Asteco’s Research Department provides businesses with essential Real Estate knowledge so that Clients have a clear understanding of their competition, target markets and profitable opportunities.

Our Research Departments are present in the UAE. They provide regional Real Estate market studies, customised market sector reviews, pricing analysis, supply and demand analysis and product comparables.

Asteco’s dedicated Research Team works closely with all of our transaction Departments to ensure that data and recommendations clearly represent current market conditions.

Asteco’s Research Department provides businesses with essential Real Estate knowledge so that Clients have a clear understanding of their competition, target markets and profitable opportunities.

Our Research Departments are present in the UAE. They provide regional Real Estate market studies, customised market sector reviews, pricing analysis, supply and demand analysis and product comparables.

Asteco’s dedicated Research Team works closely with all of our transaction Departments to ensure that data and recommendations clearly represent current market conditions.

Asteco’s Research Department provides businesses with essential Real Estate knowledge so that Clients have a clear understanding of their competition, target markets and profitable opportunities.

Our Research Departments are present in the UAE. They provide regional Real Estate market studies, customised market sector reviews, pricing analysis, supply and demand analysis and product comparables.

Asteco’s dedicated Research Team works closely with all of our transaction Departments to ensure that data and recommendations clearly represent current market conditions.

This report looks back at the changes that have occurred in Abu Dhabi since 2008 and provides Asteco’s view on the prospects for 2016 and beyond.

Abu Dhabi - Demand for large apartments has decreased further putting pressure on current rates. However there are exceptions with a number of prime projects on Saadiyat Island and the Corniche maintaining stable rates and close to full occupancy.

Al Ain - Apartment rental rates have decreased on average between 3% and 5%, with the highest decrease occurring in new buildings. A significant number of properties within Al Ain are held on historic terms (under rented). Therefore, the decreases have only had a bearing on a limited number of rental renewals or new leases.

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain have so far predominantly been affected by job and budget cuts, which has led to an increase in vacancies in the leasehold market, putting rental rates under pressure.

In the sales sector, this has negatively affected market
sentiment, which could potentially lead to price reductions going forward.

With the IMF forecasting Abu Dhabi’s GDP to grow at 1.7% in 2016 compared to 4.4% actual growth in 2015, further pressure in the real estate market is expected during the second half of the year.

• In line with the overall market sentiment in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi real estate market was relatively quiet in Q1 2016 with a slight decrease in demand for higher priced residential units.
• Sales activity was slow during the first quarter, with sales rates remaining relatively stable except for a handful of transactions concluding at below market rates.
• Office rental rates also remained flat due to a significant slowdown in activity during the first three months of the year. Several buildings offered smaller sized offices at competitive rates in order to target the market demand.
• A fee of 3% on home rentals was announced as a Municipality Contract Fee, which will be applied to all Abu Dhabi’s expatriate residents.
• Several projects were launched during Cityscape Abu Dhabi in April, which included; Saadiyat Mangrove Lagoons by TDIC, Yas Acres by Aldar, Leonardo Residences by Masdar, Faya at Bloom Gardens by Bloom Properties, and Al Sadu Towers by Al Qudra Real Estate.

This report looks back at the changes that have occurred in Abu Dhabi since 2008 and provides Asteco’s view on the prospects for 2016 and beyond.

Asteco’s Research Department provides businesses with essential Real Estate knowledge so that Clients have a clear understanding of their competition, target markets and profitable opportunities.

Our Research Departments are present in the UAE. They provide regional Real Estate market studies, customised market sector reviews, pricing analysis, supply and demand analysis and product comparables.

Asteco’s dedicated Research Team works closely with all of our transaction Departments to ensure that data and recommendations clearly represent current market conditions.

Asteco’s Research Department provides businesses with essential Real Estate knowledge so that Clients have a clear understanding of their competition, target markets and profitable opportunities.

Our Research Departments are present in the UAE. They provide regional Real Estate market studies, customised market sector reviews, pricing analysis, supply and demand analysis and product comparables.

Asteco’s dedicated Research Team works closely with all of our transaction Departments to ensure that data and recommendations clearly represent current market conditions.

This report looks back at the changes that have occurred in Dubai since 2008 and provides Asteco’s view on the prospects for 2016 and beyond.

Average rental rates remained unchanged this quarter, despite some adjustments in various localities. We also noted a widening of the rental range between buildings in the same communities.

Some of the more affordable communities that recorded growth this quarter are now reaching a critical mass of Residents leading to the completion of supporting facilities, retail, services, and landscaping. This includes Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Sports City where rates were up by 2% and 3%. The latter also recorded the highest growth over the year, averaging 13%.

With fears of an oversupply, developers have slowed down the delivery of new properties, which has led to a relative stability of rental rates over the first half of the year, although there has been a significant movement of tenants.

If supply continues to be handed over at the same rate as in the first half of the year, the market could witness some rental growth in select areas, especially as the IMF predicts an improved GDP growth of 3.7% this year compared to 3.6 % in 2015.

• The first quarter of 2016 appears to have set the tone for the next few months with moderate declines in rental rates and sales prices, a reduction in the number and volume of transactions, and a focus on affordability.
• Whilst no significant rent reductions were recorded during the quarter due to limited supply being handed over, the general trend continued to be towards increased competition amongst landlords.
• Going forward, much of the planned supply for the year could be delayed, which would result in slower than anticipated rental declines.
• Interestingly, developers continued to launch both affordable and higher end properties during the quarter, despite the general negative market outlook.
• Whilst there was some take-up, especially from investors, this was due to attractive incentives being offered, such as guaranteed returns and post completion payment plans. Cash buyers were able to secure attractive bulk deals as they saw an opportunity in the market.

This report looks back at the changes that have occurred in Dubai since 2008 and provides Asteco’s view on the prospects for 2016 and beyond.

Apartment rental rates in Amman recorded a marginal increase of 1%, on average, over Q4 2016, and year-on-year growth stood at 3%. Abdoun and Der Ghabar areas saw the most significant increase of 6% due to the high level of demand for good quality units.

The third quarter started showing signs of slowdown for residential sales as supply appeared to exceed demand, whilst the office sector overall was stagnant due to poor economic conditions.

The only segment for which demand remained stable was residential leasing, with rates for larger units in select areas even increasing

Asteco’s Research Department provides businesses with essential Real Estate knowledge so that Clients have a clear understanding of their competition, target markets and profitable opportunities.

Our Research Departments are present in the UAE. They provide regional Real Estate market studies, customised market sector reviews, pricing analysis, supply and demand analysis and product comparables.

Asteco’s dedicated Research Team works closely with all of our transaction Departments to ensure that data and recommendations clearly represent current market conditions.

Asteco’s Research Department provides businesses with essential Real Estate knowledge so that Clients have a clear understanding of their competition, target markets and profitable opportunities.

Our Research Departments are present in the UAE. They provide regional Real Estate market studies, customised market sector reviews, pricing analysis, supply and demand analysis and product comparables.

Asteco’s dedicated Research Team works closely with all of our transaction Departments to ensure that data and recommendations clearly represent current market conditions.

This report looks back at the changes that have occurred in Northern Emirates since 2008 and provides Asteco’s view on the prospects for 2016 and beyond.

Residential rental rates have remained unchanged since Q2 2016 for most of the Northern Emirates. Sharjah apartment rental rates saw minimal changes in Q3 2016, down by only 1%, especially for low to mid-quality properties. This was partly due to rental rates in Dubai stabilising, and therefore only a minimal number of relocations occurred from Dubai to the Northern Emirates.

In comparison, average rents in Sharjah are still 38% cheaper than in 2008, as additional supply keeps rates from increasing rapidly.

Whilst the Northern Emirates tends to be left in the shadow of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, significant improvements and additions in the construction industry have been witnessed over the last few years. These include new road connections, better quality housing supply, additional facilities, amenities, and retail, as well as tourism elements, which are making the Northern Emirates more attractive to residents.

Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman have also set up several free trade zones that have been successful in attracting businesses and residents, whereas Fujairah remains driven by tourism and the oil and gas sector.

• Residential rental rates in the Northern Emirates remained stable during the first quarter of 2016 with marginal declines of 2% and 1%, on average, witnessed in Sharjah and Fujairah, respectively.
• Sharjah and Ajman have been progressing rapidly with developments of a new hospitality and tourism complex with retail, leisure and entertainment facilities. These developments are improving the emirate as desirable communities and thereby retain existing residents and attract new ones.

The summer months in the Northern Emirates were characterised by limited change in residential rental rates.

Rental rates in Sharjah’s commercial sector remained stable over the quarter due to a lack of demand from existing tenants to expand or move to a new location. At the same time, there appeared to be no demand from new companies to set up in the Emirate and, as a result, vacancy levels remained high, even in the city’s best towers.