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A Guide to High-End Living in Dubai

Luxurious Lifestyle

Moving to Dubai can offer a luxurious lifestyle for those who can afford it. We will guide you through the to High-End Living Standards Dubai offers with some concrete examples.

Luxurious Accommodations

Dubai is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts, and residences, offering spacious, opulent living spaces with stunning views of the city and the sea.

World-Class Dining

Dubai boasts a diverse culinary scene with a range of Michelin-starred restaurants, fine dining experiences, and high-end cafes. It’s also known for its extravagant brunches and themed dining experiences.

Designer Shopping

Luxury never goes out of fashion. Dubai is a shopper’s paradise with some of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious brands represented in its many shopping malls and designer boutiques.

Exclusive Experiences

Dubai offers a range of exclusive experiences, such as helicopter tours, yacht rentals, and private desert safaris, which provide a unique and luxurious way to explore the city and its surroundings.

Entertainment

Dubai is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of high-end nightclubs and bars, as well as world-class entertainment venues such as the Dubai Opera House and the Dubai World Trade Centre, Coca Cola arena.

Sports and Recreation

Dubai offers a range of luxury sports and recreational activities, including golf courses, beach clubs, and water sports. The city is also home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding desert.

High-Quality Services

Dubai is known for its high-quality services, including healthcare, education, and transportation, with private options available for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

Overall, Dubai offers a luxurious lifestyle with a range of high-end amenities and experiences, catering to those seeking exclusivity, comfort, and indulgence.

Love Dubai Luxurious Lifestyle? Learn About The Dubai Real Estate Home Buying Process

Wish to Buy or Sell Property in Dubai ? Contact Joanna Truffaut

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Top 10 Walkable Areas in Dubai

Top 10 Walkable Areas in Dubai

Despite Dubai's reputation for towering skyscrapers and vast urban landscapes, the city is also home to several hidden, walkable neighborhoods. From waterfront promenades to tree-lined streets, these neighborhoods offer plenty of opportunities for pedestrians to explore and discover the city on foot. Here are our top 10 walkable areas in Dubai picks:

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is home to the most iconic landmarks of Dubai such as Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future. With its pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks, Downtown Dubai is the perfect neighborhood for a leisurely stroll. You’ll find a range of amenities within walking distance, including restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

JBR is located on the sea front, close to the Marina and the Palm Jumeirah. You can take a walk along the beach promenade in JBR and soak up the stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby, making this a perfect destination for a day out.

Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina Walk is a pedestrian-friendly promenade lined with plenty of shops and restaurants. Dubai Marina is one of the best Dubai community for a leisurely stroll during day time or nighttime to admire the amazing night cityscape.

The Greens

The Greens are strategically located, nearby Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Palm Jumeirah, JBR and Dubai Marina. This residential community is home to wide, tree-lined streets and pedestrian-friendly walkways, with plenty of parks and green spaces for residents to enjoy.

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)

This neighborhood is well-connected by pedestrian-friendly walkways and bridges, making it easy to get around on foot. You’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby.

Al Barsha/Al Serkal Avenue

Al Barsha boasts wide, tree-lined streets and pedestrian-friendly walkways, as well as a range of amenities within walking distance, including restaurants, cafes, art centers such as Al Serkal Avenue.

Business Bay

Located close to Dubai’s central business district, Business Bay is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets and walkways. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby.

City Walk

This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is home to a range of retail and dining options, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene with the proximity of the Coca Cola Arena.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is a vibrant and bustling area that is great for walking and exploring. The area offers a mix of traditional and modern architecture, and there are plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained.

As you stroll along the waterfront, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the city skyline and the waterways. The area is also home to a number of historical sites, including the Dubai Museum and the Heritage and Diving Village, which provide a glimpse into the city’s rich culture and heritage.

There are also plenty of shops and restaurants in the area, offering everything from traditional Emirati cuisine to international cuisine. You can browse the many souks and markets that line the creek, where you’ll find a variety of goods, including textiles, spices, and gold.

In terms of accessibility, the area is quite walkable, with wide sidewalks and pedestrian bridges connecting the two sides of the creek. There are also water taxis and abra boats that can take you across the water if you prefer.

The Palm Jumeirah

With its scenic waterfront promenade, The Palm Jumeirah is a perfect destination for a leisurely walk.

The main thoroughfare on the island is the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, which runs along the outer edge of the island and offers stunning views of the water and the Dubai skyline. The boardwalk is approximately 11 kilometers long and is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and leisurely walks.

There are also a number of parks and public spaces on the island that are great for walking. One of the most popular is the Palm Jumeirah Park, which features lush greenery, walking paths, and stunning views of the ocean.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, these top 10 walkable areas offer the perfect opportunity to explore Dubai on foot. So why not enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of these stunning neighborhoods today?

Buying A Property in Dubai Process

Buying Property in Dubai Process

Assuming that you use the services of a Dubai RERA-certified agent, buying property in Dubai can be a smooth and efficient process. The agent will guide you through the entire process, handling any challenges that may arise. The Dubai Land Department, along with relevant governing bodies, has worked to simplify and streamline the property purchase process in Dubai. It's worth noting, however, that the specific details of the home buying process can vary depending on the type of purchase. The detailed transactions processes below, refer to secondary market /resale of property, not off-plan.

Cash To Cash transaction

Cash buyer & Mortgage-free property

Once a property is selected and after mutual agreement on the price, buyer needs to issue a 10% security deposit to the name of the title deed holder, which will be held by the agent and returned when transfer takes place. The broker then prepares the contract between buyer and seller, also know as form F.

Step two and after signing the contract by all parties, the seller then applies for a no-objection certificate NOC from the developer which will state that all services charges and fees are cleared and developer has no objection to the sale. NOC should be in Arabic and addressed to Dubai Land Department. The NOC charges vary from developer to another and ranges from AED 500 to AED 5,000, takes a 5 to 7 days usually and is paid by seller.

The DLD only conducts transfers if both parties to a transaction are GCC nationals; all other transactions must be done through a DLD-accredited RT office. Both parties or their legal representatives, through a valid power of attorney, must attend the transfer. The buyer must bring the following manager’s cheques :

Property Price :

100% from selling price to the name of the seller (Manager cheque). Buyer will get back his security cheque.

Land Department Fees:

4% from selling price + 580 AED (If Apartment, Villa) or + 430 AED (If Land) (Manager cheque).

Registration Trustee Fees: 

4,000 AED + 200 AED (5%VAT) if the price of the property equal or more than 500,000 AED.

2,000 AED + 100 AED (5%VAT) if the price of the property less than 500,000 AED.

Broker Fees:

2% +VAT of the property price

Required Documents:

Original title Deed.

Original NOC from Developer.

Original passport, visa, Emirates ID (seller and buyer).

Signed form F

In the case that the property is rented, the seller must refund the rent security deposit and the balance of the rent, on a pro-rata basis, from the day of transfer back to the buyer. On the other hand, the balance of the service charges must be refunded back to the seller from the day of transfer on a pro-rata basis as well.

Once all payments cleared, DLD then issues the Original new title deed which will be handed over to the buyer along with keys and access cards for the property. The cash-to-cash process time frame can take from One to Three weeks.

Cash To Mortgage Transaction

Cash Buyer & Mortgaged Property

In the scenario of a cash buyer and a mortgaged property, the first step should made by the seller who needs to approach his bank requesting for a Liability Letter which will state the balance of the loan, as well as any fees or penalties. The liability letter has a validity period ranging from 7 to 15 days, depending on the bank.

If the seller does not have the funds to settle the mortgage, then the buyer must do it. Since a cash buyer needs protection against the seller transferring a property to another person, or changing the terms of the agreement after the buyer pays off the seller’s loan, it is important to “block” the property. Once the liability letter is received, the parties must go to the Registration Trustee office to block it.

The parties must bring the following documents and manager’s cheques:

Required Documents:

Original title Deed.

Original NOC from Developer.

Original passport, visa, Emirates ID (seller and buyer).

Signed form F

Liability letter

Property Price :

Liability letter amount payable to the bank by the buyer (Manager’s cheque)Liability letter amount payable to the bank by the buyer (Manager cheque)

Cheque for the seller (purchase price minus liability amount, held by the RT until the transfer is completed)

Blocking Fees:

AED 1,520 payable by buyer to the DLD (Manager’ cheque)

Land Department Fees:

4% from selling price + 580 AED (If Apartment, Villa) or + 430 AED (If Land) (Manager cheque).

Registration Trustee Fees: cash only

4,000 AED + 200 AED (5%VAT) if the price of the property equal or more than 500,000 AED.

2,000 AED + 100 AED (5%VAT) if the price of the property less than 500,000 AED.

Broker Fees:

2% of the property price + vat

After the mortgage is settled, the clearance letter and original title deed are provided to the seller.

The NOC process then takes place. When received, the parties proceed to the RT office to transfer the property. The cheques are disbursed and the buyer takes the original title deed.

Mortgage to Cash Transaction

Mortgage Buyer & Mortgage-Free property

As per guidelines by the UAE Central Bank, banks may provide finance of up to 80% of the purchase price. Meaning the buyer must have a min. 20% deposit as well as associated fees to contribute to the purchase.

Once the parties have signed the contract and the deposit is handed over, the bank will conduct a valuation or appraisal of the property’s value. The valuation fee generally ranges from AED 2,500 to AED 3,500 and is paid by the buyer.

If the property is valued for at least the purchase price, the bank issues the final offer letter (FOL) to the buyer that includes all the terms and conditions of the loan and mortgage. The buyer arranges with the bank to sign the FOL and issues security cheques to the bank, as required.

The parties then apply for the NOC. Once it is obtained, the bank schedules the transfer at its preferred RT office. The buyer must bring the following manager’s cheques:

Property Price :

20% from selling price to the name of the seller (Manager chq). Buyer will get back his security cheque.

Mortgage Registration Fees:

0.25% per cent of the loan amount, plus AED 290 payable to the DLD

Land Department Fees:

4% from selling price + 580 AED (If Apartment, Villa) or + 430 AED (If Land) (Manager chq).

Registration Trustee Fees: 

4,000 AED + 200 AED (5%VAT) if the price of the property equal or more than 500,000 AED.

2,000 AED + 100 AED (5%VAT) if the price of the property less than 500,000 AED.

Broker Fees:

2% of the property price + vat

At transfer, the bank brings a cheque payable to the seller for the remaining balance of the purchase price. The mortgage is then registered with the DLD. If it is a conventional loan, the title deed is issued in the name of the buyer. If it is an Islamic (Sharia) loan, the lender is listed as the landlord and the buyer as tenant. In either type of mortgage, the original title deed is given to the bank to hold, until it is paid in full.

Mortgage to Mortgage Transaction

Finance Buyer & Mortgaged Property

This is by far the lengthier process scenario, with two mortgages, and two bank probably. That makes the most challenging part is the expiry dates of the documents throughout the process, such as the developer’s NOC , liability letter, valuation and final offer letter.

Once buyer and seller sign the agreement, the buyer’s bank conducts the valuation of the property and the FOL is signed. Next, the seller requests a liability letter from his bank. Once the liability letter is issued, it is sent to the buyer’s bank, which settles the mortgage with the seller’s bank.

After the mortgage is settled and the clearance letter and original title deed have been received, the parties apply for the NOC. When the NOC is ready, the buyer’s bank arranges the transfer.

At the transfer, the seller’s existing mortgage is released. The fee for the release is AED 1,290, which is paid by the seller. The property transfer documents are signed. The buyer provides the cheques, as described previously, and the buyer’s bank issues a cheque to the seller for the remaining balance of the purchase price.

The buyer’s mortgage is then registered and the buyer’s bank retains the original title deed until the mortgage is paid in full.

Feel Ready to Buy or Sell Property in Dubai? Contact us!

Bond JS Properties LLC
Dubai – UAE
hello@bondproperties.co
+971 58 587 4330‬
Ramadan candle

Tips to Make Your Villa Stand Out During Ramadan

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims in Dubai and in globally. For those who are selling their villas, it is an opportunity to attract potential buyers by highlighting the unique features of the property.

Here are a few tips to make your villa stand out during Ramadan in Dubai:

  • Showcase the villa’s peaceful atmosphere: Ramadan is a time for reflection and spiritual growth. Emphasize how your villa provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for observing Ramadan.
  • Be sensitive to cultural and religious considerations: When showing the villa, be sensitive to cultural and religious considerations. Being respectful and understanding of these considerations can make potential buyers feel more comfortable and welcome.
  • Highlight the potential for Ramadan decor: If your villa has a spacious outdoor area, consider highlighting how it could be decorated for Ramadan. Showcase potential areas where traditional decorations such as lanterns, colorful lights, and crescent moons could be hung, creating a festive atmosphere for potential buyers.
  • Emphasize the potential for hosting Ramadan gatherings: If your villa has a large dining area, emphasize how it could be used for hosting Iftar gatherings during Ramadan.
  • Mention the proximity to Ramadan-related activities: Highlighting the convenient location can make your villa more attractive to potential buyers who want to be close to these activities.
  • Offer traditional Ramadan food and drinks: If you are showing the villa during Ramadan, consider offering traditional Ramadan foods and drinks such as dates, Arabic coffee, and juice. This will create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers.
  • Provide information about the local community: Buyers who are observing Ramadan may be interested in knowing more about the local Muslim community and the activities taking place during the month.
  • Highlight the potential for family gatherings: Ramadan is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Highlight how your villa can be a perfect place for families to gather and enjoy each other’s company during Ramadan.
stressed when buying property

How to Dedramatize the Dubai Real Estate Buying Process

The process of buying real estate in Dubai can be overwhelming and stressful, but there are ways to reduce the drama and make it a more manageable experience. Here are some tips that may help:

Get organized: Make a list of what you want in a home and prioritize your needs and wants. This can help you focus on your goal and avoid getting sidetracked by properties that don’t meet your criteria.

Hire a real estate agent: A knowledgeable and experienced agent can guide you through the process and provide valuable advice and information. They can also handle negotiations, perform due diligence, and ensure that all the necessary paperwork is in order.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage: This can help you determine what you can afford and give you a better bargaining position when negotiating with sellers. It also shows that you are a serious buyer and can help speed up the closing process.

Be flexible: The process of buying a home can take longer than you expect, so it’s important to be patient and flexible. Try to avoid getting too attached to any one property, and keep in mind that the right home for you may not be the first one you see.

Communicate with your agent: Keep in touch with your property finder, aka your agent, and let them know what’s going on and how you’re feeling throughout the process. This can help them provide you with the support you need and address any concerns or questions you may have.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the stress associated with buying real estate, and make the experience a more manageable and enjoyable one.

Want to Learn About the Details of How to Buy A Property in Dubai?

Wish to Buy or Sell Property in Dubai ? Contact Joanna Truffaut.

Une Villa a Dubai

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Dubai Off-Plan Properties

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Dubai Off-Plan Properties

Dubai, a city that boasts of luxury and grandeur, has always been a popular choice for real estate investment. With its booming economy, growing population, and expanding infrastructure, it presents a wealth of opportunities for property investors. One such opportunity is investing in Dubai's off-plan properties. In this blog post, we will discuss the The Pros and Cons of Investing in Dubai Off-Plan Properties.

The Pros of Investing in Dubai Off-Plan Properties

Attractive Payment Plans: Off-plan properties in Dubai offer flexible payment plans that make them affordable for investors. Developers require an initial deposit usually up to 20% of the property’s value, followed by installment payments spread over the construction period.

Higher ROI: Off-plan properties in Dubai are sold at a discounted price compared to ready-to-move-in properties, providing investors with a potential for higher returns on investment. As the property is still under construction, investors can sell it at a higher price before or after completion.

Customization: One of the biggest advantages of investing in off-plan properties in Dubai is that investors can customize the property to their liking. This includes changing the layout or selecting finishes and fittings…

Quality: Dubai’s real estate market is increasingly regulated, and developers are required to meet stringent quality standards.

The Cons of Investing in Dubai Off-Plan Properties

Delayed Completion: One of the biggest risks associated with investing in off-plan properties is the possibility of construction delays. While developers strive to complete projects on time, unforeseen circumstances such as weather, labor shortages, or permit delays can cause delays.

Market Fluctuations: Real estate markets are subject to fluctuations, and the Dubai property market is no exception. Investors need to be aware of market conditions and fluctuations, as a downturn in the market could impact the value of their investment.

Developer Reliability: The reliability of the developer is crucial when investing in off-plan properties. Investors need to research the developer’s track record, financial stability, and reputation to ensure that they can deliver the project on time and to the promised quality. A developer’s failure to complete a project could leave investors with a property that is incomplete or substandard.

Hidden Costs: While off-plan properties offer attractive payment plans, investors need to be aware of the hidden costs associated with buying a property in Dubai. These may include service charges, maintenance fees, and property registration fees, among others. These costs can add up and impact the investor’s cash flow.

Conclusion:

Investing in off-plan properties in Dubai presents both opportunities and risks. Investors need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. However, if done right, investing in off-plan properties can provide investors with attractive returns on investment.