FLAT HUNTING IN DUBAI

One thing is setting up and running a company in Dubai. Another story is finding a long term flat to go with it (rent). I learnt so much about the property market in Dubai over the last few months that I could become a real estate agent myself.

I've finally got my home-sweet-home now (not the first choice, but it’s a real solid base for starters). I'll count my blessings.

So story in a nutshell:

1. Found first apartment in the area of Creek Harbour, but landlord disappeared before signing the final version on the contract.

2. Flat neer JBR Beach, owner was from abroad and had no presence here in Dubai. That gets very complicated, so in the end I pulled out.

3. 3rd option, back in Creek Harbour, the title deed had 'hotel apartment' on it. And sicne a few months ago, the ejari (document that confirms your long term tenancy) cannot be sorted in such a case. So again, I had to pull out of that one.

4. JVC flat with a superbly unfair contract big no

5. Finally, the first option I saw, which turned out in the end to be last option. And the place I currently live in.

Mind you, I was looking for these flats with the help of big real estate agencies (FAM properties and Haus&Haus), and still we ran into problems.

Other things you need to remember when getting a flat in Dubai, apart from the asking price.

• deposit 5% (unfurnished) or 10% (with furniture)

• agency fee 5% plus VAT, unless it's some project management company running it, that could be different

• payment in 6,4,2 or 1 cheques (oh yes, the famous Dubai cheques!), though I think from 2026 12 cheques will also be a standard option for the tenant.

• furniture costs

• and let's not forget bills: DEWA (electricty and water), chiller (AC), gas (Lootah Gas) and Internet (Du or Etisalat)

A few tips from me:

• Ask agent if the flat is exclusive with that specific agency (ideally it is, otherwise you're dealing with a few agents and that can become a pickle)

• Always read the agreement and question everything that doesn't feel right - it will save you a lot of hassle later

• The tenancy agreement are generally fair ie the main part drafted by Dubai Land Department is non-negotiable anyway, but it's the extras from the landlord that you have to be careful about

• While viewing the flat, ask a lot of questions (bills, community, landlord, when the flat is available) and test things like water pressure and hot water :)

• Take a lot of photos and do a video if possible

• I often go for new or very recent buildings, everything is fresh inside and the maintenance team still runs it well. The older the building gets... it can be hit and miss. Unless you are in a place for a while, like it and prefer to stay in the same building.

• Old is different here to old in Europe :) 'Old' can be 5-10 years. And you can see it often by the state of the corridors and community areas. Though

• Big tip: ideally do flat-hunting for long term tenancy around May, June, July, it gets well cheaper!

Now that the flat is sorted, I'm networking, meeting people, pitching projects and very much looking forward to 2026.