Property News: Buying

The UAE has introduced new laws this year that effectively widen the range of possibilities for expatriates to be more deeply involved in the long-term economic growth of the country. Many of the policy changes mainly concern foreign business ownership, visa regulations and curbing the cost of living.

In a country where 80 per cent of the population is made up of foreign residents from all over the world, the new regulations are viewed as crucial in efforts to tap further … Read more ›

Abu Dhabi’s drive to accelerate its economic growth will come under the banner of Tomorrow 2021, the Crown Prince revealed on Sunday, in what marks the culmination of a summer of reforms aimed at preparing the emirate for a more prosperous future.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the plan includes “50 initiatives that reflect the priorities of citizens, residents and investors”. The move is part of an action … Read more ›

Residential sales and rental prices fell in most neighbourhoods across Abu Dhabi in the first six months of 2018, albeit at a slower pace witnessed in previous months as market sentiment improves on the back of rising oil prices, according to a new report published on Thursday.

Average apartment rental prices were “modest” for the most part, with year-on-year decreases ranging from around 3 to 9 per cent in different locations during the first half of the year, according to real … Read more ›

Leading property portal Bayut have awarded Henry Wiltshire International the coveted ‘Agency of the Month’ award for best Abu Dhabi real estate agency.

Bayut also awarded ‘Real Estate Agent of the Month’ to Henry Wiltshire’s agent Ragna Tietjen who is a leasing consultant specialising in the Corniche and Maryah Island areas of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi residents could see an increase in municipality fees under new plans that have been outlined by the emirate’s Executive Council. The move would only affect non-Emiratis and could help to boost property sales, as measures have been introduced to encourage home ownership in the past few months.

A circular from the Executive Council, which was seen by The National, has set out plans to increase the fee from 3 per cent for residential properties only.

The extent of the increase is not yet clear, … Read more ›

The UAE’s planned introduction of long-term residency visas to investors and specialists will be a boon to the UAE real estate market, stimulating the nation’s fledgling owner-occupier market.

“Over the past few years, we have seen the UAE move towards a less transient workforce and long-term visas would boost this trend, resulting in greater opportunities for local businesses and encouraging longer-term investment,” said Alexis Waller, Dubai-based partner and head of real estate at law firm Clyde & Co. The changes are … Read more ›