Many families sought larger homes with outdoor spaces amid the pandemic, prioritizing comfort, functionality, and well-being.
In Dubai, a significant number of families are in the midst of relocating due to rising rents in established neighborhoods. During the pandemic-induced rent decline, many residents seized the opportunity to move to more spacious homes with gardens. However, as normalcy returns and rental rates escalate, a reverse trend has ensued, with individuals opting to downsize or shift to more cost-effective areas. French expat Christine Quartier La Tente cited rent hikes as the primary reason for leaving Springs, where they were paying 170K for a three-bedroom residence. Despite negotiating a reduction to Dh140K during the pandemic, the landlord reinstated the higher rent post-Covid. Faced with the prospect of substantial income allocation to remain in Springs, many families find themselves compelled to explore more affordable housing options in response to the shifting rental landscape.
Paying an annual sum of Dh260K to Dh290K
Faced with the daunting prospect of annual rents ranging from Dh260K to Dh290K in their current neighborhood, the French expat family contemplated their housing options. Desiring the same layout and locale, the family would have to commit to the substantial annual expense. Opting for a different approach, they explored the prospect of home ownership. Despite considering Al Furjan, proximity to Springs, and a partial familiarity with the area, cost considerations led them to reassess their choice.
By September 2022, as Dubai’s real estate market rebounded, popular areas for apartments included Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and Jumeirah Lake Towers. However, opting for a house purchase posed challenges due to age-related loan constraints. Consequently, they adjusted their strategy, choosing Damac Hills 2 for its affordability and luxurious lifestyle offerings, with plans to invest later while prioritizing immediate financial considerations like schooling and household expenses.
Extended travel distances
Despite its location on the outskirts of Dubai near the Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road (E77) and Al Ain-Dubai Highway (E66), potentially leading to extended commutes, Christine was drawn to the Damac Hills 2 community due to its extensive amenities. These include a picnic park, pet farm, dog park, aviary, children’s play area, plant nursery, water and sports facilities, and a community center.
Acknowledging the increased travel times, ranging from 25 minutes to over an hour, with approximately 30% of her time spent commuting, Christine found the move worthwhile to secure a more affordable living situation. Seeking a drastic change in rental expenses for future investments, the decision to relocate was driven by the need to break away from the high costs incurred in Springs. Despite the longer commute, the desire to remain in a community setting prevailed.
Christine now pays Dh95K annually for a three-bedroom townhouse with a maid’s room and a backyard. She observed a swift rental market, with prices fluctuating. In April-May 2022, rents were as low as 65K-75K, but by June, increased demand, particularly from relocations, led to a consistent rise. Anticipating further escalation after the holidays, they swiftly secured a place, strategically avoiding higher rents, which eventually climbed to Dh110K-Dh115K for similar villas. The move to Damac Hills 2 became not just a cost-effective choice but also a strategic measure to save money amid a dynamic rental market.
Reduced room dimensions and a lack of communal atmosphere.
Similarly, Mays Aalem has relocated to Al Furjan, where she now pays an annual rent of Dh170K. Formerly residing in Springs in a larger dwelling, Mays highlights the challenges associated with moving. As a Canadian expat in Dubai, she notes a significant rise in Springs’ rents. The shift from a community-oriented neighborhood to a house without amenities presents a notable contrast, especially concerning child safety. Additionally, downsizing has forced Mays to grapple with the need for new furniture, as her current home is considerably smaller than her previous residence, resulting in the disposal of many belongings.
Inconvenience of relocation
Jez Riveria, a Filipino expat, recently transitioned from Al Mankhool to International City, citing better facilities at affordable rates as the primary motivation for her move. Despite acknowledging the inherent challenges of shifting, Jez emphasizes the financial prudence of her decision. Al Mankhool, while vibrant, became less viable due to escalating rent, prompting the relocation to a one-bedroom flat in International City shared with her sisters at a cost of Dh2,800. The new locality offers convenient access to grocery stores, parks, and a mall.
Simultaneously, the city witnesses a growing demand for housing, resulting in a scarcity of available properties. Landlords experience minimal vacancies, reflecting a robust rental market. Jez’s decision to relocate stemmed from successive rent hikes in her previous accommodation, reaching Dh1,700 by October, prompting the move to more economically favorable surroundings.
