UAE property survey: Dubai leads buying trends (page 2 of 2)

Again, that's largely the Dubai effect as prices continue to reach dizzying heights. But almost a quarter felt prices were where they would expect them, and some felt that prices in Dubai were still cheap compared to other world markets.

'Property prices are at a premium and the market is unsustainable. The current real estate prices are not out of reach, however my fear is that to buy now, when the market is high, quality is low and the secondary market is untested, may mean you end up in a negative equity position for some time. The only investment grade real estate in the UAE is commercial,' explained one respondent.

The overwhelming trend among respondents with this question though, was that property prices were too high, particularly when compared to the build quality, with many saying it was too poor. Which flew in the face of the final question, where the majority of respondents were happy with the quality of properties available in the UAE - 63 per cent thought places were of a high standard or as they would expect. Only eight per cent felt quality was poor.

It's difficult to say for certain why the difference, but it suggests that those who have not bought due to high prices felt the quality of finishing was poor, while those that had bought, were generally happy with their home.

Dubai is still the emirate of choice for many buyers. But as prices rocket, it is having a ripple effect that is reaching other emirates. Overall the survey shows there is a thirst to buy in the UAE - many people see it as a good investment and want to get in before prices go higher to escape the annual cycle of rental increases

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Property survey graphs
Reader's views on Property prices
Reader's reasons for buying in the UAE
Reader's comments on build quality