Whether it’s more cost-effective to rent or buy a property is a question that has perplexed many a Dubai resident, but a new online calculator proposes a solution to that dilemma.
The Rent vs Buy Calculator created by real estate platform Propertyfinder compares the total cost of renting with the total cost of buying in the emirate.
Lynnette Abad, director of research and data at Propertyfinder, said the tool was inspired by her own home buying frustrations.
“I wanted to see a breakdown and analysis of costs to know how much I would save in the long run if I were to buy, and my bank couldn’t provide me this,’’ she said. “Being in the industry, I was able to work out the analysis myself, but a consumer would struggle to get all of this information and do the math.”
A July study from property portal Bayut found rental rates in Dubai had fallen between 2 per cent and 9 per cent over the past 12 months. Meanwhile, Dubai's real estate sector slowed in the first half of this year with deals transacted falling 16 per cent year-on-year in value, according to a July report from the Dubai Land Department.
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Users of the new calculator can compare whether it is cheaper to buy or rent the same property, inputting figures such as the annual rent and the cost to buy the home outright and the number of years they plan to live in Dubai.
The calculator then processes the data to reveal an estimated cost breakdown and analysis, demonstrating the break point where buying becomes more affordable than renting.
Propertyfinder says consumers may be surprised to find out that, over time, it is more cost-effective to pay a monthly mortgage than rent.
For example, a tenant planning to stay in Dubai for five years and interested in a property with an annual rent of Dh96,000, could also analyse the cost-effectiveness of buying the property for Dh1.1 million. With a mortgage interest rate of 3.75 per cent applied to a 25-year home loan, the monthly rental cost comes in at Dh8,101, according to the calculator – 30 per cent cheaper than the monthly mortgage cost of Dh5,672. This calculation also factors in the 25 per cent deposit of Dh275,000 to buy the property with the total cost of buying over five years coming in at Dh340,320 versus the total rental cost of Dh486,015.
Mario Volpi, the sales and leasing manager at brokerage Engel & Volkers, said mortgage calculators have been around for a while but a dual comparison application that outlines the cost of renting versus buying is a new concept.
“Showing tenants or potential buyers the costs involved will go a long way to explain to residents what it actually costs to make this kind of decision,” he said. “Using this type of application will give all the financial facts to any potential buyer and in turn should help them to get clarity over related costs.”
To reach those figures, the tool not only accounts for the monthly rent but also additional rental costs such as the one-time agent commission (based on the total yearly rent amount), and yearly Ejari fees. This calculation does not include any maintenance fees on the property.
To work out the cost of buying, the tool also accounts for fees such as an agent's commission, Dubai Land Department registration fees, Registration Trustee fees, property valuation fee, mortgage processing and registration fees.
Propertyfinder said it will roll out a similar calculator for Abu Dhabi in the future.
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
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