Landmark Properties launches new online calculators to assist prospective buyers

Questions include the mortgages they can afford, whether to rent or buy a home, and potential returns on investment on properties available in the UAE.

Headed by Charles Neil, Chief Financial Officer, Landmark Properties, the panel demonstrated how the new suite of tools - including a 'Rent vs. Buying Calculator' and 'Buy-to-Let' Calculator - empower clients with the tools to gain a deeper understanding of the real estate market and feel comfortable with any property decision they may choose to make. By creating various buying scenarios, clients can see for themselves, which opportunity may suit their needs best.

Neil explained:

"Potential home buyers and investors in the Middle East presently have access to property opportunities, but until now, there has not been enough information readily available for these buyers to make a more informed decision prior to purchasing."

"Landmark Properties' new online calculators feature an easy-to-use system that give the tools directly to the buyers to work out what kind of home they can afford based on their monthly budget and create various scenarios to decide whether now is the right time to invest," he added.

Having developed the software for the new calculators in-house and trained the company's team of consultants extensively on how to use them, Neil continued, "Landmark Properties is investing in both the market and also our staff at a time that the industry is undergoing a corrective change. We want our clients to feel 100% comfortable with any purchase they transact with us, and we felt that by offering them these new media tools, they are in a stronger position to decide if the opportunity is in their best interest. Traditional real estate practices are not enough in this market --- clients need access to greater market intelligence and we have enabled our consultants to provide more informed and scientific insight to them."

In addition to having a traditional mortgage calculator publicly available on its website, Landmark Properties has also created a reverse version which enables users to input their own monthly budget and calculate what price of home they can afford based on mortgage payments, terms and interest rates.

A second set of more complex online calculators are available through a meeting with any Property Consultant at Landmark Properties who underwent rigorous training on the use and outcomes of the calculators. Prospective buyers are guided through the different calculators to understand the analysis on whether to rent or buy a home, as well as a forecasted return on investment (ROI) for a 'buy-to-let' flat or villa. Designed for investors whose strategy is to generate revenue by renting their property, the 'buy-to-let' calculator will also show clients the effects on ROI by purchase price fluctuations over time.