Investment

Starting a business in the UAE is fairly easy, making it one of the most desired cities for entrepreneurs and investors interested in a startup. The local government encourages both investment and startups in many ways, and in the past year has even rolled out long-term visas for investment.However, like anything there are both advantages and disadvantages to take into consideration and it’s important to do thorough research and seek professional advice with big financial decisions.In this blog, we have listed some of the pros and cons to consider when opening a start up in Dubai. ProsMultiple set up optionsIn the UAE, there are 3 options for business set up, these include, mainland, offshore or freezone. Each option holds its own features and benefits and it is important to fully understand each, in order to make the right decision for you and your business. Depending on your type of business will determine the option that best suits. For example, a mainland company structure will offer you the freedom to operate your business in any part of the emirate. Whereas, a freezone will allow you to benefit from a tax free environment and 100% ownership of your business. Whatever the case may be, you will be sure to find an option that fits both your needs and requirements. Growing economyIt’s no secret that Dubai is host to a very healthy economy and provides opportunities for both businesses and individuals to thrive, grow and develop. Not only Dubai, but the UAE as a whole offers both comprehensive and transparent business procedures as well as a stable political situation and an abundance of resources. Which makes this an ideal location for operating a business. Diverse industries The opportunity to develop a successful company here is available through many different industries. Whether its manufacturing, hospitality, retail or services, with the right business structure your company has the potential to thrive.ConsTrade limitationsAlthough there are many benefits that come with setting up a business in a freezone, if you choose this option you will experience trade limitations, meaning that you will be restricted to performing all business operations within the confines of your free zone only. Although, depending on your type of business, it is possible to obtain an agreement with a distributor in order to operate in mainland areas. Confusing set-up proceduresIf you are unfamiliar with the UAE’s laws and procedures, setting up a business may feel like a difficult and confusing task. There are multiple consulting companies that can assist you to ensure your business set up is a quick and easy process, we would recommend enlisting the help of one of these companies, if you are new to Dubai and the world of business.Do you already own a business in Dubai and are looking for Commercial space to rent or buy? Get in touch with one of our agents today.   

Dubai is one of the world’s most enticing expat locations. The warm weather, high standard of living, and low crime rate are just a few of the reasons why it has been dubbed one of the best cities in the world to live in. Plus, Dubai’s economy just keeps on growing, making the wealthy city a number one choice for those looking to enhance their career.The economic success of Dubai has even prompted many expats, business owners and retirees to buy properties instead of renting. This is a useful investment strategy which helps achieve some capital gains over time as their Dubai properties increase in value.However, as always, there are some risks associated with buying a property in a foreign country. Below we’ll share some information about buying property in Dubai and the risks associated with it. Is it easy to buy property in Dubai?Over the past 20 years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become much more welcoming to forign investment. A variety of platforms have even been launched which are designed to encourage foreigners to invest in the country through starting a business or buying property. The government have also been particularly proactive when it comes to assisting retirees, they even launched a programme in 2020 called Retire In Dubai. Benefits if buying a property in Dubai Below are some of the benefits that come with purchasing a property in Dubai:Safe and stable country Dubai has recently been named the safest city in the world (for women in particular) which makes it a great location to invest in a property for you, your family or your business.Reasonably priced real estateI know what you’re thinking, the UAE is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, right? Right! But surprisingly, it is still possible to find reasonably priced properties in Dubai, as opposed to other popular cities like Los Angeles. Excellent rental yieldsOne of the reasons Dubai is so popular with retirees, is the fact that rental yields can be extremely high. Investors have been known to achieve as much as 12% rental yield from property investments.Long term capital growth The UAE economy is anticipated to keep on growing through to 2030 which means property prices are likely to increase. Although it is important to check the current condition of the market with a financial advisor before investing.  Is it safe to buy a property in Dubai?No matter where you are in the world, buying a property is a significant financial decision, so caution is always advised. We recommend consulting with experienced financial and property experts to ensure you have the most up to date information relevant to your location and circumstances. Although generally speaking, it is relatively safe to buy a property in Dubai. However, the laws are slightly different in Dubai as opposed to other countries, which means running into a legal issue when buying or selling a property may lead to difficulties. To avoid these types of situations, it is important to always be diligent in your negotiations and consult with a lawyer to oversee any legal transactions. The Cost of investing in Real Estate in Dubai The price of properties in Dubai have fluctuated over the years. However, the current price of Townhouses & Villas for sale in Dubai range from 1.5M to 16M and Apartments from 280K to 2.9M.Top Villa communities include: Palm Jumeirah Jumeirah Island Jumeirah Golf EstatesEmirates LivingTop Apartment communities include: City WalkPalm Jumeirah Dubai Festival City Dubai Creek Harbour Additional FeesAlthough the initial Sale price may be within budget, it’s important to note that there are some additional costs associated with buying a property in Dubai and these include Government, Mortgage and Agency fees.  The Risks There are many success stories that have come from investing in property in Dubai. However, there can be some risks involved which you should be aware of, these include:Real Estate scams Although Rare, some expats have fallen victim to scams from those posing as real estate agents. You can avoid this by performing background checks and hiring a good legal team to manage your transactions. Choosing the wrong neighbourhoodAlthough many parts of Dubai are extremely nice, there are some communities that lack relevant amenities that buyers, renters or businesses will prefer. Avoid this by making sure you have conducted relevant research into the right neighbourhood to fit your circumstances. Choosing an area with lower rental yieldsReceiving excellent rental yield is one of the best reasons to invest in property in Dubai. It’s possible to gain 7% for a villa and as much as 12% on an apartment. Although, this isn’t true for some parts of the city so make sure you do your research to learn the parts of the city that are best for this. The UAE economy may decline Like any economy, there is always a risk of decline, however the UAE government is aware of any risks for the future and are taking action to promote sectors that will ensure their economy continues to grow.  Overall, there are both benefits and risks involved with investing in property in Dubai. The surest way to succeed is to ensure you complete in depth research and work with trusted professionals.If you are interested in purchasing a commercial property in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, get in touch with one of our trusted agents today. They can help you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth, stress-free process and guaranteed professional support.  

Financing a commercial property through a loan can be challenging, with most people, therefore, opting to pay for their property in cash or through other financing options. With that being said, a commercial loan is possible and is a completely legitimate way of purchasing your property. Before deciding to apply, there are some aspects of this type of loan that individuals should know. Commercial loan rates are highly variableWhilst interest rates on commercial properties are generally higher than that of a typical loan, they are also highly dependent on the client’s personal circumstances as well as the property that they wish to secure a loan on. Individuals should also be aware that there can be hefty prepayment penalties if you are in a circumstance to repay your commercial property loan before its completed term. As such careful thought should be made about creating reasonable timeframes for your loan repayment, factoring in both high-interest rates and prepayment penalties.Certain factors that can come into play include the property developer, the age of the property, as well as whether the property is going to be used as an investment or if it’s for the client’s company. The loan to value rate should also be taken into consideration, as for commercial properties, they can be very low, with most banks generally requiring a 40% down payment. Study the market Before deciding on purchasing a commercial property, individuals should study the market carefully. Firstly, you should understand what type of property you want. The commercial property encompasses a wide range of building and property types, including office space, warehouses, retail units, or even purpose built properties such as schools or hospitals. Potential buyers should carefully consider the reasons for choosing a commercial property. Will you be the end user or are you planning on using the property as an investment opportunity. It is important to also research different locations and compare average prices. This can be done by looking at commercial real estate market reports or by discussing them with a commercial property specialist. Before starting any finance application, you should determine what you are willing to pay and how much you are willing or able to part with in terms of loan repayments. This may also help decide what type of property and areas are available for you to purchase into. Find a broker experienced with commercial real estateA broker experienced in commercial real estate will help their client evaluate their different options, help them make an informed decision about what they should purchase as well as applying for a pre-approval on your behalf with the bank. Not only would an experienced broker ensure a faster application process with the bank, but will have much greater negotiating and bargaining power when it comes to discussing the terms of the loan. Inform the bank of your choice Once you have secured pre-approval with your mortgage broker,  and decided on a property, the bank will then perform a valuation of the property and decide if it is worth the price you have agreed. Provided the bank approves, you will then get an offer letter to accept the loan and you can proceed with purchasing your commercial property. If you have any other questions or queries about getting a commercial loan, then contact one of our expert advisors, who will be able to talk you through the entire process and make it as smooth and seamless as possible.