If your primary goal is to see your investment appreciate over time, off-plan properties can be an enticing option, particularly if you enter the market during the development phase.As construction progresses, the overall value of the project tends to increase steadily, offering investors the opportunity to witness their investment grow before their very eyes. This growth is not only exciting but also potentially lucrative, as it signifies the rising potential of the property.
Upon completion of the development, you're left with a valuable asset that has the potential to yield substantial returns in the market. This aspect of off-plan investments can be particularly appealing to those looking to build wealth through real estate.
Investing in off-plan properties during the development stage allows you to capitalize on the projected growth of the property market, potentially securing a profitable outcome when the project reaches completion. However, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and consider potential risks before making any investment decisions in this sector.
Cherif Sleiman, the chief revenue officer at Property Finder, emphasized the positive momentum from the previous year, indicating a promising outlook for sustained success in 2024. Sleiman noted a growing demand for off-plan properties, with a substantial increase in volume and value compared to the previous year.
Off-plan properties witnessed a significant rise in demand, with a 25% year-on-year increase in volume and a 21% surge in value, reaching approximately Dh15 billion in January 2024. The off-plan sector has been a driving force behind Dubai's real estate market, contributing to the overall growth of the UAE market, which reached Dh455.7 billion in sales in 2023.
Despite the completion of over 60,000 units, demand continues to outstrip supply, fueled by Dubai's rapidly growing population and flourishing tourism sector. In 2023, Dubai saw a remarkable 72.3% growth in sales values compared to 2022, reflecting the city's attractiveness to investors and homebuyers alike.
Property Finder's data also provides insights into the preferences of property buyers and tenants. Approximately 58% of interested property buyers were searching for apartments, while 42% sought villas/townhouses. In the rental market, 80% of tenants were looking for apartments, with furnished properties being particularly popular among apartment seekers.
Top areas searched for owning apartments included Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Jumeirah Village Circle, while Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches were among the most desired areas for owning villas/townhouses. For rentals, popular areas included Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Downtown Dubai for apartments, and Dubai Hills Estate and Al Barsha for villas/townhouses.
Existing property transactions also showed significant growth, with an 8% year-on-year increase in volume and a 31% surge in value compared to January 2023. These figures underscore the robustness of Dubai's real estate market and its attractiveness to investors and homebuyers amid favorable market conditions.