(part 3)
You calculated the down payment
You included the 4% DLD fee
You accounted for 2% agency commission
Good 🙌
But experienced investors know the real difference between a safe purchase and a stressful one is hidden in the “secondary numbers”
Let’s talk about what buyers often forget
1. Service charges
in Dubai, every apartment or villa in a community has annual service charges
This covers:
- Building maintenance
- Security
- Cleaning of common areas
- Pools, gyms, elevators
- Community management
Service charges are paid by the owner
They vary by building and can significantly affect net rental yield
2. Furnishing costs
(if buying for rental)
if you plan to rent the property:
- Basic furnishing can range from 30,000-80,000 AED depending on size
- Higher-end furnishing increases rental positioning
Buying without budgeting furnishing costs can delay rental income
3. Vacancy buffer
Even in strong rental areas, you should plan:
1–2 months buffer per year in case of tenant change
Professional landlords always calculate income conservatively
4. Bank valuation gaps
if buying with mortgage, the bank may value the property slightly below the agreed price
Example:
Purchase price: 1,000,000 AED
Bank valuation: 950,000 AED
The difference must be covered in cash
This surprises many first-time buyers
5. Transfer timing and liquidity
Buying property in Dubai is structured and regulated
But liquidity depends on:
- Location
- Building quality
- Price positioning
- Market cycle
Smart investors buy assets that remain liquid in any market
Buying property in Dubai is safe when the full structure is understood
Risk comes from incomplete calculations - not from the market itself
For English-speaking investors, we provide full support for buying, selling, and long-term rental in Dubai.
Для русскоговорящих инвесторов: мы сопровождаем сделки покупки, продажи и аренды недвижимости в Дубае на русском языке, объясняем все скрытые расходы и контролируем каждый этап процесса.
