UAE ups retirement destination appeal
Real estate investments options and strategies for expats planning to retire in the country
With the introduction of policy reforms and the recently announced retirement law, the expat population now increasingly looks at the UAE as an attractive destination to work, live and retire. Realtor Rakesh Mirchandani had initially thought of staying in Dubai for a couple of years when he first arrived in 2005. Living here for 13 years now, he believes Dubai is not only an excellent place for long-term stay, but also considers it as a destination for retirement. “Dubai offers clients many options. The place is ranked as one of the cities with the highest GDP per capita, but it appeals to buyers looking for affordable housing, offering them competitive rates and attractive residential choices,” says Mirchandani, who is director at KGR Real Estate. The new visa policy announced for expats has further helped position the UAE as a suitable retirement destination, he adds. The new law that comes into effect next year will allow expats above the age of 55 to hold a fiveyear visa provided they either own a property worth at least Dh2 million, have a savings of not less than Dh1 million or a monthly income of Dh20,000.
Real estate assets can be a good source of retirement income in the UAE. Kunal Puri, group CEO and managing director of La Capitale Real Estate, says the enhanced transparency in property ownership and tenancy law has helped improve the long-term returns of investors. Also, the government authorities’ efforts to speed up the mechanism in resolving property disputes have strengthened the confidence of investors, he adds. For those who want to invest in real estate as part of their retirement plan in the UAE, Puri says one could buy a single property worth above Dh2 million or invest in multiple properties and get a combined rental income of Dh20,000. “Individual properties like a Meadows five-bedroom villa costs approximately Dh3.5 million and can get Dh20,000 per month in rent,” he suggests. “Other options are threebedroom apartments in Downtown Dubai for Dh3.85 million, a penthouse in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) for Dh3.7 million, a Mirador four-bedder for Dh3.9 million or a Jumeirah Park five-bedder for Dh3.6 million will get the buyers Dh20,000 per month in rent.” Meanwhile, investing in five studios in JLT can also generate a combined rental income of Dh20,000, says Puri, while eight studios in IMPZ can also combine for Dh20,000 in rent.
“The calculation is straightforward: studios give net 7 per cent return, and one-bedders a net 5 per cent return after paying transfer fees and service charges,” says Puri. “If we reverse the equation of 5 per cent to 7 per cent net, then with investing in multiple apartments, one can easily achieve Dh20,000 per month income. It’s all about building the right type of property portfolio for rental income. Here an experienced property consultant can guide the buyers.” For investors with a budget of at least $1 million (Dh3.67 million), Dubai is equally attractive when compared with other prominent real estate markets, says Mirchandani. “According to sources, Monaco would come in as the most expensive at only 17 sq m [for $1 million], and Dubai would be over 200 sq m, offering a lot more value with the same investment,” says Mirchandani. Dubai’s attraction
Andrew Covill, director at Henry Wiltshire International, says a number of his clients are nearing retirement age and would like to retain a base in the UAE. He notes that these clients mainly want to maintain residency in a tax-free jurisdiction and use the property for holiday, while generating income when they’re not staying in it. “The rental yields in the UAE are well above average in worldwide terms, plus there is a great opportunity for capital appreciation in the coming years,” says Covill. “I also see people specifically buying property in the UAE, even if they have not lived here before, as a way of basing themselves here, particularly for the tax advantages, safety and as a great alternative to remaining in politically unstable countries.” Puri says the UAE also offers essential amenities for residents. “It provides excellent health care facili-
ties at affordable rates, with different insurances,” he says. “The mix of different nationalities and culture has not only helped the UAE to become retirement friendly, but it has also helped in raising the social responsibility level among each other. Due to the UAE’s diversity in population and culture, every resident enjoys the ease of making a new social circle; which is very important for people looking at a retirement destination.” Options
Whether one wishes to live by a golf course or the ocean, the UAE has many beautiful options to suit varied preferences. “If people are looking to retire and be within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and the mall, they may decide to live in a Dubai Marina or Downtown apartment,” says Lewis Allsopp, CEO of Allsopp & Allsopp. “Alternatively, if they prefer a slower pace of life, they may determine that a villa with a lovely garden in a peaceful area could be for them. Neighbourhoods such as Victory Heights, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Emirates Living and Arabian Ranches are well established and have a lovely community feel. Many retirees may have family who already reside in Dubai or could be moving away from family and would like to have the extra room for when they come to visit.” Mirchandani says many yacht owners are also looking keenly at Dubai, especially with new developments such as Dubai Harbour, a new beachfront community that will have the largest yacht marina in the region. In Abu Dhabi, Covill says some of the most soughtafter apartments are in the Al Bandar development. “It is set around a marina with access to the berths directly from the building and cruise to nearby Yas Island for dinner and drinks or moor at the golf club.”