Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a Home in the UAE
When it comes to purchasing a new home, the price tag is an obvious concern, but there are other critical factors to keep in mind when hunting for a property. Inexperienced homebuyers in the UAE often make these common errors that can impact their financial well-being.
“The process of buying a house is quite daunting, as it not only affects your mortgage duration but also your overall financial health. Overpaying for the house you’re eyeing is a significant initial concern,” says Prakash Bhat, a real estate and mortgage consultant based in Abu Dhabi.
If you’re worried about paying more than necessary for a home, Bhat recommends a key element in the UAE real estate market: determining whether the home’s price significantly exceeds that of similar properties in the neighborhood. “Homes in the same vicinity tend to share similarities, including style, construction year, size, and features. An unmistakable sign of overpayment is when a house is listed at a significantly higher price than others in the area,” he emphasizes.
Mistake #1: Focusing Solely on Currently Listed Properties Stephanie Myrtle, Vice President of a Dubai-based real estate research firm, advises against considering only currently listed properties when comparing house prices. Instead, she suggests examining recently sold properties, especially those sold within the last month. Market trends play a crucial role, and it’s essential to be aware of slower real estate seasons when competition is low. Comparing a property available during a peak season with one that wasn’t can be misleading.
If you come across a property significantly more or less expensive than similar homes in the same area, Myrtle recommends discussing this with your realtor or real estate agency to understand the reasons behind the price difference. Depending on their explanation, you might have room to negotiate a more reasonable price in line with the area’s current market value.
Mistake #2: Overpaying for a Lingering Listing A property that lingers on the market for an extended period may signal underlying issues, according to Prakash Bhat. It might have initially been overpriced, and the seller refused to adjust it. Timing is also critical. A property not listed during a peak buying season may perform better when the market heats up, especially during warmer months.
Don’t be deterred solely by a high price tag, as sellers may be more willing to negotiate a lower price after their property has been on the market for a while and they seek a quick sale.
Mistake #3: Rushing and Overpaying for Convenience Desire to move quickly into a specific neighborhood can lead to overpayment, especially for first-time homebuyers. Stephanie Myrtle warns against overpaying for the sake of convenience. She advises taking the time to research, even when under time constraints.
Comparing homes and seeking assistance from a real estate agent can help avoid overpayment, particularly when the cost of professional help is outweighed by the expense of overpaying.
In Conclusion To ensure you’re paying a fair price for a home and avoiding these mistakes, Prakash Bhat and Stephanie Myrtle recommend starting by examining price estimates of similar homes in the same area. Utilizing freely available online tools can assist in this process.
Bhat also stresses the importance of considering the terms of your offer. Sometimes, offering terms that accommodate the seller’s needs can lead to a mutually beneficial deal and prevent overpayment during the emotional process of buying a home.
