After renting in Dubai for 15 years, is buying now finally cheaper? The five numbers every tenant should calculate
Owning a home in Dubai is a dream for many residents. With rents continuing to rise and long-term residency becoming more common, many long-term tenants in Dubai are considering buying a home. As more residents weigh the cost of renting against home ownership, property experts say the decision should be based on future financial goals.Mario Volpi, senior real estate investment manager, says it is important not to judge today’s decision based on missed opportunities. Instead, buyers should ask whether purchasing a home makes sense for the next five to 10 years. He was replying on local media National news.com to a tenant who estimated spending more than Dh1 million on rent over 15 years.Dubai has changed significantly over the years. Long-term visas, a more developed mortgage market, better infrastructure and a growing sense of stability have encouraged many residents to see the city as a long-term home rather than a temporary workplace.Owning a home can protect people from rising rents while allowing them to build equity over time. However, buying is not the right choice for everyone. Factors such as job security, future plans, savings for a deposit and overall finances should all be considered, Volpi said, while also advising to speak to a mortgage adviser before making a decision.Apart from the financial benefits, many homeowners feel buying gives them greater stability and a stronger connection to Dubai. “Ultimately, property ownership is not a race. The goal is not to have bought years ago; it is to make the right decision for the years ahead,” Volpi said.
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Meanwhile, some buyers are delaying purchases because geopolitical tensions in the region have created uncertainty. Property consultants say these buyers are waiting to see whether regional developments affect market sentiment, financing conditions or prices before committing to a purchase.According to Volpi, however, the demand for property has not disappeared. Many buyers are still searching online, arranging mortgages, visiting properties and doing research. They are simply waiting for a reason to move ahead.Some prospective buyers are using this waiting period to obtain mortgage pre-approvals, compare communities, monitor prices and negotiate with sellers, putting themselves in a stronger position to act quickly once they are ready.He said that when confidence returns, property markets often move quickly. Buyers who wait too long may face more competition, fewer options and sellers who are less willing to negotiate.At the same time, Volpi said buyers should not rush into a purchase. He stressed that proper research and due diligence remain essential. However, quieter market periods can sometimes give buyers more time to compare properties and negotiate better deals.“My advice is always to focus on your own circumstances rather than trying to predict the next headline,” he said. “If your finances are secure, or your mortgage is approved and you’ve found a property that meets your medium to long-term objectives, waiting for complete certainty can sometimes become the biggest risk of all. So my advice would be to go for it,” he added.
