Sale prices pick up for prime Dubai apartments

In its Dubai Q3 2009 report, Asteco says sales apartment prices for Downtown are up from Dhs1,200 per square foot in the second quarter to Dhs1,300 per square foot in the third quarter, "thanks to the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain and improved infrastructure in the area" which is overlooked by Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building nearing completion.

However, across the whole of Dubai sale prices for completed apartments and villas have increased only slightly with an average 1% and 3% compared with the second quarter, according to the report. Rental charges have seen minimal change compared with the same period.

Asteco, which carries out comprehensive property market analysis, says Jumeirah Beach Residence has also seen a 5% sales increase as a result of continuous opening of retail units, gyms nearing completion and strong interest in leasing from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents.

Asteco CEO Elaine Jones said: "Both Downtown Burj Dubai and Jumeirah Beach Residence are highly desirable, fully established communities, which are exactly what the market is seeking. A completed tower is no longer enough if it is not part of an integrated community with convenient access to schools, hospitals, transport, leisure and entertainment facilities. In terms of villa communities, The Springs and Arabian Ranches are faring well for the same reasons."

Asteco reports that transactions and enquiries have picked up in line with mortgage availability. Demand is predominantly for smaller units such as studios and one bedroom apartments, or two and three bedroom villas or townhouses.

"It should be noted, however, that the increased interest in completed communities has resulted in landlords inflating their prices," the report adds. "In addition, the option to lease these units is making price negotiations less flexible as the need to sell to generate income is lower."

In the Dubai apartment and villa rental market, Asteco reports that

"increased interest and rumours of economic recovery have caused some landlords to raise their rents. But many of these units remain empty for several months due to a significant amount of supply and increased competition."

Overall, however, apartment and villa rental rates have seen minimal changes of in the third quarter of minus 3% and 0% respectively, according to the report.

Rates for studios and one bedroom apartments are beginning to stabilise, whereas there is still room for further drops for larger units, says the report.

Asteco says the majority of inquiries are for Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim where tenants are looking for three-bedroom units between.

Communities alongside Sheikh Zayed Road are the preferred choice, whereas developments around Emirates Road suffer from the location disadvantage, the report adds. "However, this is likely to change next year with the opening of Al Maktoum International Airport, the biggest airport in the world."

Asteco reports a noticeable increase in activity in the leasing market prompting tenants to get better value for their money, either by decreased rents, increased property size, better quality specifications, better amenities and accessibility. "Despite the Real Estate Regulatory Agency's attempts to provide a rental index earlier this year, it is these influences which are truly driving current rental market activity," the report added.

The Asteco Dubai Q3 2009 report also highlights the static office sales market, due to the economic downturn, along with further declines in office rental rates.