Accommodation

LISTINGS

  • Sherwood's                                             www.sherwoodsproperty.com
  • The First Group                                      www.thefirstgroup.com
  • Arabian Escapes                                   www.arabianescapes.com
  • Better Homes                                         www.bhomes.com

 

TO RENT OR TO BUY


ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The accommodation options are varied and much depends on your needs, family size, pets as part of the family etc.

Serviced Apartments:

Serviced apartments in Dubai are typically located within a hotel or exclusive residential tower block. This type of luxurious accommodation in Dubai will be expensive and generally suited to those who are only in Dubai for a definite length of time. This type of accommodation is rather unsuited to family living but has a function in housing temporarily, to allow time to look around and acquire what meets ones family needs.

Short term Lets:

This encompasses either Apartments or Villas, allows rental from weekly to monthly (many landlords will accept yearly tenancy - negotiate lower price).Such accommodation comes fully furnished with bedding /towels etc provided, electricity/gas /water is also provided by the landlord or rather included in the price. This type of accommodation also comes at a price but again allows you time to look around ,  all whilst in the comfort of a homely environment. A rental agreement is drawn up, make sure you read the small print….. Break clauses need to be ironed out at the outset etc, sub letting strictly forbidden, parties or large gatherings not allowed, loud music limitations etc. Also ensure the inventory is checked and signed by both parties involved or by tenant /managing agent.

Sharing of villas by singles or non family is illegal and is not advised.

Long Term Leases:

This is the route most tenants go down, yearly tenancy with option to extend, again encompasses villas and apartments, this type of rental provides a sense of stability and normal living to newcomers to Dubai. Generally totally unfurnished (My Move Shopping), it provides the ideal opportunity for you to put your own mark on Dubai living especially when your shipment arrives!

Rents in Dubai have increased dramatically over the past 3 years and even though this is a less expensive option than the others mentioned it will still be your largest outgoing. Property maintenance, Dubai Electricity and Water (DEWA) along with pool maintenance if there is a private pool will be your responsibility. Electricity and water are expensive commodities in Dubai, electricity powers air conditioning which is a must and is usually in operation 24 hrs /day during most of the year. A maintenance charge to maintain the communal gardens may or may not be carried by the landlord.

A tenancy agreement will be drafted. It is well worth getting a legal opinion on this as in the past landlords have had many rights over the tenant, this has now started to change however with the formation of a rental committee RERA (set up to protect the tenant).

 Traditionally rent is payable in advance for the whole year by one cheque, in some cases twice yearly is acceptable but is dependent on the landlord, with ever increasing rents this is something that one has indeed to budget for. In view of the present economic downturn some landlords will accept monthly or quarterly cheques.

PURCHASING A PROPERTY

By buying a property in Dubai you are entitled to a residency visa however this has no employment benefits and you will need to be in possession of a work permit to work, this is generally sought through your employer.

Mortgage Providers

  • AMLAK FINANCE                             www.amlakfinance.com
  • HSBC                                                 www.uae.hsbc.com
  • Lloyds TSB                                       www.lloydstsb.ae
  • Tamweel                                           www.tamweel.ae