Dubai is a popular destination among those looking for lucrative career opportunities and an amazing lifestyle. Thousands of ex-pats move to the city to build new lives each year, and as a result, residential properties in Dubai is bursting to accommodate the fast-growing population. However, finding the right property rental can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you are arriving in the city for the first time. So, where should you start your search to find your first home in Dubai?
While finding the right property rentals in Dubai can be confusing, it will all become clear and easy with only a bit of research and advice. One of the first things you should do is start a quick online search and hire a trustworthy property agent to guide you through your search. It is also important that you get an understanding of the rental property market in Dubai.
To make it easier for you, here is a list of everything you need to do to make sure you have a smooth process when finding a rental property in Dubai.
How to find the right property rentals in Dubai?
Do a quick online search on real estate websites These sites have a multitude of rental property listings and will give you all the necessary information to find the right home in Dubai. The information they have on their site include, but not limited to:
If you already have a general idea of the type of property you want to rent, your budget, how many rooms you will need, and the desired location, you can use fazwaz.ae to search for your ideal property based on your preferred property type, budget, location, and the number of rooms to see only relevant listings.
If you are thinking about renting an apartment in Dubai, you choose from studios to a 5-bedroom apartment. For houses and villas, you can find units starting from 3-bedroom up to 5-bedroom. You can easily review the information listed on the property site and start shortlisting based on what you want. Then, get in touch with the agent or the landlord and arrange a time to visit your potential new home.
Where are the best locations to rent in Dubai?
There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing the location of a new home to rent in Dubai, such as where you work, the location of your child’s school, the kind of neighborhood you want to live in, and the average price of accommodation. With Dubai’s emerging property market, new places are fast developing as excellent residential hubs. To help you narrow down your search, below are the top areas to live in Dubai.
Dubai Marina is the most sought-after neighborhoods in Dubai. Located in the heart of the ‘New Dubai,’ the area is packed with luxury skyscrapers, as well as a wide selection of dining and entertainment options. Its residents are provided with beautiful urban waterfront living. The area is meticulously planned, complete with a seamless network of roads and a stunning marina. More than 200 residential towers in the area offer spectacular views of the city and the harbor. Many of these towers are part of Dubai’s iconic skyline.
While the main property type in the area is apartments, there are also a limited number of amazing podium villas. Living in Dubai Marina means living in a vibrant community lifestyle.
Situated in the middle of a popular business hub, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) offers pretty views of man-made lakes and gardens. Filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes, the area is known for its affordability with rents compared to neighboring areas. Consisting of 26 clusters, it is one of the top areas in Dubai to rent apartments.
Living in Jumeirah Lake Towers gives you a chance to live in an easygoing community vibe with plenty of amenities that cater to your needs. The type of properties available are mainly apartments in high rise buildings.
Jumeirah Beach Residence is a long stretch of high rise buildings along Marina beach. The area is filled with apartments with balconies and underground parking. You can find a bunch of shops, cafes, and a cinema in the neighborhood. Due to its spectacular beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence is popular among tourists, residents, and locals.
Jumeirah Beach Residence offers a luxurious seaside lifestyle. The buildings feature Arabic and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, creating a unique vibe to the area.
Downtown Dubai is the most iconic neighborhoods in Dubai. It is home to the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, and the gigantic Dubai Mall. Downtown Marina is the center of luxury in Dubai, offering a range of high-end hotels, a number of entertainment options, and world-famous shopping centers. Due to its global appeal, the residence of Downtown Dubai come from all around the world.
Location just behind Dubai airport, Mirdif is a spread-out community and a popular residential base for expatriates. Here, you can find a wide range of apartments and villas. Even if it is located right under the flight path, noise is not a problem. It offers family-friendly suburban living that is perfect for anyone who does not want to live in the middle of Dubai’s glitz and glam.
What are the average rents like in Dubai?
The rents in Dubai vary a lot depending on the size and location of the property. At the upper end, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in high-end areas like Downtown Dubai can cost around 110,000 AED a year.
Of course, there are a lot of cheaper areas, such as Mirdif and Bur Dubai, with the average price of a one-bedroom property starts from around 50,000 AED a year.
You can always haggle and drive a hard bargain when it comes to renting. In fact, average rents in Dubai fell by 21% from 2017 to 2019, making it a renter’s market.
What extra costs should I be aware of?
Renting a property through an estate agent will cost you around 5% commission fee based on the annual rental price. Also, you need to pay a deposit to the landlord, which is 5% of the annual price if the property is unfurnished and 10% if the property is furnished.
What factors should I consider when I visit a potential rental property in Dubai?
Once you fall in love with a property, you should arrange a visit with the agent. Do not forget to keep a list of factors to consider to make sure that the property is right for you. Besides checking the property, it is also important that you spend some time scanning the neighborhood. The following are some factors you need to consider when you visit a potential rental property:
For the property:
Do you like the view?
For the neighborhood?
It might be a good idea to talk to an existing tenant to find out what it is like living in the building and the neighborhood.
What are the steps of renting a property in Dubai?
If you have visited the property and you think it is the right one, then it is time to finalize the deal. Here are the steps of renting a property in Dubai:
Make an offer – Once you are sure that the property is right for you, make an offer. You can submit your offer to an agent or directly to the landlord. If you really do love the property so much and you can picture yourself living in it for a long period of time, it is advisable that you make a long-term offer. Many landlords in Dubai prefer long-term tenants since it means that their property is less likely to be empty on a frequent basis. Therefore, your chance of getting to rent the property is greater. When making an offer, always be flexible. You need to decide how much rent you are willing to pay and be prepared to respond to a counteroffer.
Reserve the property – you will need to pay a refundable security deposit written out to your landlord in order to reserve the property. If you are working with a real estate agent, they will hold onto the deposit until the deal is finished. The security deposit is usually one month’s rent.
Prepare necessary documents – you must provide copies of your UAE residency visa and passport for your agent or landlord. If you have not yet received your visa, you can provide a letter from your employer that states the process is underway.
Review and sign the contract – after the security deposit payment, your agent will give you the tenancy contract. The contract has to be in accordance with the Dubai tenancy law. Make sure you review the contract carefully. If you are uncomfortable with the terms and conditions stated on the contract, talk to your agent. If you are happy with everything in the contract, sign and submit it to the agent.
Register rental agreement with Ejari – in Dubai, a rental agreement or tenancy contract is not legal until it has been registered with Ejari. You can register through their site or a customer service center available throughout the city.
Sign up to DEWA utilities – once you sign the tenancy contract, it is time to set up water and electricity. To do this, apply for a connection through Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA).
Move-In Permit – Some communities in Dubai require new tenants to obtain a move-in permit before they occupy the property. You can usually get it from the developer’s website.
Move-In – after you have your move-in permit, you can immediately move to your new home in Dubai!