Reader comments: Property prices

- We have here in Dubai similar property prices as developed already established overseas markets.

- Government is involved too much in real estate business in order to guarantee profit for local investors. Let the market free and the cost will self adjust accordingly

- Depends where you are looking for, some area's are quite expensive and some are still affordable.

- The prices are sky rocketing, but good for investors

- I think the bubble will burst once all the properties are ready.

- AED250,000 for a studio that too in Ajman, this is ridiculous, the quality of material and workmanship is low and the market is volatile, too much high price to pay and face the risk and tension. Financiers are just waiting for the prey, feed on hard earned money.

- Too high considering the poor build quality which will likely lead to high future maintenance costs.

- Higher risk. No real land ownership at Federal approval level. Little demonstration of consumer rights in an arbitration process. Non-transparent processes...with constant surprise costs. No real secondary market yet to reflect true property value.

- 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.

- It's too high for an above average expats to afford. still waiting ... hoping ... prices will come down.. govt should promote cheaper prices.

- Prices 3 years back were reasonable but now they raised prices and justifying that by the hi rental revenue which is brought hi by them and not by real market demand.

- The problem is not only price per sqft is high, but also the service charges once property ready per sqft.

- I think it is easy to get an apartment because of the ease of financing

- Compared to other international cities around the world that has better infrastructure and amenities, Dubai is now overpriced and the apartment properties being built in Dubai resemble council housing estates. Many similar designed properties in the Spain built in the 70s and 80s are no longer wanted for that reason.

- Depends on the property you choose it can be high as well as there are some for the luxury but you can buy for medium at reasonable cost compared to other metro though this is changing fast and Dubai may soon be outpricing itself.

- They are getting too high in developed areas like Dubai Marina or DIFC but prices are still right in developing area like Jumeriah village south

- If Dubai achieves its potential these prices will be a bargain.

- Considering prices in other countries, if Dubai price increase trend continues it is most likely going collapse especially considering the bases for the growth are still too weak. political, economical and even Infrastructure still behind (hard to understand why Dubai does not have mail delivery system to houses nor direct gas connection

- Current prices in comparison to the price at the time of purchase in 2003/4 is relatively high, I have personally benefited from the hike and appreciation of prices. Prices are relatively high from a buyers perspective today.

- When I want to sell it, I'll be able to sell at a good price.

- Properties have serious quality problems with no long term warranty as in other well established and tested markets.

- Since we bought our apartment the price hasn't gone up that much.

- South-east England prices with poor infrastructure, very poor build quality and no guarantees with regard true freehold tenure. Difficult inheritance rules too.

- Referring to my salary status its too high for me

- I own a big house with a big garden in the very south, 'hot' area of Sweden. Selling it I will get around Dhs1,750,000: Not enough even for a small apartment in Dubai... really a silly situation!

- Very good returns by evaluation and rental returns, Dubai is still the highest in terms of rental returns

- If compared with prices in major cities of the area, the prices are much higher.

- They are fooling the people by building low quality houses for higher prices.

- In comparison with western countries, it is way too high. If the price is not right I would invest in Europe or US

- Dubai levels of income and the prices of property are not proportional at all to any other countries in the world - this ensures that there will be a drop in prices at some point

- Compared with prices in other big cities, prices are affordable

- Compared to the rentals received vs. the high interest rates interest rates, property yield values appear disproportionate compared to other markets

- Only European people can afford to buy, because they have very high salaries.

- The prices are like balloon temporary created price hike by some main developers and are not affordable by any means. I foresee it will come down as soon as other gulf countries start developing their land.

- When deposit was paid it was about right with capital growth prospects

- With the same money can purchase property in more mature markets thus getting more value.

- I'm awaiting a price crack before I buy. I expect that I can buy a property about 50% cheaper than today's price at some stage within a time span of 5 years.

- Prices have increased a lot during last years. So the risk for speculative investment has risen. As a holiday residence the country is too far away and you would have to spend the holiday usually in this region.

- This is an immature market, bad build quality, all seems to be inflated. Hopefully when more properties come on to the market, and the market matures, the prices will start to reflect the true price...

- Oversupply will lead to decline

- There is still a lack of quality build in the right areas. So whilst the prices are not cheap, there is potential to generate good returns, especially on the short term rental market.

- It's largely commensurate with renting - but worried about the bottom falling out of the market at a later date, and more properties come on to the market.

- About right for off plan considering ROI

- On the Global market it is much higher than equal property in countries with long standing property rights of ownership.

- The prices are not proportional to the quality you buy. I do not trust that the buildings with accessible prices can stand erect for the duration of paying the price financed, they will be borne to collapse.

- Real value vs. current prices are completely askew

- Believe the UAE market will decline a little starting late 2007

- The land is free or donated by the Government. The cost of infrastructure + construction does not justify the property purchase price.

- Prices are not low in Dubai, given the fact that it is still under development, but the perspective is positive in terms of urbanism and services.

- Compared to other big cities in the world, I feel the prices are right.

- Expecting a decent return on the investment

- Dhs1,000 per square foot is a high value

- Too high for the middle income group & no Stability of property Law

- Rates are hyped

- The apartments are way overpriced, no question about it. The prices are artificially high, as projects are being delayed on purpose. Even the houses are pretty expensive. The market is still not regulated, as everyone is buying to make a profit, and not buying to live. Hence the bust in the apartments will come soon. Villas should be ok.

- Compare the present prices in US, UK and India the prices now prevailing in UAE are about right even slightly low.

- If we compare prices to Singapore still Dubai is 50% cheaper but it can't go more than this looking to the difference between Dubai and Singapore

- Would normally expect to pay much less. Doesn't jive with what seems to be rental potential.

- The real estate is good value, however, structures are built poorly, and there is no recourse on the builders it seems after property has changed hands

- Overpriced for quality, price is inflated by speculative demand that should wash away

- The prices are very expensive, as an expat where I can't guarantee my future in UAE why would I buy a property at these rates.

- Too high for such bad quality

- Being kept artificially high through government control

- Lots of investors in the market, all hoping to make quick buck but actual users are priced out, quality is poor, area and design largely undefined at the time of booking, long delays to completion, no regulatory control over builders, pricing is cartel controlled.

- Expected to go down in 2009 - we are in a real estate bubble; a similar scenario to the stock market crash will happen

- Quality + Value + Price does not tally.

- Could have bought the same property much lower few months ago.

- Prices in Dubai are comparable to that in many similar locations in the US, for example. Labour costs, however, are so much more in the US. So how are equivalent prices justified?

- Prices are comparable to other large cities and reflect the demand for quality residential and commercial property in the UAE.

- Usually it is not in the range of middle income group Dhs16,000+ salary/ month

- Real estate people have created an imaginary demand so they can increase prices as they wish.

- Approaching speculation prices is not healthy. People should not be able to make a killing in a year, that is more than 10% on the purchase price.

- As Expatriates with no job securities, how can we indulge in investing such huge amounts ??

- I am a woman on the high salary scale, I need 25 years mortgage to be able pay for a small 2-4 rooms house and I will live miserably till I am able to pay the mortgage. I am already 40 years old.

- There should be some flexible plans for foreign investors where by one can easily venture into a business without having to finance from a mortgage lender...

- Too high for what is available now, will wait till 2009 (When most of the projects are expected to be delivered / completed) and then see what happens to the prices (rent and property).

- Questions about legal rights and construction costs. Developers are not fully professional.

- Considering the market is immature - neighbouring regional developments offer a competitive choice

- I see a good amount of affordable property still available.

- Seem artificially high at the moment.

- Square foot price may seem cheap compared to international cities, but infrastructure and support system are not yet in place to warrant price premium.

- Compared to a 4 bed detached property in the UK, a 3 bed townhouse in Arabian Ranches is more expensive (by a long way).

- You can buy nice homes in Hawaii, Miami, Denver, Italy, or Cyprus for much less.

- Have used the same monies to purchase a house in Italy! Why buy expensive in the desert?

- Very high - but I still think that there's room for growth

- Price/quality ratio is poor