Mohanad Alwadiya

Stalling will get you nowhere; invest today

STALLING WILL GET YOU NOWHERE ; INVEST TODAY

The opportunities currently available will certainly never come again
By Mohanad Alwadiya
CEO, Harbor Real Estate
Senior Advisor & Instructor, Dubai Real Estate Institute

Stalling will get you nowhere invest today“opportunity knocks only once” is an oft-quoted proverb in life, and it rings even truer when it comes to real estate. Others may argue that other opportunities will present themselves in the future; true, but will they be the exact-same opportunities?

It would, of course, be great if these future opportunities actually materialize; excellent, if they turn out to be better opportunities. But then, what if they don’t – which is usually the case as far as opportunity in real estate is concerned. After all, land is not unlimited and a building or unit, once sold, won’t likely change hands several times in the course when it is perceived to be at its peak value.

Expertise derived from hindsight has no place at the table of successful people, and regret is a fruitless and pointless emotion. Successful people thrive on opportunities, not lost opportunities. If they cannot make one opportunity work to their satisfaction, they move on and find another opportunity. Regret simply diverts energy and focus from the effective pursuit of the next great opportunity.

For those still currently on the fence about real estate investment, resolve to buy TODAY. After all, oil prices aren’t expected to go anywhere soon, the decline of the Russian ruble and the Euro versus the US dollar has effectively made offshore investing appear too expensive for many, there are reports of a growing oversupply and the inevitable interest rate increases on the US dollar, and its AED cousin, will only further hamper overseas investment and overall market liquidity.

While these considerations are valid and worthy harbingers of the dreaded procrastination, we need to put our positive hat on for a while, and consider the following…

Put simply, Dubai needs people to support an economy that is expected to grow at an estimated 5 percent percent-plus annually for the remainder of the decade and to deliver initiatives such as the 2020 World Expo. The Expo alone is expected to generate an additional 277,000 jobs and drive demand for housing and commercial facilities that, by and large, don’t currently exist. Much of the city’s planning comprehends the number of people living in the emirate to grow to 3.4million people by 2020, a 7 percent annual increase from today’s population of 2.25million.

While the price of oil is a big issue for the region’s economies, with oil representing only about 4 percent of Dubai’s GDP, the effect of the decline in oil prices is not as drastic as some may think. Dubai’s economy is being driven by fundamentals such as tourism and trade and a slew of new projects to grow these important revenue-generating economic segments. Dubai welcomed 4.1 million overnight visitors in the first three months of 2016, which represented a 5.1 percent increase over the same period last year continuing a growth trend of approximately 10 percent per annum since 2010.

But those visitor numbers will seem paltry once the 2020 Expo kicks off. And the 277,000 extra jobs that will be generated to ensure the estimated 20 million visitors of the Expo see Dubai in its most favorable light cannot be underrated in terms of generating significant demand for real estate assets.

And though the ongoing speculation surrounding the US Federal Reserve’s intention to raise interest rates is making many people nervous, we can be sure that interest rates in the US will eventually rise and the AED will continue to get stronger. To invest in a market that is undergoing a 10 percent to 20 percent correction in a currency that certain to appreciate only makes sense, especially when financing is still cheap and will remain so for quite some time.

While on the topic of certainty, there is no doubt that a stabilized real estate market will provide a much better launch pad for what will be a period of significant economic and commercial activity over the next 5 to 7 years. The structural shift towards more affordable housing will not only serve to accommodate the expected rapid population growth associated with the 2020 Expo, but also serve as an important factor in the development of the Dubai economy overall.

Still unconvinced or undecided?

Remember the opportunities that have come with 2015 and 2016 – the period of opportunity for the astute investor – will most certainly never come again. Ask around for expert advice, conduct your own research, make the calculations and decide now, today, so you won’t find yourself scratching your head in disappointment five years hence.

Upholding business ethics in real estate

By Mohanad Alwadiya
CEO, Harbor Real Estate
Senior Advisor & Instructor, Dubai Real Estate Institute

While the term “business ethics” is not something alien or new to us, some people with careers outside of the real estate industry may view the term, especially in relation to real estate, with a critical eye, with some perhaps even joking about the incompatible nature of the words “business” and “ethics.”

But we all know that in real estate, a number of professions emerge including, but not limited to: commercial or residential brokerage, appraisal/valuation, property management, real estate counselling, etc. That being said, for a job to be considered a bona fide profession, it would require some commitment to a certain standard of conduct that the general public expects from the practitioner. This is where the real estate code of ethics comes in.

However, some might say: but anyone can become a realtor, so how does this seemingly “open” industry professionalize current practice and regulate the activities of real estate practitioners? What rules or structures are in place to prevent any form of abuse and/or malpractice in an industry where sometimes morally contradictory relationships or grey areas exist such as in the case of open market listings where one seller lists with various agents, and the big question is where would the realtor’s loyalty be – with the seller or the buyer? Or in the case of valuation assignments where the client may indirectly or even expressly makes known to the appraiser the outcome they are expecting.

Another dilemma confronting realtors is their reliance on commission-based remuneration whereby agents’ dependence on said commission may run counter to the best interests of the client. While a good commission structure would evidently motivate realtors to give their best efforts in order to successfully convert a lead and close a deal, the question of whether or not conditions set are for or against the best interests of their client remains – with yes being the answer in some cases, and at other times not so especially in cases of self-dealing in real estate.

Aside from By-law No. 85 “Regulating the Real Estate Brokers Register in the Emirate of Dubai” which expressly states the legal mandate governing the real estate practice, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) established a mandatory certification program for new and experienced agents who wish to work in a real estate brokerage in Dubai. The DREI also organizes license renewal courses and exams along with a very rich variety of career development programs intended to help elevate the standards of professionalism and effectiveness of brokers in Dubai.

All realtors are, therefore, expected to abide by local laws pertaining to the real estate practice as well as to government regulations that are periodically introduced and, at times, go through a series of revisions or reforms in order to address new issues or problems that crop up every once in a while.

But even in the face of such regulation, real estate firms must also take it upon themselves to continuously educate and empower their agents to make the best decisions in order to maintain individual and corporate integrity, professionalism and, ultimately, success in the real estate business.

Investing in training, whether in-house or otherwise, definitely pays a huge dividend. Extensive and tailor-made training programs should include education on the industry and pertinent rules/regulations (especially on current or new legislation), soft skills and specialized training courses that help employees attain a level of mastery in all the macro and micro aspects of their profession.

The ongoing development of the industry’s regulatory framework and implementation of laws and regulations to safeguard both consumer and investor interests, the overall industry and the economy at large from rampant and irresponsible speculative, predatory or unethical practices, all reveal a mature and balanced approach to shaping an industry which exhibits sustainable growth over the long term.

Taken altogether, the laws of the land serve as the primary push for realtors to act in a way that upholds and reflects the greater good while constant education through training, workshops, seminars and the like (whether mandatory or voluntary) help real estate practitioners internalize the values that must inherently pervade the system for the industry to thrive and continue to serve as one of the primary sectors supporting the UAE economy.

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Big shift to affordability – Property Weekly

Mohanad Alwadiya is the CEO of Harbor Real Estate, senior advisor and instructor at the Dubai Real Estate Institute – the official training and certification arm of the Dubai Land Department, and presenter/content producer of Memaar – the first-ever property reality TV program in the Middle East. He is also among the Top 10 best performing brokers in Dubai, and is considered one of the most celebrated and influential industry commentators today.

COMPANY

Tell us about your company.

Harbor Real Estate is an integrated real estate service provider offering holistic real estate services to individual and institutional clients

Harbor represents the new breed of passionate real estate professionals that develop innovative strategies derived from conclusions based on rigorous fact-based analyses tailored to deliver tangible results through the adoption and implementation of global best practices

With decades of experience, the Harbor team is truly exceptional, and has intensified its focus on what has delivered success to Harbor since its inception: absolute client satisfaction

Having built a team that is passionate while pragmatic,, creative while logical, and aggressive while accountable, the strength of Harbor Real Estate lies in its ability to create innovative solutions, and to work in partnership with clients as a trusted advisor and reliable executor of wealth-generating strategies.

Harbor aims to consistently set new industry benchmarks. With ISO 9001:2008 certification for its operational guidelines and processes, Harbor continually strives to set the highest standards of customer service

In 2015, Harbor Real Estate won the title of “Best Property Management Firm” in the UAE, and this was a great testament to our aspirations of being the leading property management firm focused on developing and growing institutional real estate funds. Our current portfolio is worth AED 14.8B.

What’s the best property deal you have had in the past one year?

Obtaining the exclusive property management rights for Emaar Business Park Building Nos. 2 & 4 which I have always considered as among the most iconic corporate addresses in Dubai.

How many new agents has your firm hired in the past year?

Our brokerage division is always growing, and we have hired over 20 new brokers in the last 12 months. We always have room for and actively seek experienced agents and property managers.

INDUSTRY

What is your outlook for the UAE property sector for 2016?

Dubai real estate has been undergoing a correction for some time now. We feel that the decline in values associated with that correction has halted or virtually halted in all market segments. In Q1 of 2016, we have already witnessed significant growth in investor activity and strong land sales. Both are leading indicators that the market is heading into its next cyclical phase. We at Harbor believe that by the end of 2016, the market will have entered its next phase of growth which is expected to accelerate as we draw ever closer to the Dubai World Expo in 2020.

What types of property are selling most in the market under the current circumstances?

The market has definitely shifted towards the affordable segment. We have witnessed a strong increase in demand for affordable properties from both end-users and investors as the value story is compelling. Gross rental yields of between 8% and 10% are still achievable in some areas.

What are some of the challenges unique to this market?

There are a few major challenges which are totally unique to the Dubai market. Real estate markets globally are feeling the effects of a general decline in global economic growth, and the ongoing issues associated with geo-political upheavals which exist on virtually every continent. The world is still, after some 8 years, trying to shake off the effects of the global financial crisis, and while some economies such as the US have fared reasonably, other major economies in Europe and Asia are still struggling with systemic issues. The resulting headlines affect consumer and investor confidence negatively, and we all know that confidence is a key prerequisite for growth in the industry.

What are the biggest mistakes you see buyers making when purchasing in the market that offers them good entry points such as the present Dubai property sector?

Being impatient and diverting from the 5 fundamentals of sound real estate investing.

1: Know why you want to invest in / own a property.

2: Set your objectives carefully as success in property investment or ownership can only be attained when (and if) those objectives of the investor have been realized. It’s as simple as that.

3: Think long term for your greatest success and happiness.

4: Know your stuff… engage others to help you, but do be prepared to assess their performance.

5: Eliminate risks by planning conservatively.

ADVICE

What would you advise people who want to buy? What would you advise people who want to sell?

For buyers, the affordable segment is still providing very good value.

For sellers… it’s a buyer’s market, so don’t sell unless you have a compelling reason to do so. Selling because of a market correction which is part of a normal cycle is both short-sighted and wasteful.

What is your advice to agents who are struggling to close deals in the current market? What is your success strategy to lock in deals even in difficult times?

Be realistic when valuing a property; no false promises just to get the business
Hold firm to realistic values
Carefully assess the financial impact of every offer and counter-offer as an offer can, at face value, seem unreasonable, but further analysis can dispel any doubts
Be innovative in seeking solutions
Create competition. Market the property aggressively to generate competing bids

TRAINING

What type of training is mandatory for new agents?

The Real Estate Regulatory Agency and the Dubai Real Estate Institute have set a mandatory certification program for new and experienced agents who wish to work in a real estate brokerage in Dubai. The Dubai Real Estate Institute also organizes license renewal courses and exams along with a very rich variety of career development programs that will help elevate the standards of professionalism and effectiveness of brokers in Dubai.

Does your firm have a designated trainer, perhaps the broker or another experienced agent who acts as a mentor for new agents?

Harbor has always been big on training and we know it pays a huge dividend. Every one of our agents and property managers receives extensive and tailor-made training. Our rigorous internal training program includes industry, soft skills and specialized training courses that help our employees attain mastery in all the macro and micro aspects of their profession. We offer over 30 training courses every year, and each consultant receives a customized training plan that will help enrich his or her knowledge and skills. All our senior directors, including myself, are involved in this dedication to training, and it is part of our annual KPIs and targets.

PERSONAL

What motivated you to pursue a career in real estate? How long have you been in Dubai and why did you choose to open a business here?

I have always been passionate about real estate, and I am thankful that Dubai has allowed me to utilise my entrepreneurial skills to pursue my dream of establishing a world-class organisation to thrive in such a wonderful industry. I am immensely proud of what we at Harbor have created.

I have been blessed to have been in Dubai for over 30 years. I am of a generation that has been extremely fortunate to have witnessed and been part of the amazing growth and development that Dubai is now famous for. Any entrepreneur would be short-sighted not to participate in this economic marvel if he had the chance!

How has the industry changed through the years? Which significant events in the industry have left an indelible impression on you?

The most significant changes have been made in the structural area, and these changes have mostly occurred after the last Global Financial Crisis.

The increasing levels of governance, oversight and scrutiny that the industry has undergone has been instrumental in driving confidence back into the industry. The ongoing development of the industry’s regulatory framework and implementation of laws and regulations to safeguard both consumer and investor interests, the overall industry and the economy at large from rampant and irresponsible speculative, predatory or unethical practices, reveals a mature and balanced approach to shaping an industry which exhibits sustainable growth over the long term. The “free for all” days of the past are long gone and investor, not speculator, confidence underpins the market performance.

The Global Financial Crisis taught the industry a lot. Looking back, many real estate companies were not structured to deal with the crisis and had operated during a period when selling property in Dubai required little or no effort, and even less business acumen or professionalism. It was a sellers’ market of a magnitude that has rarely been seen before, and is unlikely to be seen again.

The recession achieved what recessions typically do… reveal the flaws and weaknesses of those organizations that had been conducting business with a limited vision or a short-term perspective. While the short-term gains may have been exhilarating, it typically came at the expense of long-term survival.

Harbor survived because we quickly realized that everybody was in the same boat, and we needed to develop a competitive edge. After all, that is what a recession is all about… survival of the fittest. It was tough, and there were many sleepless nights during this period.

Obviously, we needed to adapt to survive. This required a brutally honest assessment of our capabilities as individuals, and the capability of Harbor to continue to provide the services that clients required, but within a totally new business context emanating from what was essentially economic turmoil on a global scale.

We needed to make sense of the chaos, and we determined that the market required new solutions to meet new challenges, and I think this is the greatest lesson that we learnt at Harbor. Innovation relevant to circumstance will always prevail regardless of the circumstances. If the market is hot or cold, innovation will always provide the competitive edge.

AN INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVE NOT TO BE IGNORED

By Mohanad Alwadiya
CEO, Harbor Real Estate
Advisor & Instructor, Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI)

For investors, 2016 arrived with a bang or, as some might argue, a dull thud felt around the world.

At the time of this writing, financial markets had been acidic on investors’ net worth, burning through asset values, and essentially whatever value that had been accumulated during the pre-Christmas period has been melted away.

Since the New Year’s Eve celebrations were wound down and hopes for a better year in 2016 were dialed up, the Dow Jones had fallen 7 percent, the S&P 500 by 8 percent, and the NASDAQ a nerve-jangling 13 percent. What usually exacerbates investor nervousness is that these financial markets are located in the US which is, of course, still widely regarded as the strongest of the major global economies and being held as the bastion of economic growth heading into 2016.

A quick review of every other major financial market in the world reveals similar outcomes in Japan, China, London and Germany – all showing significant declines during the same period, with virtually all markets globally showing double digit declines when compared to the same period in 2015.

There are some “contrarians”, of course, such as the Hungarian Budapest Stock Exchange which did not participate in the global financial market rout in the last month, and has returned a healthy year-on-year return of 36 percent, or Latvia and Slovakia which returned 47 percent and 36 percent year-on-year, respectively.

Although the list of financial markets that have bucked the global downward trend is short, and only represent a miniscule proportion of the total capital invested globally, it does show that there will always be opportunity somewhere in the world. For investors, the challenge is to find the opportunities and access them.

While many investors expected the initial period of 2016 to essentially become a continuation of the previous year with a modicum of the volatility and irrational market gyrations continuing, nobody ever really expected 2016 to announce its arrival with such mayhem and drama. This only goes to show that many of the issues that affected investor confidence around the world in 2015 remain, and policymakers, corporate executives, investors and consumers at large continue to harbor doubts about the ability of leaders to navigate the multiple crises that has beset the world. In short, most investors are peering into a fog of uncertainty with only continually negative headlines to guide their reasoning.

The issues are as varied as they are significant. Everything from the US presidential race that has the world bemused (and perhaps frightened as to its would-be outcome) to doubts regarding the capability of China to effectively manage and steer its economy away from being export-driven to relying on local consumption and the development of its middle class.

Meanwhile, the European refugee crisis will continue as long as there is violence in the Middle East which, of course, shows little sign of abating. Then there is the continuing saga of the US Federal Reserve’s shift from near-zero interest rates that continues to spook investors to the extent that all rational and fundamental analyses enabling investment decisions seem to have been replaced by an intense and sometimes amusing focus on the vocabulary and grammar used in Fed statements in an effort find some hidden indication of their intent.

Meanwhile, the ongoing collapse of oil and commodity prices remain likely to trigger recessions in emerging economies like Russia and Brazil – all at the time that Europe continues to struggle for growth. Not surprisingly, the IMF trimmed its global growth outlook for 2016 to 3.4 percent, down from 3.6 percent and, in all likelihood, will trim it further as the year progresses.

So, what should an investor do… who, in the depths of despair and confusion at the deluge of negative headlines, seemingly shallow financial advice and at the direction of global economies and financial markets, is feeling clueless as to where the opportunities for returns on his hard-earned capital might be? How does today’s investor make some progress towards increasing his wealth in 2016?

Investing in Dubai real estate has significant potential to satisfy the appetite for investment returns and the fundamental reasoning is compelling.

From a macro level, Dubai needs people to support an economy that is expected to grow at an estimated 2.5 percent+ in 2016 but increasing exponentially as the end of the decade draws near. The reason for this growth trajectory is the commitment and determination to deliver on initiatives such as the 2020 World Expo. The Expo alone is expected to generate an additional 270,000 jobs and drive demand for housing and commercial facilities that, by and large, do not currently exist. Much of the city’s planning comprehends the number of people living in the emirate to grow to 3.4 million by 2020, a 7 percent annual increase from today’s population of 2.25 million.

While the price of oil is a big issue for the region’s economies, Dubai has managed to develop a level of diversification that will allow it to weather the current global oversupply of oil. With oil representing only about 4 percent of Dubai’s GDP, the effect of the decline in oil prices is not as drastic as some may think. While a reduction in public spending is to be expected, Dubai’s economy is being driven by fundamentals such as tourism and trade, and the focus of spending will be on new projects to grow these important revenue-generating economic segments and further diversification.

In 2015, Dubai attracted over 14 million visitors continuing a growth trend of approximately 10 percent per annum since 2010, and is well on track to attracting over 20 million visitors in 2020.

And the 277,000 extra jobs that are generated to ensure the estimated 20 million visitors to the Expo see Dubai in its most favourable light cannot be underrated in terms generating significant demand for real estate assets. This is where the Dubai economy has an advantage over many Western economies in that, looking forward, there is a requirement for intellectual and human capital which is not residing dormant and unutilised in the economy and attracting this critical resource can only result adding to economic growth, providing additional impetus for Dubai’s Real Estate industry to enjoy the predictable surge in demand for accommodation and commercial space of all types, from labor camps to offices to warehouses to apartments to executive Villas.

There is no doubt that Interest rates in the US will continue to rise and the AED will continue to get stronger. However, to invest in a market that nearing the end of a 20 percent correction in a currency that certain to appreciate over the coming 3 to 4 years only makes sense, especially when finance is still relatively affordable and will remain so for quite some time, and when the Expo is sure to have a significant effect on property values.

And the market itself is becoming more efficient. Developers have learnt from the past and are only releasing properties into the market after analysing current demand, and are continually revising projects still in the feasibility stages after carefully analysing future demand. This newfound prudence in managing supply will help preserve values and confidence in how the market is operating, going forward, and is yet another indication of the market’s rapid progress towards full maturity.

The structural shift towards more affordable housing in 2015 will not only serve to accommodate the expected rapid population growth associated with the 2020 Expo, but will also serve as an important factor in the development of the Dubai economy overall.

Every emerging economy needs to develop a strong middle class as its expansion is critical to growing a sustainable economy, and developing resilience in the face of external financial and economic shocks. In addition, for Dubai to compete effectively on a regional and global basis, it needs to ensure that the cost of doing business in the emirate does not position it as an outlier when entrepreneurs or corporations are considering alternatives for their operations.

And speaking of alternatives, there is an array of asset choices which hasn’t been seen for some time, and the availability of off-plan purchases with highly lucrative payment plans is unprecedented. Whether it’s an affordable studio or a luxury villa, there are investment opportunities in every segment of the market supported by the most affordable payment plans seen in years.

But the most compelling reason as to why Dubai real estate represents such a tempting investment opportunity in 2016 are the financial returns that you can expect. For a superior investment yield and strong return on your investment, the total returns that Dubai real estate provides will be hard to beat over the next 5 years.

Properties in the burgeoning affordable segment continue to provide gross rental returns of 8 percent with 10 percent rental yields not uncommon and, because of the recent price correction in the market and the slew of financial incentives that have been introduced, accessing the yields and returns can be done with comparatively minimal capital outlay. And the good news is both rental yields and property values are expected to increase as the 2020 World Expo draws nearer.

But returns are only one side of the equation… what about the risk?

One of the main reasons why the Dubai real estate industry has matured so rapidly is because of the unprecedented level of governance, oversight and scrutiny that the industry is being subjected to. The ongoing development of the industry’s regulatory framework and implementation of laws and regulations to safeguard both consumer and investor interests, the overall industry and the economy at large from rampant and irresponsible speculative, predatory or unethical practices, reveals a mature and balanced approach to shaping an industry which exhibits sustainable growth over the long term.

The industry is much more resilient in 2016, and investors have benefitted enormously from the developments in this area.

Every investor has a finite set of investment opportunities to consider. There is no doubt that the past year has been challenging for equity investors, frustrating for fixed income investors, and costly for investors who saw the valuations of their mutual funds, many leveraged with cheap finance, lose 20 percent to 30 percent of their value.

Investing in Dubai real estate simply cannot be ignored as an alternative, whether as a primary source of returns or as a contributing participant within a broader investment portfolio, to successfully generating wealth.

Expert Eye

Purchasing a home? Plan carefully

Eliminate any surprises by conducting careful planning and due diligence

There is no doubt that the Dubai real estate market presents some fantastic opportunities for both investors and first-time home buyers. For the latter, there is no better time to take advantage of the value that is currently on offer and start to build a solid ﬁnancial future.

However, just because the market is currently strongly in favor of buyers doesn’t mean that careful planning and due diligence should not be adhered to. There is never a market scenario which demands hasty decisions; the markets will always demand and reward timely decisions. This is an important distinction to make as taking shortcuts in preparation and planning, particularly in ﬁnancial planning, is a common shortcoming of investors and home buyers who are keen to take advantage of the varied opportunities.

One area that is often overlooked is the many additional costs “of buying, owning and occupying a home. Many first-time home buyers tend to only focus on the purchase price and mortgage costs and forget that there are other costs to be considered.

Assuming you have con ducted a thorough search and have identified the property that you would like to buy, your negotiated buying price will be subject to a 4% property registration fee at the Dubai Land Department (DLD). You may be taking advantage of some recent payment plans whereby the transfer of ownership and registration fees are deferred until all payments are satisﬁed; regardless, it is a cost that you need to cover eventually. There will also be a charge of .25 % of the value of any mortgage payable at the-time of registration.

Speaking of mortgages, most lenders require property insurance and you would, in all likelihood, wish to insure your belongings. This is in addition to the loan protection insurance that you need to take out as a prerequisite to finalizing your mortgage so that your spouse and children are protected from having to pay down the mortgage if you should pass away prematurely. You may also consider other forms of insurance covering disability and terminal illness.

Every building or community requires maintenance and operational management. So, you need to understand what fees you will pay to those who will provide the services that make your new home a secure place to live. Fees can vary depending on your location or the development you are part of, so ascertain what you will pay before you sign the purchase agreement.

Then there are the costs of actually occupying your home. It starts with paying deposits to set up utility accounts followed by monthly utility bills for electricity, gas and water, as well as Pay TV, telephone and Internet services.

Then there are the moving costs. If you are a single or a young couple, you may be able to handle this yourself. For some families, moving may require renting a truck or hiring a moving company.

Of course, you need to consider the additional new furniture or decorative items you need to buy so that your new home lives up to the vision that inspired you to buy it in the first place.

If you have purchased a new villa, you will want to do some landscaping. This may include the addition or modification of outside entertainment areas such as patios or BBQ areas, design or redesign of plants, trees, shrubs and pathways along with the establishment of a healthy and robust lawn. Play equipment for children may need to be purchased along with additional items such as security systems, fencing or exterior lighting.

Thus, planning a home purchase entails more than just figuring out what your mortgage payments may be. With careful planning, you can eliminate any surprises with your next purchase.

Ask the agent

Can you explain the term capitalization rate?

Capitalisation rate (cap rate) is the rate of return on a real estate property based on the income that the property is expected to generate. It is used to estimate the investor’s potential return on investment. It maybe calculated by dividing the investment’s net operating income (NOI) by the current market value, where NOI is the total revenue derived from renting or leasing the property minus all operating costs. Put simply, the cap rate = NOl current market value. Given that the capital values for Dubai properties have shown greater volatility than the income being derived, the NOI being generated from the property at today’s value needs to be looked into. This allows us to see whether the property’s performance is improving or declining by referring to the cap rate. If the cap rate is declining, this leads us to conclude that selling the property would generate greater income.

Where do you think the best investment opportunities are in the Dubai real estate market?

Definitely in the affordable segment of the market!

We are encouraging clients to invest in this important segment as there are some great opportunities and the demand for affordable housing is likely to continue increasing as Dubai heads towards the Expo 2020. There are many affordable developments that have been sprouting in Dubailand and other parts of the city, especially in the outskirts. They are strategically located, with easy access to major road networks like the Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, thus residents enjoy fast transit times to most of Dubai’s popular areas. The demand for this type of affordable accommodation will continue to grow. invest in apartments and retain ownership for atleast five years to gain superior capital growth and enjoy healthy net annual rental return in the meantime.

Do you think the property prices will fall further in this current cycle? If so, would now be a good time to sell?

The fact that the property industry is notoriously cyclical is widely known yet viewed differently. Investors with a clear strategy and long-term plan simply accept, foresee and plan for cycles in the industry. They look for longer—term sustainable growth rather than take additional risk by trying to accumulate wealth by taking advantage of shorter-term spikes or dips. Investing in property has a very simple purpose: to create wealth over the long term. However, your portfolio needs to be nurtured, maintained and managed to ensure its wealth-creating potential is achieved as it rides the inevitable cycles that occur in the industry. Adopting a short-term vision and reacting unreasonably to inevitable industry slowdowns will lead to underperformance in the longer term. Consider engaging a good property manager who will ensure that you maximize returns.

I plan to purchase our first family home. What are the factors to consider when getting a mortgage?

There are a number of considerations that you need to factor into your plan of buying a home. One of these is getting a mortgage. Generally speaking, you are much better off financially in applying your hard-earned money towards building equity, but keep in mind that mortgage payments can be subject to fluctuations as interest rates rise. Not all mortgages are the same. Try and have the mortgage establishment fees waived. Depending on the institution, this may save you up to Dh3,000. Also request that you are not penalized for paying the mortgage down faster or in its entirety. By law, the mortgage provider cannot charge you more than 1% of the outstanding amount or a maximum of Dhl0,000, but try to have this stipulation dropped from your contract. Make sure your provider will allow you to utilize the equity you build in your home over time. Some lenders will allow you to use this as security for further borrowing.

Question of the week

I am buying an off-plan property. Can you explain the principles of escrow?

An escrow can be described as a legally recognized financial instrument held by a third party (typically a bank) on behalf of two other parties (typically a buyer and a seller) who have agreed to conduct a particular transaction in accordance with certain conditions. Funds are provided by the buyer and held by the party (bank) providing the escrow service until it receives the formal advice that certain previously agreed obligations of the seller have been fulfilled upon which time, the seller can receive funds to the amount specified in the agreement between the seller and buyer.

The use of escrow accounts by Dubai developers has now been mandated by law for the purpose of protecting the prepayments made by buyers. This limits developers from gaining access to funds until certain construction milestones are completed, helping ensure developers are not misappropriating funds provided in advance for purposes other than which they are intended.

Anybody can open an escrow account but not anybody can open one for the purposes of property development in Dubai. The developer must first be registered as a bona fide developer with RERA which involves providing documents ranging from those which establish the bona fide nature of the developer including details of its officers and solvency, title deeds proving ownership of the land to be developed, NOC from relevant parties to performance guarantees.

Beyond promises, Dubai brings trangible benefits

The emirate has a lot going for it that make it attractive to investors from India and other countries

I was reading with interest an online article recently that underlined the top reasons why Dubai’s property was so popular with Indian nationals. The reasons offered are not really surprising and essentially summarize why investing in property in the emirate has had signiﬁcant appeal for not just Indian investors, but those from every corner of the world.

Dubai is easy

Compared to many countries in the world, investing in Dubai’s real estate sector is relatively easy. Enlist a reputable brokerage, select your desired property, negotiate a price, write the necessary cheques and the property will be yours. Bureaucracy, which makes investing in other countries a pain, is virtually nonexistent and, as long as you follow procedural requirements, your property transaction will be processed efficiently and without undue delay.

Dubai provides superior value for money

When compared to the major Indian cities or big cities around the world, Dubai offers increasingly better value. A modern infrastructure that is continually being developed, a renewed focus on affordable housing, world-leading rental yields and finance rates that have been at historic lows for some time now, the value that is inherent in Dubai property is hard to beat in India or any other country in the world.

Dubai provides superior, tax-free rental yields

put simply, there are not many real estate markets in the world where an investor can enjoy an average 7 percent yield Without paying any local taxes. So, net of service charges, maintenance costs and property management fees, the rent that you charge your tenants goes straight into your wallet without the taxman taking his share. And with the cost of ﬁnance remaining at near historic lows, the interest on any borrowings you may have is easily covered by the rent that is being yielded by your property, leaving more free cash ﬂow to pay down your principal.

Dubai doesn’t impose a capital gains tax

In addition, capital gains are not taxed upon disposal of the asset, which makes investing in Dubai property a very lucrative addition to any investment portfolio – when taken with a long-term view, a Dubai property investment will provide handsome returns. So from a total return point of view, there are few real estate investments that are better than Dubai.

World-best infrastructure and security

Many times, investments that provide such lucrative returns are normally associated vvith excessive risks or poor infrastructure. This is not the case in Dubai. Dubai’s focus has been on developing a World-leading infrastructure for the beneﬁt of commerce, trade, tourism and habitation. The remarkable improvement that has been made in opening Dubai up for business, implementing the physical, digital and logistical infrastructures, legal framework and economic policies in the post—recession period

has been impressive. There is no doubt that Dubai’s future is looking very bright and investors globally continue to monitor its progress very closely.

Dubai’s brand value has never been stronger

There is no doubt that Dubai has captured the imagination of the world and there is no better barometer of this than its burgeoning tourism industry. Investments in revenue-generating sectors such as entertainment and hospitality have ensured that Dubai is increasingly being included on travellers’ bucket lists all over the world.

Dubai excels at economic entrepreneurialism

Dubai is excelling in an area I call economic entrepreneurialism. Already known for conducting world renowned exhibitions, there is no greater example than the upcoming World Expo, which Dubai will be hosting in 2020. Dubai is committed to making it the best ever.

Dubai is close to India and many countries

There is no doubt that Dubai is well placed geographically. With one-third of the world’s population within a four-hour ﬂight and two-thirds within an eight-hour ﬂight, existing emerging, economies such as Russia, India and China, and soon-to-be emerging economies on the African and South Asian continents will soon all share Dubai as a central hub. No wonder investors are so excited about the emirates prospects.

A multicultural and cosmopolitan society

Long a haven for expats that fulﬁlled employment contracts of limited duration, more and more people have decided to settle down and call Dubai home. This change in outlook has had a dramatic effect on the stability of the property market and the development of a society that, while incredibly diverse, is also less transient and more committed to developing the emirate as a long-term lifestyle solution. As a result, while there has always been a vibrant and strong Indian community; communities representing other nationalities are developing rapidly making it easier for new expats to make a decision to make Dubai their new home. History has proven that strong nations were built upon such diversity.

Capitalization rate card for investment

Many investors use gross yield and net yield to assess differing property investments in order to determine which course of action represents the best decision from a financial point of view.

But there is another calculation which is often ignored which is instrumental in determining how to deliver the best returns on an investor’s equity. This calculation is called the Capitalization Rate and is an important indicator for investors to consider. In the post Global Financial Crisis (GFC) period, yields from any type of investments became increasingly harder to find and without doubt, the post global recession environment saw investors having to take greater levels of risk to generate acceptable and goal satisfying yields. Dubai’s rental yields have always been strong, particularly when compared to countries where rental income is taxed at high marginal tax rates. With a market that boasts an Average Gross Yield of around 7 percent, it has for some time stood as a beacon for those who appreciate the significant structural and regulatory development that the market has undertaken which, in reality, decreases the risk perception associated with investing in the market. A close look at Gross Yields can reveal a number of insights. It can provide a retrospective view or learning opportunity by revealing how accurately market factors were comprehended, analyzed, forecast and modeled when planning a particular development. Gross Yields can also highlight inefficiencies because inefficiencies, unless corrected, must be eventually supported by either Gross Yield or margin reduction. Investors are concerned with what can be put into his wallet and expectations of Net Yield will always pressure Gross Yield and the cost of resources required to generate that Gross Yield. In times of tight supply, inefficiencies in construction, administration, maintenance and operating methodologies are hidden because elevated Gross Yields driven by excessive market demand are more likely to drive acceptable Net Yields for investors. However, the real test as to effective Yield management is when supply exceeds demand. But really, what is the true meaning of Gross Yield? Gross Yield is the income on an investment prior to expenses being deducted expressed as a percentage. Simple. But Gross Yield only measures the income as a percentage of the original purchase price and does not reflect the effects of significant underlying fluctuations in underlying asset values such as those that have been witnessed in Dubai during the last 5 years. Now, what is the Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate) of an existing property? Cap Rate is the rate of return on a real estate investment based on the income that the property is expected to generate. The capitalization rate is used to estimate the investor’s potential return on investment. The Cap Rate may be calculated by dividing the investment’s net operating income (NOI) by the current market value of the property, where NOI is the total revenue derived from leasing the property less operating costs. Simply put, the Cap Rate = Net Operating Income/ Current Market Value. Given that the capital values for property in Dubai has, in many cases, shown significantly greater volatility than the income being derived from the property, we need to look at the Net Operating Income being generated from the property at today’s value. This allows us to see whether the property’s wealth generating performance is improving or declining by referring to the Cap Rate. If the Cap Rate is declining, it may lead us to conclude that to sell the property and reinvest elsewhere would generate greater income and/or overall wealth even if the Gross or Net Yield still looks impressive.

Cap Rate is used as part of the objective when establishing a client’s property portfolio. We will determine the lowest cap rate that the client should accept in order to make the investment worth-while. Typically, we will suggest a Cap Rate of between 5 and 10 per cent depending on expectations of asset value fluctuations going forward. As revenues are typically locked in line with rental contracts, the ability to accurately forecast the potential and likely shifts in property asset values will be essential to establishing realistic Cap Rates and forming longer term portfolio strategies. Another useful application of the Cap rate is to determine an estimation of the payback period of an investment. When you divide 100 by the estimated Cap Rate you arrive at an estimate, expressed in years, which will provide an indication of the payback period of the investment. For example, an investment with a cap rate of 7 per cent will have an estimated payback period of 20 years. Caution must be used when using this ratio, however, and it must be reviewed periodically as the underlying asset value and the revenues generated from the asset will always exhibit different rates of volatility.

TIME TO REVISIT THE PRACTICABILITY OF REITS

Mohanad Alwadiya, MD of Harbor Real Estate & Instructor at the Dubai Real Estate institute, the official training 81 cortication arm of the Dubai Land Department

The UAE property market slowdown aside, it is great to know that the country’s real estate landscape has gone a long way from its humble beginnings. Aside from the landmark development in 2002, when UAE property (speciﬁcally in Dubai) was initially offered to be sold on freehold basis to expatriates by the Dubai government, another important milestone and sign of industry maturity, though relatively untapped, was the introduction of real estate investment trusts (REITs) into the country, with the ﬁrst REIT entity, Arabian Real Estate Investment Trust (Areit) established in 2006.

And as people continue to agonize over the current market state of affairs, l would advise ambitious though ﬁnancially limited would-be investors to look into the viability of investing in REITs rather than sitting and waiting for chance to buy property they can actually afford. But what differentiates a REIT-owned property from traditional property out for sale in the market? Before moving any further, let us try to understand what REITs are ﬁrst and foremost, beyond the words that make up the acronym itself a REIT is a trust company which accumulates a pool of money through an initial public offering (/PO) and buys, develops, manages and sells real estate assets. REIT5 allow both small and large investors the ability to invest in real estate without investing large amounts of capital or devoting a lot of time in directly managing a property portfolio. Investors have the opportunity to buy a unit in a REIT which is actually a portion of a managed pool of real estate; this pool of real estate then generates income through the renting, leasing, selling and ﬁnancing of property and distributes it directly to the REIT investor on a regular basis. Investors in REITs can expect returns without having to deal with the headaches of maintaining, managing and marketing their real estate assets. Units held in a REIT can be bought and sold like a stock on a stock exchange so investors also have the option to make a safe exit from the property marketplace whenever they decide to do so. There are three types of REITs: equity REITs, mortgage REITs, and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest in and own properties and, therefore, are focused on increasing the value of those properties while also accumulating revenues from their properties’ rents. Mortgage REITs deal in the investment and ownership of property mortgages while hybrid REITs combine the investment strategies of equity REITs

And mortgage REITs by investing in both properties and mortgages. A REIT can provide portfolio diversiﬁcation because of the large amounts of pooled funds available to the REIT management team which, in turn, enables the accumulation and operation of different types of property assets in different locales. This provides the REIT management greater flexibility to minimize the effects of any cyclical downturn by enabling them to focus on opportunities that always exist and emerge from any correctional period to provide a superior return. If you are a landlord or building owner,

the advantages of getting into business with a REIT are manifold; because, in effect, property owners become “shareholders” in a single real estate company, landlords can reasonably expect a safer, more secure and regular source of income in the form of rent through an easy, fuss-less, flexible, liquid and maintenance-free investment. For tenants, REIT—owned buildings, whether they are malls, business parks or towers, are usually well maintained and professionally managed, so being part of or being under a REIT establishment is a win-win for both landlords and building tenants.

التقارير العقارية تبث الضبابية وتخلق حالة من الإرباك بين المستثمرين

:دبي ملحم الزبيدي

أكد عاملون في السوق العقارية بدبي أن تضارب واختلاف التقارير الصادرة عن شركات الاستشارات والوساطة حول واقع القطاع وأدائه في الوقت الراهن والسنوات المقبلة تبث الضبابية وتخلق حالة من الإرباك بين مختلف شرائح الجهات والأطراف المعنية بالقطاع كالمطورين والمستثمرين والمستخدمين النهائيين.

وأوضح العاملون أن تضارب بيانات ونتائج هذه التقارير حول المعروض الذي سيدخل إلى السوق في الفترة المقبلة وتأثيره في عامل الطلب ونسب النمو أو التصحيح السعري يثبت عدم دقتها وشفافيتها، كما أنها لا تستند في الوقت ذاته الى قاعدة بيانات موحدة، إنما الى معلومات داخلية تخدم بالدرجة الأولى أجندة وأهدافا خاصة للجهات المصدرة لهذه التقارير التي تحاول رسم خط اتجاه لأداء السوق.

اختلفت المصادر حول الجهة الحكومية المعنية بالدرجة الأولى بتوفير قاعدة بيانات ثابتة حول معادلة العرض والطلب التي يعتمد عليها أغلبية المطورين والمستثمرين في رسم خريطة مستقبل القطاع في السنوات المقبلة، حيث رجحت جهة كفة «دائرة الأراضي والأملاك» كونها المعنية بتنظيم وضبط القطاع وتسجيل التصرفات وعقود البيع والتأجير وغيرها، فيما فضلت جهة أخرى تكليف «بلدية دبي» لاختصاصها بمنح تصاريح البناء وشهادات إنجاز المشاريع.

وطالبت المصادر أن تتبنى جهة حكومية رسمية إصدار تقرير فصلي كل ثلاثة أشهر يختص بتوضيح الأرقام والمعلومات المرتبطة بمعادلة العرض والطلب لتفنيد ودحض مزاعم شركات الاستشارات والوساطة العقارية الخاصة التي تتبنى أهدافا ومصالح داخلية بها فقط بعيداً عن تحقيق الصالح العام للقطاع العقاري برمته.

علي لوتاه: تحكيم العقل بالدرجة الأولى

قال علي راشد لوتاه، رئيس مجلس إدارة شركة نخيل العقارية: «إن تضارب واختلاف الأرقام والبيانات الصادرة عن شركات الاستشارات العقارية بشأن منحنى أداء السوق المحلي خلال الفترة المقبلة وتحديداً بشأن عدد الوحدات السكنية التي ستدخل القطاع تؤكد عدم شفافيتها وصدقها».
وأضاف لوتاه قائلاً: «إن غياب إحصاءات واضحة ودقيقة وثابتة بنفس الوقت سينعكس نسبياً بشكل سلبي على قرارات المشترين والمستخدمين النهائيين، كما سيدفع بحالة من الضبابية وعدم الوضوح أمام هذه الشريحة من أطراف صناعة العمل العقاري في سوق دبي».
وطالب لوتاه مختلف الأطراف التي تستند وتتأثر بتقارير شركات الاستشارات العقارية بالتأني وعدم التسرع والانجراف وراءها، وتحكيم العقل بالدرجة الأولى والعودة لأصحاب الخبرة والدراية في هذا القطاع من أصحاب السمعة الطيبة.
وأكد رئيس مجلس إدارة «نخيل» أن هذه التقارير والشركات المصدرة لها لا تتطلب وضع الضوابط والأنظمة من قبل الجهات الحكومية المعنية المتمثّلة بدائرة الأراضي والأملاك ومؤسسة التنظيم العقاري (ريرا)، مستنداً بذلك الى قاعدة السوق الحر والدور الذي يقع على الشرائح المستهدفة بهذه التقارير.

ماجدة علي راشد: يجب الاستناد إلى أرضية معلومات صلبة

دعت ماجدة علي راشد، مساعدة المدير العام، ورئيسة مركز تشجيع الاستثمار العقاري في «أراضي وأملاك دبي»، كافة الأطراف العاملة في السوق العقاري المحلي بالإمارة إلى الاستناد إلى قاعدة البيانات المتوافرة في الدائرة كجهة رسمية تعنى بتنظيم القطاع للحصول على المعلومات المطلوبة لرسم خططهم وتوجهاتهم المستقبلية المتعلقة بتنفيذ وتطوير المشاريع العقارية وعدم الانجراف وراء التقارير الصادرة من الشركات الخاصة التي اتسمت بتضارب نتائجها ما يثبت عدم اتسامها بالشفافية والدقة.
وأوضحت راشد أن إعداد الخطط المستقبلية لشركات التطوير العقاري وتنفيذ المشاريع الجديدة يجب أن يستند إلى أرضية صلبة ودراسات صحيحة مركزها «دائرة الأراضي والأملاك» في دبي التي تملك قاعدة بيانات ضخمة تتعلق بالتصرفات العقارية والتسجيل والتأجير والتثمين وغيرها من الخدمات الكثيرة.
وأشارت مساعدة المدير العام، ورئيسة مركز تشجيع الاستثمار العقاري في «أراضي وأملاك دبي»، إلى انه لا يمكن التحرك باتجاه إصدار تشريع قانوني أو لائحة تنظيمية او عقوبات على شركات الاستشارات العقارية الخاصة بشأن إصدار التقارير حول واقع وأداء القطاع في الوقت الراهن ومستقبله في السنوات المقبلة.

محمد المطوع: تبث التشويش والضبابية

أشار رجل الأعمال محمد عبد الرزاق المطوع، الرئيس التنفيذي ل«مجموعة الوليد الاستثمارية»، إلى أن التقارير المتضاربة من حيث الأرقام الصادرة عن شركات الاستشارات العقارية المختلفة تبث حالة من التشويش والضبابية في السوق المحلي. والسؤال الذي يطرح نفسه، من أين تحصل هذه الشركات على البيانات التي تعتمد عليها للتوصل إلى هذه النتائج، هل استندوا لقسم المباني والتراخيص التابع لبلدية دبي، وهنا نطالب المسؤولين في هذه الدائرة بإصدار تقرير شهري أو فصلي كل ثلاثة أشهر ليوضح الصورة الحقيقية عن عدد الوحدات السكنية التي ستدخل القطاع في الفترة المقبلة، وتكون في الوقت نفسه السلطة الحكومية الوحيدة المعنية في والمعتمدة لمنح تصاريح البناء والإنجاز وترقيم المباني.
وأضاف المطوع قائلاً: «إن التقرير الوحيد الذي يفترض الاستناد إليه والاعتماد عليه، وهو ما يغفل عنه الكثيرون، هو التقرير الواجب صدوره من قسم المباني والتراخيص التابع لبلدية دبي، المعني بإصدار شهادات الإنجاز للمباني والمشاريع وعدد الوحدات التي ستضيفها إلى السوق خلال المرحلة المقبلة، حيث إن كل مشروع مرتبط بموعد للإنجاز والتسليم مع وضع هامش تأخير يتراوح بين 6 أشهر وسنة كاملة لأسباب فنية وتعاقدية بين أطراف معادلة البناء».
وأوضح أيضاً أن «أراضي ودبي» و«التنظيم العقاري» وشركات التطوير ليست الجهات المعنية في توفير البيانات والأرقام المتعلقة بعدد الوحدات السكنية أو المساحات المكتبية والتجزئة التي ستنضم إلى المعروض في سوق عقارات دبي، مع الأخذ بعين الاعتبار أن القطاع الخاص يشكل النسبة الأكبر من المشاريع المنجزة وقيد الإنشاء.
وقال المطوع: «إن الأرقام المختلفة عن بعضها بعضا التي نقرأها ونسمع عنها بين الحين والآخر من بعض شركات الاستشارات العقارية، والتي يتكلم بعضها عن 20 ألف وحدة ستدخل السوق قبل نهاية العام الجاري 2015، وهناك من يتوقع 25 ألفا، وطرف ثالث يتنبأ بين 8 و 10 آلاف، بعيدة جداً عن المنطق في ظل طفرة البناء التي يشهدها سوق دبي في الوقت الراهن».
ودعا الرئيس التنفيذي ل«مجموعة الوليد الاستثمارية» وسائل الإعلام المحلية المقروءة والمسموعة والمرئية أن تضع هذه التقارير المتضاربة والمغرضة والتي تحاول الإساءة إلى سمعة بيئتنا الاستثمارية العقارية ضمن الموضوعات الحمراء وحظرها عن النشر لما له من تأثير سلبي في مختلف أطراف صناعة العقار وتحديداً المستثمر والمستخدم النهائي من حيث اتخاذ القرار بالشراء.

زياد الشعار: لا تتحرى الدقة ولا تستند للواقع

قال زياد الشعار، المدير التنفيذي والعضو المنتدب في «داماك العقارية»، «إن الأرقام الصادرة عن تقارير لشركات أبحاث وتسويق عقارية في الدولة باتت تحمل الكثير من التناقض وعدم الدقة في البيانات التي تنشرها، مشيراً إلى أن أغلب هذه التقارير لا تتحرى الدقة ولا تستخدم مصادر ذات صلة حقيقية بالقطاع العقاري».
وأوضح «أن العديد من التقارير لا تذكر مصادر بياناتها، ولا تحدد المشروعات الرئيسية التي سيتم تسليمها في دبي خلال الفترة المعلن عنها في التقرير، إلا أنه ينشر إجمالي الأرقام في العموم، ولا يوثق ما ينشر من معلومات، على الرغم من أن دقة المعلومة هو الهدف الأول من الدراسات والأبحاث التي تقدم للسوق العقارية».

وأشار الشعار «الى أن هناك فروقات كبيرة في البيانات ذاتها إذا ما تمت مقارنتها بين تقارير مختلفة، على سبيل المثال بلغ فارق عدد الوحدات السكنية التي تم تسليمها خلال النصف الأول من عام 2015، لأكثر من 5000 وحدة بين تقريرين، وهو رقم يغير في معادلة العرض والطلب».

ولفت إلى أن أكبر شركتي عقارات في دبي وهما «داماك» و«إعمار»، واللتان تمثلان نحو 50% من السوق العقارية، أعلنتا أن تسليم الوحدات خلال عام 2015 لن يزيد على 3000 وحدة سكنية، فكيف يصل إجمالي الوحدات المتوقع تسليمها خلال العام الجاري 22000 وحدة. حيث سلمت «داماك» نحو 1511 وحدة خلال النصف الأول منها 999 وحدة فقط في دبي.

وبين العضو المنتدب في «داماك العقارية»، «أن من اللازم أن يكون هناك تفرقة بين التسليمات في مناطق التملك الحر وبقية المناطق، حيث إن التسليمات فقط في مناطق التملك الحر هي التي تؤثر في العرض والطلب في السوق العقارية».
وقال الشعار: «إن تضارب وارتباك الأرقام الخاصة بالسوق العقارية في دبي لا يصب في مصلحة القطاع، إذ يخلق حالة من التشويش على القرارات الاستثمارية للمشترين لا سيما غير المقيمين في الدولة، الأمر الذي يتطلب الرقابة والدقة حتى يتم رفد السوق ببيانات تساعد المشترين على اتخاذ قرارات صحيحة ومدروسة».

مهند الوادية: تنعكس سلباً على البيئة الاستثمارية العقارية

ذكر الخبير العقاري، مهند الوادية، المدير الإداري في شركة «هاربور العقارية»، وأستاذ محاضر معتمد وعضو في «كلية دبي العقارية»، أن التقارير العقارية الصادرة عن مصادر مختلفة كشركات الاستشارات والوساطة العقارية تأتي أغلبيتها باتجاه خدمة مصالح خاصة بهذه الجهات وتنفيذ أجندة معينة لها.

وأفاد الوادية أن هذه التقارير هي اجتهادات جيدة ولا بأس بها، لكن كثرتها وتضاربها من حيث النتائج تنعكس بشكل سلبي على البيئة الاستثمارية العقارية في السوق المحلي، لذلك تأتي «دائرة الأراضي والأملاك» في دبي على رأس الجهات الحكومية المعنية في ضبط وتنظيم هذه التقارير.

حالة من الإرباك وعدم التوازن

أكد المهندس فارس سعيد، رئيس مجلس إدارة «دايموند ديفلوبرز»، وعضو التجمع العقاري التابع ل«دائرة الأراضي والأملاك» في دبي أن تضارب التقارير الصادرة عن بعض شركات الاستشارات العقارية حول السوق المحلي في دبي يبعث إلى حالة من الإرباك وفقدان التوازن لدى أغلبية المستثمرين والمستخدمين النهائيين، الأمر الذي يؤثر بشكل سلبي في منحنى أداء السوق.

وأوضح سعيد أن تضارب التقارير العقارية ليست مشكلة حديثة، وإنما نواجه صناعة القطاع منذ أكثر من عقد من الزمن الأمر الذي بات يتطلب تحركا فوريا من قبل الجهات الحكومية المعنية بتنظيم وضبط السوق العقاري في إمارة دبي والمتمثلة ب«دائرة الأراضي الأملاك» و«مؤسسة التنظيم العقاري» (ريرا) من حيث وضع ضوابط ومعايير للتدقيق على هذه التقارير ومراجعتها قبل صدورها والموافقة عليها، ونقترح هنا تشكيل لجنه تحت مظلة الدائرة أو المؤسسة.

وتساءل سعيد عن الأسس والمعايير التي تعتمد عليها هذه الشركات في إصدار تقاريرها، وعلى ماذا تعتمد في نفس الوقت أيضا؟ وما الدوائر التي تستند إليها للحصول على قاعدة بياناتها للتوصل إلى نتائجها النهائية؟ ومن وجهة نظرنا أن تضارب النتائج هو دليل قاطع على عدم صحتها وأمانتها.

وقال رئيس مجلس إدارة شركة «دايموند ديفلوبرز»: «إن النمو الذي تشهده دولة الإمارات ودبي خصوصاً يستند إلى النمو الذي تشهده المؤشرات الفعلية للاقتصاد الكلي المتمثلة بمعدل نمو الناتج المحلي الإجمالي ومساهمات القطاعات الرئيسية في هذا الناتج ونموه، إضافة إلى تدفق الاستثمارات ونمو السيولة، وزيادة الاستثمارات الحكومية في مشاريع البنى التحتية».