Dubai rents up and sales flat in Q3, Asteco

Quality residential developments in Dubai built upon their strong performance in Q2, with average rental increases in Q3 2012 of 2% for apartments and 3% for villas, according to a property management company, Asteco.

Residential sales prices were relatively unchanged, even though increasing numbers of units were advertised at inflated prices, while the commercial property market remained subdued due to a lack of demand, according to the latest Q3 2012 report.

Apartments on Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai showed the greatest rental increases, with a two-bedroom apartment annual leasing rates up 6% at Dhs105,000 and up 4% at Dhs120,000 respectively.

Leasing rates for villas followed a similar steady trend, with the Palm Jumeirah leading the way with a 7% increase. A three-bedroom house now rents for Dhs325,000 per annum on average.

The Springs and the Arabian Ranches were next in line with increases of 5% and 4% respectively. Three-bedroom villas were leasing for Dhs125,000 per annum in the Springs while similar properties in the Arabian Ranches were leasing for Dhs145,000 per annum.

“The increasing rental rates are due to the lack of a certain unit type, whether that is larger three-bedroom units in towers or smaller townhouses in villa communities,” said Elaine Jones, CEO at Asteco.

“The reason for the shortage of a particular unit type is either the low number of units initially available or high occupancy rates within certain developments,” she added.

Asteco also witnessed increased rates in some of the emerging communities such as Jumeirah Village, which can in part be put down to the increased demand as infrastructure, landscaping and the retail offering improve.

“It is also true that increasing rents in more established developments and the consequent outflow of residents unwilling or unable to pay the hiked rate, are adding upwards pressure to the rental rates,” commented Jones.

Overall sales prices in Q3 2012 remained stable after the steady increases which were recorded at the beginning of the year. The summer coinciding with Ramadan resulted in lower enquiry levels and consequently no significant pickup.

Apartment sales were relatively unchanged since Q2 2012 – the only movement was seen in the Greens, which recorded a 3% increase, edging up to Dhs8,800 per square metre. Apartment sales prices in DIFC and the Palm Jumeirah, still the most expensive areas, both commanded Dhs14,000 per square metre.

There was also little movement with villa sales, which were flat across the board. Once again the Palm Jumeirah is still the most sought after with villas changing hands for Dhs17,200 per square metre, compared with Dhs5,400 per square metre in Jumeirah Village.

The commercial market has also been rather passive since the beginning of June, which was reflected in the office sales and rental rates, which remained unchanged.

“One trend we have noticed is that tenants and or buyers of office space are demanding significant discounts and incentives before committing. This is likely to continue as more supply enters the market,” said Jones.