monthly pass costs around AED 345. Taxis are also readily available, with fares starting at AED 12.

3. Food: Dubai has a wide range of food options, including local Emirati cuisine, Middle Eastern, and international cuisine. Eating out can range from AED 40 for a simple meal to AED 150 for a 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant. Groceries can also be expensive, with prices for essential items like bread (AED 5) and milk (AED 26) being higher than in other cities.

4. Utilities: The cost of utilities and internet in Dubai is relatively low. The average monthly cost of utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment is around AED 700. Internet is about AED 345 per month. 

5. Entertainment: Dubai is known for its entertainment options, including shopping malls, theme parks, and cultural attractions. The cost of entertainment can vary widely, with tickets to theme parks costing around AED 200 to AED 400, while admission to museums is usually free. A movie ticket for an international release costs AED 47. 

The cost of living in Dubai can be high, but it is still possible to live comfortably on a moderate budget. It’s essential to plan your expenses carefully, especially if you’re moving to Dubai for the first time, and to take advantage of any discounts and special offers that may be available. And we will always be happy to advise you on the best payment option if you decide to invest in our projects in Dubai!

Owning a rental property is one of the most attractive sources of passive income. Especially, if you’re renting out in Dubai. Let’s find out the specifics of the process!

What are the perks of renting out in Dubai?

Dubai is a popular destination for both tourists and expats, which has led to a booming real estate market with a high demand for rental properties. Renting out a property in Dubai can offer several perks, including:

1. High rental yields: Dubai has a high rental yield compared to many other major cities around the world. The average return on investment (ROI) for long-term rentals in Dubai is 5-8% per annum. For short-term leases, the ROI can reach 11-13%. This means that you can earn a good return on investment by renting out your property.
2. Tax-free income: Rental income in Dubai is tax-free, which means that you get to keep all the income that you earn from renting out your property.
3. Growing demand: Dubai is a growing city with a thriving economy and a steady stream of tourists and expats. This has created a high demand for rental properties, making it easier for landlords to find tenants.
4. Secure investment: Dubai’s real estate market is stable and well-regulated, offering landlords a secure investment opportunity. Both apartments and villas have policies to protect all parties, with Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) providing swift and transparent dispute resolutions for a confident investment environment.
5. Professional property management: Many landlords in Dubai choose to use professional property management services to manage their rental properties. These services can take care of everything from finding tenants to collecting rent and handling maintenance issues, making it easier for landlords to manage their properties remotely or from afar.
6. Lifestyle benefits: Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, and many rental properties offer access to amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and concierge services.

Who can rent out?

Both UAE citizens and foreign investors can rent out their properties in Dubai. However, the property must be approved by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), and you’ll need to submit your passport copy, a title deed, and a listing agreement with a real estate agency.

Your agent will list the property on a real estate platform, and when a tenant is found, you can sign a tenancy contract for a year. Keep in mind that this can only be done with people who live in the UAE with resident status. To make your rental contract legal, it must be registered in the Ejari system.

You can receive rent while residing outside the UAE. If you’re a non-resident, you can still open a bank account in Dubai based on owning local real estate and can cash a rental cheque at the bank. If you buy a property worth at least 750,000 AED ($204,000), you can apply for a three-year UAE resident visa and receive a bank card that can be used anywhere in the world.

Short-term or long-term rent?

If you’re a landlord in Dubai, the first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to rent out your property for a short-term or long-term tenancy contract. Each option has its advantages.

For instance, if your property is close to a tourist attraction, renting it out on a short-term basis can be profitable since you can charge higher rates. However, before doing so, you’ll need to register with Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Regardless of the contract duration, ensuring a high occupancy rate is crucial. This can be challenging, but you can always hire a property management company to take care of everything for you at an additional cost.

On the other hand, a long-term tenancy contract provides a stable stream of income without requiring as much effort. However, keep in mind that you’ll be sacrificing some of your potential earnings for this stability.

Things to consider before renting out:

1. A quick makeover: Consider renovating your property before putting it on the rental market. Fix any functional issues like plumbing or electrical work and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the place. If you’re unsure about visual trends, hire an interior design company in Dubai to handle it. Or buy an apartment with designer interiors and furnishing included.
2. Determine rental rates: Successful rental property investing requires assessing property values, understanding market conditions, and pricing appropriately. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) can help determine rental rates. Real estate agencies in Dubai or online research can assist in conducting a CMA. Each property’s unique attributes affect its value, so pricing too high or low can result in lost income. CMAs are beneficial for renting apartments or villas in Dubai.
3. Seek professional help: Renting out your property in Dubai can be done independently using real estate portals. However, seeking professional help is recommended due to the expertise required, the documentation process, and time constraints. You can hire a lease agent/broker or sign a contract with a reputable real estate agency.

Another option is to sign up with a property management company that provides services like rent collection, tenant background checks, and maintenance. Ensure you have all necessary documentation and sign a RERA listing form when seeking professional assistance. A broker or agent can simplify the process for you.

4. Promote the property: When renting a property in Dubai, effort and expense are required for effective promotion and marketing. Professional photos and HD videos of the property generate more interest than a plain ad with a phone picture. Be flexible with viewings and maintain the property to attract potential renters.
5. Research the tenant: It’s essential to research when considering a potential tenant. One way to do this is by making a credit and background check. Additionally, you could request a Certificate of Good Conduct. Some landlords find it useful to reach out to the applicant’s previous landlord to ascertain if they have a history of causing problems. Scrutinizing a person’s public social media profiles can also provide valuable insights.

Ready to sign a tenancy contract?

A tenancy contract in Dubai is a legal document between landlord and tenant that outlines the rental terms, rent amount, payment schedule, and security deposit. Real estate companies use a standard RERA contract, and both parties must apply for an Ejari certificate. Tenant documents include a valid UAE visa and passport. It’s essential to read and seek legal advice before signing.

Although, renting out property in Dubai is a straightforward process with simplified RERA laws and professional service providers available.

Rental increase:

If the landlord plans on increasing the annual rent, they must do so according to the RERA calculator and give the tenant a 90-day notice period before renewing the contract.

The tenant can accept the increase or refuse it, under the condition of giving the landlord 60 days’ notice before the renewal date to vacate the property.

In conclusion

Renting out property in Dubai is a lucrative investment opportunity, but it requires planning and management. By considering factors such as location, rental rates, legal obligations, and property management, landlords can maximize their returns and enjoy a steady source of passive income for a long time.