Dubai developers turn to innovation to counter softening market: report

• Off-plan transaction values topped AED7.85 billion in Q1 2019, up 35% from the previous quarter; completed units up 5% to AED5.64 during the Q1
• Innovative co-living and licensed co-working concept being offered to target a new buyer and tenant segment

Developers in Dubai’s residential property market are targeting a new buyer and tenant segment by offering innovative co-living and licensed co-working concepts, according to the latest research from leading international real estate services firm, Chestertons’ Observer: Dubai Market Report Q1 2019.

As several off-plan projects launched between 2014 and 2016 are delivered, potential investors and tenants are set to reap the benefits, with competitive pricing and rental rates becoming available throughout Dubai.

“Last year we saw over 20,000 units enter the market, resulting in softening across the sales and rental sectors for both apartments and villas. This is a trend we expect to continue throughout 2019 as the number of units estimated to be delivered is set to be even higher. As a result, we expect to see developers and landlords continue to offer a range of financial incentives and become increasingly innovative in their approach” said Ivana Vucinic, Head of Consulting, Chestertons MENA.

As several off-plan projects launched between 2014 and 2016 are delivered, potential investors and tenants are set to reap the benefits, with competitive pricing and rental rates, become available throughout Dubai.

In the sales market, the downward pressure on prices witnessed throughout 2018 has continued into Q1 2019 with villa and apartment prices down 1% and 3% respectively. The most resilient communities, from an apartment perspective, were Downtown, Dubailand, Dubai Motor City and Dubai Silicon Oasis, all retaining the same price levels as the previous quarter, at AED 1,511 per sqft, AED 722 per sqft, AED 713 per sqft and AED 703 per sqft respectively.

International City, Dubai Sports City and Business Bay experienced the greatest correction with a Q-o-Q decrease of 7% with prices dropping to AED 481 per sqft, AED 737 per sqft and AED 1,038 per sqft respectively. The Views and Discovery Gardens remained comparatively competitive with only a 1% decrease compared to Q4 2018 with prices at AED 1,197 per sqft and AED 627 per sqft respectively.

With regards to villas, the most resilient community was The Lakes with prices unchanged from Q4 holding firm at AED 1,107 per sqft. In contrast to the previous quarter, The Meadows and Springs witnessed the highest declines, revealing a 4% decrease with prices dropping to AED 897 per sqft. Jumeirah Park had a slight decline of 1% in Q1 2019 whilst Palm Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches both saw declines of 2% during the same period.

Transactional activity, for the most part, was on the rise in Q1 2019, when compared to Q4 2018. The completed unit market witnessed a small decline in transactional volumes in Q1 2019 with a 1% decrease when compared with Q4 2018, from 3,278 to 3,230 units.  In contrast, the volume of off-plan transactions was up 10% on Q4 2018. Perhaps this figure is even more significant given the 33% increase in volumes in Q4 2018 when compared with Q3 2018.

Off-plan transaction values increased by 35% from AED5.82 billion in Q4 2018 to AED 7.85 billion in Q1 2019.

“Off-plan sales dominated the market in Q1, indicating the raft of incentives offered by developers, including five-year post-handover payment plans, registration fee rebates, guaranteed rental returns and the freezing of property service charges, are having the desired effect,” added Vucinic.

In a bid to remain competitive and open up the market to a new segment of buyers, several developers are also currently offering a range of innovative living solutions, allowing residents to live and work in the same space. These solutions are specifically aimed at a younger tenant and buyer profile, who don’t necessarily need large living spaces but place importance on having their business and lifestyle requirements catered to in one development. Such solutions are being offered in Emaar’s Collective Tower and Socio as well as Nshama’s UNA in the Town Square community.

Another key strategy being employed by developers to boost investor interest and absorption rates is the introduction of rent-to-own (RTO) schemes. These schemes offset the need for a large cash deposit and would appeal to buyers who don’t have the 25% down payment or are unsure of future market trends. RTO deals can currently be found in areas such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Sports City.

In the rental market, the additional supply and subsequent greater choice is creating a favourable scenario for tenants with average leases for both apartments and villas witnessing a 2% decline when compared to Q4 2018. For apartments, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Sports City and JLT all experienced a 4% decline from Q4 2018.  A 3 BR apartment in each of these locations rented for AED 122,000, AED 90,000, AED 90,000 and AED 120,000 per annum respectively.

It was only more established communities displaying resilience, with Dubai Marina and Business Bay showing no change from the previous quarter with a 3 BR apartment in Dubai Marina renting for AED 157,000 per annum and in Business Bay for AED143,000 per annum.

In the villa market, JVT bore the brunt of rental declines, with a 5% decrease compared to Q4 2018 while Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Islands and The Lakes saw no movement during that period.

“Due to the supply/demand dynamics, we’ve seen several landlords offering lower rental rates and incentives to attract and retain tenants. Multiple rent cheques, rent-free periods, waiver of security deposits and in some instances the landlord covering the cost of agency fees are all becoming increasingly more common,” said Vucinic.

“We are also seeing an increase in Airbnb style rentals in the market with increasing occupancy rates year-on-year. This could be a result of ongoing downward corrections in the long term rental market, These types of properties are preferable for individuals working in the emirate on a project basis or who are within their probation period, as they are unable to commit to traditional annual rental contracts as the tenancy cannot be registered if the residency visa is still to be granted ,” she added.

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Chestertons MENA offers a full range of property services, including residential and commercial sales and leasing, investment agency services together with professional valuation and plant and machinery services. In addition, Chestertons MENA has a very active international sales division, specialising in the sale of prime, Central London residential apartments and houses to investors from across the entire MENA region with 33 offices across the UK capital.

With over 200 years of experience, Chestertons is one of the leading international property consultancy firms, in addition to one of the biggest networks of branches in London, Chestertons also has offices throughout Europe, reaching Australia and Singapore and a burgeoning Middle East network with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia.

For more details, please visit http://www.chestertons-mena.com/ 

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© Press Release 2019