A Personal Checklist for Buying a Villa in Dubai

Are you looking for a villa to move into? Have you checked if you are all ready to invest in a real estate property in Dubai? Do you have at least the basic idea of what to look for when buying a home?

There are plenty of ready villas for sale in Dubai. With the vast selection that is available for the taking, it is easy to get overwhelmed. That is why it will be prudent if you have a personal checklist that you can refer to so you can be properly guided in your villa-buying journey.

Here, we have put together a simple guide to help you take a good look at some key factors when buying villas in this cosmopolitan city.

Vet Your Villa

When it comes to buying property in Dubai (or anywhere else, actually), it will help if you have a trusty guide. This can be in the form of a personal checklist with information that you have culled from reliable sources, trustworthy real estate blogs, or a combination of both. It would be best, of course, if you can seek the assistance of a reputable real estate broker who has both the expertise and the experience when it comes to vetting properties.

There is an expansive selection of stunning villas in and around Dubai. Villas of all designs, sizes, and features have mushroomed in the country, especially in popular communities such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Palm Jumeirah, and The Greens.

With such a collection of impressive villas set in masterfully planned communities, choosing one could be an exercise of self-control and patience. Purchasing property is already an exciting experience, and with so many wonderful options to choose from, it would help if there is a handy guide to keep you focused and well on your way to becoming a villa owner.

So before you call your wallpaper and carpet supplier, buy indoor plants or decor, or order other home essentials and accessories, here is a suggested personal checklist that you can refer to when choosing a villa to buy in Dubai:

1. Discern Your Non-Negotiables and Preferences

Do you absolutely need to have a private garden? Will you need three bathrooms? Do you need to live near a school?

These are just some of the considerations you should ask yourself. What are the non-negotiables or requirements that you need satisfied? Take into account your must-haves and personal preferences before you buy a villa. Doing so will help you avoid regrets down the road.

If you’re moving in with your family, you may want to check if there is a school nearby or if there is a kids’ play area in the vicinity. If you don’t want to go to the city often for basic necessities, you may want to purchase a villa situated in a community where there’s already a supermarket or shopping mall.

Other key considerations are the number of bedrooms and toilet and bath, the size of the living area, the number of cars that can fit in the garage, availability of a swimming pool, and other amenities or features that you absolutely must have in your new home.

2. Check Your Finances

With the wealth of choices out there, it is best to first check your financial capacity before you invest in a villa.

How much can you comfortably shell out for this property? Will it be a joint investment with your spouse? Are you purchasing this for you or your family to live in or is it something that you plan to rent out? Will you finance this investment with a mortgage?

It is best to review where you actually stand in terms of your finances and see if you can afford to buy a villa right now. Set a realistic budget, taking into consideration your needs and wants, and see how you can reach a compromise.

The bottom line is that buying a villa should not stretch out your financial capacity too far or put unnecessary pressure on you or your family.

3. Work With a Registered Real Estate Brokerage Firm

The Dubai property market can be a complicated place to navigate. It would certainly help you if you can work with a real estate broker and company that is duly licensed by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). This will help protect you from dealing with unscrupulous agents or agreeing to shady deals.

When you have a registered real estate property manager working with you, then you can buy, sell, or rent a property without the hassle of doing everything on your own. From looking for the perfect villa for you to finding a tenant should you want to rent out your property, these professionals can give you the guidance and support that you need. You can also look forward to excellent customer service that will make shopping for a villa a stress-free endeavor.

Aside from matching you with properties that best meet your requirements, these real estate experts can also help you with property viewing, handover and inspection, and property management.

4. Do Your Due Diligence

One of the most important steps that you should take before you buy property is to consider the due diligence that you need to cover.

When you already have a shortlist of the properties that you like, make sure that your agent or broker conducts the proper checks. While this is something that an expert broker can do, it wouldn’t hurt if you can stay on top of this matter.

Make sure that all legal requirements are met, all approvals are in place, and all the correct documents are processed. This will make the purchasing process proceed as smoothly as possible.

5. Read And Understand the Fine Print

When you are buying a villa or any real estate property, make sure that you understand the fine print. Thoroughly go through the contract and other documents to make sure that you didn’t miss anything. If you have any questions, you can ask your trusty broker or, if you need further legal advice, seek the services of a real estate lawyer.

It is best to err on the side of caution when you are dealing with such documents as you are investing a considerable amount of money. It is best to do it before you sign on the dotted line and avoid the risk of falling into unsavory transactions.

A Property of Your Own

When you are looking for an ideal home to move into, consider the spectacular range of villas in Dubai. Just remember to go through your checklist and secure the services of a reputable real estate broker or company. With the help of these property specialists, purchasing your dream villa will surely become a wonderful reality.

AUTHOR BIO

Mark Tolland is the Founder and Managing Director at Abode Property, a boutique real estate brokerage firm providing top-notch, personalized services to discerning landlords looking to sell or let out their premises in prime locations of Dubai like Marina, Downtown and The Palm. The firm also advises global HNIs looking to rent or buy a prized asset in Dubai and prides itself in upholding high service standards, ethics, and accurate advice.