Jatin Deepchandani, Founder and CEO of Plan3Media and REM TIMES, pens his thoughts on why investing in property in Dubai is the best decision one can make
I have been asked this question countless times—especially by young couples renting a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in Dubai. They are constantly battling the thought: Should we buy our first home instead of paying these high rents?
And my answer has remained the same, ever since I first stepped foot in this country in 2011: Buy, buy, and buy!
Why Pay Someone Else’s Mortgage?
Renting in Dubai means your hard-earned money is going toward paying your landlord’s mortgage, not yours. Every month, you write a check, and at the end of the lease, you have nothing to show for it—no equity, no appreciation, just another year of expenses. Buying, on the other hand, means that every dirham you spend is contributing to your own asset, one that not only provides a roof over your head but also has the potential to generate wealth over time.
Consider this scenario: An individual who purchased a property in Dubai a decade ago and rented it out. The rental income covered the mortgage payments entirely. Now, years later, the property is nearly mortgage-free and stands as a valuable asset generating rental income. If they decide to sell, it will provide significant capital appreciation—something renting could never offer.
Conversely, someone who chose to continue renting during the same period would still be paying rent today, with no asset to show for it. While both spent money on housing, the buyer’s funds built equity in an appreciating asset, whereas the renter’s payments simply vanished.
Dubai’s Population Boom: A Market Backed by Demand
One compelling reason to invest in Dubai’s property market is the city’s ever-growing population. According to Provident’s Dubai Property Market Report 2024, the city’s population surged to 3.83 million by the end of 2024, marking an 8% growth from Q4 2023.
This influx of people—expats, professionals, and investors—creates a consistent and rising demand for housing. As more individuals and families choose to make Dubai their home, the need for quality residential spaces increases, pushing property values and rental yields higher. Unlike cities where property markets are shrinking or stagnating due to economic challenges, Dubai continues to expand, fueled by business-friendly policies, tax incentives, and world-class infrastructure.
A Real Estate Market That Rewards Patience
Dubai’s real estate market has demonstrated resilience and strong long-term returns. In 2024, the total number of real estate transactions reached a record 180,987 deals, up by a substantial 36.5% from the prior year.
Of course, real estate markets experience cycles. Prices may dip in the short term, and some years may feel less rewarding than others. However, history has shown that over a long-term horizon, Dubai real estate has consistently grown in value. Those who held onto their properties for a decade or more have seen their investments grow significantly—especially if they were living in the property for self-consumption. Remember, you would have paid rent anyway.
Final Thoughts: The Long-Term Advantage
Dubai is a city built for growth, and its real estate market reflects that reality. Unlike renting, which leaves you with nothing after years of payments, buying gives you a stake in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. The market will have its ups and downs, but over a 15 to 20-year mortgage cycle, buying in Dubai has historically paid off.
If you’re sitting on the fence about whether to continue renting or take the plunge into homeownership, my advice remains unchanged: Buy, buy, and buy.
And if you’re stuck, need guidance, or want to discuss your options, write to us—we’ll be happy to help.
About the Author:
The Founder & CEO of Plan3Media and REM TIMES, Jatin Deepchandani comes with a strong track record of building successful ventures. With deep expertise in brand development, Jatin has become a key figure in shaping creative and innovative business solutions. An avid reader, he lives by entrepreneur Naval Ravikant’s quote, “Don’t settle and don’t stress; life is what flows in between.” Connect with him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/jatindeepchandani/ and Jatin@plan3media.com
Disclaimer: This article reflects personal opinions and experiences. All investments carry risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Do your research before making any real estate decisions.
