How To: Get An Apartment In Dubai
Welcome to Dubai! If you’re new.
Moving in Dubai can be a bit confusing and overwhelming so we’ve gone step-by-step through how you can get an apartment and what you’ll need.
A word of warning – the rental market in Dubai moves quickly. You’ll only need to view places a few days before you want one, as real estate agents are pushy, and most flats are empty – so the first one to put some money down will get the apartment.
Firstly you should research where you want to live – what you can afford, and what area will suit your needs. Once you’ve determined that, it will be a pretty quick process to get the apartment so you could be moved in within a few days.
1. Find the apartment you want
This is probably the easiest part.
To find the apartment of your dreams (or your budget), there’s various of websites that you can go to including Dubizzle, Propertyfinder, Bayut, and Just Property.
Once you’re on any of these websites, all you have to do is set your preference to how many rooms you’d want, your budget and your location.
Usually, within the advertisement, it’ll say how many installments it’s payable in (usually either cheque or cash).
Typically, in Dubai, rent cheques are asked for in either a 12-month lump sum, two six-month or four three-month cheques, so be prepared to have to pay a lump up front.
Read: This Is Exactly How Much You SHOULD Be Paying In Rent Based On Your Area
2. Contact the real estate
Reaching the real estate or owner of the property is also one of the easiest steps when trying to move in.
At this point, you’ll have to set a date and time to check out the apartment as this is ESSENTIAL (photos may be deceiving sometimes).
3. The little details
If you’re satisfied with the layout of the place, the location of it, and the rent price, then it’s time to sign the contract – but make sure to read the fine print.
Usually real estate agents will charge you 5%-10% of your rent as a fee for their services, additionally another 5%-10% is allocated as a security deposit for the building.
There’s also a chance you’ll have to pay chiller fees, which can be charged by usage or per square footage. This can get expensive so make sure you do your homework!
Things to consider: Do they have gym facilities? A pool? Is the area ideal?
Life hack: Agents are usually willing to negotiate the price depending on how many installments you are able to pay them in. You can leverage a discount if you are prepared to pay in one 12-month sum.
4. Making the property yours
After signing the contract, paying the security deposit, and the agent commission – it’s time to make the place officially yours.
At this point the owners/real estate will ask for a passport copy and a residential visa to prove that you’re a legal citizen (and in case you try to run away if a cheque bounces).
BAZINGA! It’s time to move in.
5. Actually MOVING in
One of the most important things is connecting your DEWA – some apartments have DEWA bills included in the rent, so if you’re one of those lucky ones you won’t have to worry about this hassle – it’s a long process so make sure to pay attention.
You will need to submit various documents to DEWA such as the DEWA number, a copy of your passport, the completed form, the title deed, and a refundable deposit as well as the set-up charges.
Once all of these are submitted, you will be registered and your electricity and water supply should be activated within 24 hours.
If you live in a building where you have to pay for chiller (or it’s in your contract), you will need to set up an account with Empower.
P.S: Make sure to pay your bills on time so you don’t end up getting disconnected…
And that’s it! You’re sorted.
