Over 40% say it is still good time to buy property

The survey shows an optimistic view, with one fourth of respondents feeling that the global crisis will only have a minor impact on the local UAE Property Market. 56% surveyed felt that there may be a slowdown but will not have the same impact as in Europe and US.

The survey further revealed that Dubai residents are more confident than those living in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah however 40% of all respondents felt that now is still a good time to invest as they can pick up a bargain. 16% of respondents were not sure and were sitting on the fence.

When deciding on the developer - value for money, ability to adhere to promises and transparency of information are the attributes that people look at. The least important attribute is public information available either on a website or in the media. This indicates that consumers are anxious about cost of ownership and the inherent investment value of the property.

Respondents were also asked what were their top destinations for real estate investment around the world - 55% favoured Asia, 40% for Middle East, 32% for Europe & UK and 27% for North America.

George Betz, International Sales Director at Dubai Shows Limited, organisers of the Worldwide Property Show, said:

"Considering our survey has literally been completed in the last few days since the global meltdown, it is very encouraging to see that people still understand the merit in investing in real estate and that now is still a good time to buy as prices are low."

Betz continued: "The Worldwide Property Show which started in 1995 has received a record number of developers and estate agents wishing to participate in this season's show and will feature 85 exhibitors from 32 countries including USA, Egypt, Morocco and UK, as well as emerging Asian markets such as Philippines and Thailand and a very wide variety of UAE developers and agents."

Mike Bridge, Business Development Director at Dubai Shows Limited, said:

"With developers feeling the pinch, it is definitely a buyers' market with great opportunities to select prime property in some of the best locations in the world. You cannot take away the benefits, even in a crisis, of a fabulous city or beautiful coastline."

Bridge added: "It is also good news that the banks have recently received Governments' support and are more likely to be in a position to fund property investment again."

The Worldwide Property Show and UAE Developer, the UAE's longest running consumer property exhibition opens 23rd to 25th October 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.