Rents rise by 25% on average, according to Asteco’s new report

Dubai’s villa sales prices and rents have spiked over the last 12 months as demand remained strong despite limited supply in the market, new data showed.

Buyers looking to own a villa property in Dubai will now have to shell out more money, with sales prices rising an average of 40 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, according to Asteco in its latest report.

Rents have likewise surged by 25 percent year on year, with three-bedroom units in premium locations like the Palm Jumeirah now costing nearly half a million dirhams or 435,000 ($118,430) annually. Leasing rates have gone up the most in Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches, up by 48 percent and 47 percent, respectively.

For properties on sale, premium waterfront residential units, or those close to the beach, recorded the biggest jump in prices, led by Jumeirah Park with 63 percent hike, Palm Jumeirah (56 percent) and Springs (54 percent).

The apartment segment of the market did not record significant increases in rents, which rose by an average of 14 percent year on year. However, prices surged by 22 percent, also led by locations like Palm Jumeirah (up 50 percent) and Jumeirah Beach Residence (35 percent).

The market saw the handover of 6,250 units during the first quarter, higher than the 4,000 turned over properties in the previous quarter. However, within the villa segment, only 250 units were completed and handed over.

Strong demand

Dubai’s residential property market has been witnessing strong demand since COVID-19 restrictions eased in 2020. Over the last several months, the number of villas, as well as apartments, sold in a week exceeds more than 1,000, according to Dubai Land Department’s transaction data.

The trend has been supported by new visa-related initiatives and regulations that are intended to attract foreign direct investments (FDI) and foreign talent, as well continued easing of pandemic restrictions.

“Economic growth, positive market sentiment and the influx of new capital resulted in a surge in transaction values and volumes, As such, sales prices recorded a significant spike, particularly in regards to villas,” Asteco said.

“The Expo 2020 attracted 24 million visitors, providing a much-needed boost in tourism sector and FCI. The planned transition to District 2020 is not only expected to result in an increase in tourists to the new attraction, but also to create residential and commercial real estate opportunities.”

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