Recent content by planTheWorkshop

I agree that listing age can indicate motivation, but I’m hesitant to compare discounts before narrowing the area and building tier. Two condos separated by one road can have different outlooks, facilities and buyer pools, so the apparent bargain may disappear once the comparison is tightened...

I disagree slightly with concentrating on a target net yield first. A required yield depends on financing and the reason for buying. If this is leveraged, test the cash flow at a higher borrowing cost and after a vacant period; if it is cash-funded, compare the resulting income with less...

First, separate acquisition support from ongoing property management. Negotiating an offer, coordinating transaction documents and tracking closing are not the same service as managing the duplex afterward. Ask for a written task list showing who handles each step, response targets, every fee...

The 108-day period is worth examining as well. If that reflects the property sitting available, ask whether price, condition or competing supply explains it. If it only reflects how long you’ve tracked the numbers, compare what has changed during that time. One caveat on the building looking...

Zara’s worksheet should also include the cost of your own time. A townhouse may require more contractor coordination, while an apartment can involve repeated dealings with building management and less freedom over timing. Neither is workload-free. If the totals are close, I’d choose according...

A townhouse can produce a large private repair bill. An apartment can produce an equally awkward shared one. The latter may be harder to plan for because an individual owner cannot control the timing or specification of major building work. If reserves are inadequate or maintenance has been...

Could seasonality be influencing the snapshot? Without several observation dates, “this month” may capture a temporary mix of fresh listings and properties carried over from earlier periods.

Is the 255 m² internal floor area only, or does it include balconies, terraces or other spaces? I would also want to know whether there are service charges and what parking comes with the property. Those details would help decide whether arranging a viewing is worthwhile.

I slightly disagree that buying below your maximum automatically fixes this. A cheaper home in poorer condition could consume the difference quickly. Compare price plus near-term work, not price alone. The better-maintained option may leave you with fewer nasty surprises.

Since moving is possible, I would price two scenarios rather than trying to predict one: keep the mortgage for all three years, and redeem it earlier. A slightly dearer deal with less painful early repayment could be rational if the chance of moving is meaningful. For portability, establish what...

What is the loan-to-value band, and would the arrangement fee be paid upfront or added to the mortgage? Adding it may make the initial cash requirement easier but means borrowing more. Your likely plans after three years matter too: staying, refinancing or selling can each make a different offer...

The capital-gains question may need to be asked in two places. UAE treatment is only one side; your home jurisdiction may tax or require reporting of a later sale, rental income or foreign ownership. Residency status can also mean different things for immigration and tax purposes, so ask...

I’d keep some flexibility on cosmetic condition but not on layout. A nominal two-bedroom can be awkward if the second room has poor access, little storage or only works as an office. A floor plan would tell you more than the bedroom count, especially if you expect both rooms to be used every day.

The lender’s valuation matters, but I would hesitate to use it as the final word in the price negotiation. Its main practical effect is on the amount the lender will advance. For example, if it comes in below the agreed price, the buyer may have to add cash or reconsider the deal even when the...

A useful next step is a simple three-column model: expected case, one-month vacancy case, and difficult turnover/repair case. For each, show rent received, every owner expense, net operating income, interest, principal payments and final cash remaining. Given the 3.84% return before expenses...