So, you’re looking to buy a luxury vacation home in Dubai? With its safe and stable environment, diverse real estate options and a kaleidoscopic array of cultural and leisure attractions, I think you’ve made the right choice.
Whatever’s on your wish list, be it a waterfront apartment, golf course villa or city penthouse, our Emirate’s premium property segment offers undeniably strong investment opportunities with prices expected to continue rising for years to come. Nevertheless, Dubai’s real estate market is constantly evolving, so you need to do your homework. Whether you are searching for a home-from-home for your family or a buy-to-let vacation property, it’s vital to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before signing on the dotted line.
The question is, what should you look out for? Here are the steps I recommend taking before buying a luxury holiday home in Dubai…
Clarify your goals
Clearly define your non-negotiables before you begin browsing listings or engaging brokers. To maximise your investment, identify which locations and property types are most likely to meet your immediate requirements while delivering healthy returns. For example, investing in an up-and-coming neighbourhood with excellent growth potential can boost your returns over time, both in terms of capital appreciation and rental income (should you choose to let out the property). Factors such as planned infrastructure projects and community developments are also worth considering.
It is equally important to select a real estate type that is aligned with your investment priorities. For instance, waterfront properties tend to witness stronger appreciation than city-view units due to their scenic vistas and lifestyle amenities. Naturally, these units also hold significant appeal among holiday home buyers and renters.
None of us can see into the future, so it makes sense to familiarise yourself with current market trends and ensure your budget and expectations align. However, preferences connected to location tend to stand the test of time, especially in the premium property space. This is why, as Founder and CEO of AHS Properties, I decided to harness the allure of waterfront living with ultra-luxury developments such as Casa Canal, One Canal and One Crescent.
Ask the experts
Market research can provide valuable intelligence, but seeking professional advice is the only reliable way to make an informed decision. Working with an experienced and reputable real estate brokerage will make your property-buying process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Experienced agents are able to provide valuable local market insights, identify properties (including off-market opportunities) that meet your criteria, and steer you through the negotiation and purchasing process, ensuring that you’re aware of the costs involved. Ultimately, their knowledge and expertise can save you time and money. Brokers will also help you navigate the robust legal and regulatory rules governing property purchases in Dubai – a service that is particularly useful for overseas investors who wish to buy units in designated freehold zones.
In short, any brokerage worth its salt will be able to guide you through the process of transferring ownership, registering the property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), and ensuring that all necessary documentation is in place, which is an absolute must.
Right property, right place
Once you have spelt out your priorities and selected your broker, you can embark on the fun part: choosing your new getaway. While finding the right place can feel like a long process, take care not to rush and risk winding up with the wrong property. As I mentioned previously, location is key; the rest is about balancing your budget with your objectives. For example, many owners of luxury vacation homes choose to rent out their spaces when they’re not using them. Adopting a businesslike approach can be a savvy way to maximise both your initial buying power and longer-term returns.
It is also worth taking the time to identify synergies between your personal priorities and investment strategy. For instance, choosing a home with direct beach access or in close proximity to shopping malls and transport links will probably benefit you and your family. At the same time, it is likely to chime well with other holidaymakers if you decide to let out the property, not to mention future buyers if you eventually sell up.
Even if you plan to keep your luxury escape to yourself, it is worth considering these tips on how to maximise resale value when customising your space. Either way, if ultra-luxury is what you are searching for, Dubai is home to numerous exclusive neighbourhoods that fit the bill.
Once you know what you want to achieve with your investment, it should be far easier to make an educated purchasing decision that benefits you and your loved ones over the long term. Finding the perfect luxury vacation home will still take time and patience, but nothing worth having ever comes easy.
Fortunately, Dubai is home to some of the most amazing ultra-luxury properties on the planet, offering a broad array of unparalleled retreats. With sufficient capital and the right approach, one of them could soon be yours.
