Off-plan property sales in Dubai to remain strong, says broker
Appello Real Estate CEO says dynamics of Dubai market have recently shifted, having a huge impact on off-plan sales.
The outlook for the off-plan segment of the Dubai property market is looking bright despite a generally flat 2019 for the market overall, according to a UAE-based broker.
“With a surge in off-plan sales in recent months, it seems there’s something in the air,” said Naval Vohra, CEO at Appello Real Estate.
He said he believes recent events have converged to give off-plan developments a much needed shot in the arm – and has witnessed the upward movement in his own Dubai agency.
“It has been a bit of a mixed fortunes kind of year, but the dynamics of the market have recently shifted, and it is having a huge impact on off-plan sales – at Appello we are seeing this each day,” said Vohra.
He pointed to three factors – the UAE Central Bank getting rid of the 70-year age limit for the last mortgage repayment; the lifting of the 20 percent cap on real estate lending for banks; and Expo 2020 – for the change in sentiment.
Vohra said there are good sales for off-plan properties in beachfront communities such as Palm Jumeirah, Emaar Beachfront, and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).
He added that a newly launched project in JBR by Dubai Holding – La Vie – is already close to being fully sold.
“Another trend is off-plan townhouses are selling well in Dubailand and Dubai Hills Estate. Emaar has also launched a new community called The Valley which looks like a townhouse community to watch closely in the coming year.”
Vohra added: “Even if project launches reduce in number in coming years to manage the supply issue, which has been discussed greatly, I still see the off-plan segment as heading towards ever better times.
“Highly attractive house prices are forecast to continue for a while and with feasible payment plans – some going well beyond handover – and other great incentives, developers are opening the door for more people to come into this space.”
