Since the global economy has taken a major hit due to the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for real estate has also been affected. Buying or selling a home has become even more difficult and stressful during these terrifying times and unsurprisingly, the preferences for homebuyers have changed. This article talks about the major features home buyers in Dubai look for while investing in their dream home. Read on to know all about them.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been quite devastating. The virus has spared no one with its ill-effects and has made a drastic change in our lifestyles. It is no surprise that the real estate industry has seen a downfall over the past few years and home buying or selling is not the same as before.
Though a tourist hotspot, Dubai has also emerged as a renowned destination for real estate investors. With all sorts of properties such as residences and luxury properties, the city is a prime real estate market from an investment perspective. From villas and apartments to condominiums and single-family homes, there are hundreds of properties to choose from for home buyers in Dubai – whether they are looking to buy their dream home or planning to purchase one for future investment.
As we move ahead embracing the ‘new-normal’, home buying and selling seem a little daunting. Hence, it is vital to understand what appeals to home buyers in the current market, especially if you are planning to sell your home shortly. Thus, we have compiled a list of some important features for homebuyers in Dubai.
Laundry Room
A laundry room is the most important feature to look for while investing in a UAE home. Most homebuyers seek a dedicated laundry room while on a visit to the homes. It is an essential space in a house to hide the dirty clothes and store the clean ones. To your knowledge, a separate laundry room was found on the top of the NAHB’s (National Association of Home Builders) list of most-wanted home features.
This is undeniably the most required space for homeowners who do not like to keep their living spaces messy or cluttered. Thus, it seems like a huge benefit among potential buyers. If you’re planning to sell your home and do not have a separate laundry room in your property, consider adding one in the basement. It is the easiest and cheapest solution that will save you energy and money.
Exterior Lighting
While many homeowners do not pay much attention to exterior lighting in UAE homes, it is a key feature the potential buyers look for in a property. Energy-efficient exterior lighting is counted among the top green features buyers seek. So if you have a well-manicured lawn, it is suggested to illuminate it with the right kind of exterior lighting to grab the attention of potential buyers.
As we all know the first impression is the last impression and the exterior of a property is the initial thing that homebuyers notice, it is important to work with exterior lighting. In fact, exterior lighting is more important than a patio or a front porch. A well-illuminated exterior increases the chances of a property being liked.
You can work with walkway lights, spotlights and pendant lights. Not just appealing to the visitors, but exterior lighting is also an added safety feature for homes. For instance, motion-sensor lights turn on automatically in case there is some movement outside the house.
Energy Efficiencies
Talking about green features, energy efficiencies are on the top of the list and also lie in the list of the most unwanted features of a property by home buyers in Dubai. In today’s world, homebuyers expect energy efficiencies while looking for a property to invest in. By energy efficiencies, we mean energy-efficient windows and appliances that are prominent features and cannot be upgraded easily like light bulbs or ceiling fans.
Energy-efficient windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by 12% whereas energy-efficient washing machines help reduce your energy and water bills. If you’re thinking of changing your windows, consider installing this exclusive feature which is high on demand among home-buyers.
In case you do not have these features, it is recommended to examine your budget for renovation and try to fit them in. Sellers can display these money-saving features in their home listings to make their property get much attention from the buyers.
Patio
While you are making renovations to your property for its resale, make sure you do not neglect the backyard area since this is one of the most important spaces people look for to buy home in UAE. In the current real estate market, outdoor living spaces are high in demand and the most desired outdoor home feature buyers seek. The idea of sitting outdoors with friends seems exciting for most homeowners and when they find a beautiful backyard in a house, there are fewer chances of them not considering the property.
In addition, outdoor living spaces do not cost much since you do not have to make a large-scale addition to your home to have one. In addition, patios do not cost much as they are generally constructed using concrete or pavers and are easy to maintain. Many home buyers expect a beautiful patio in their next dream home since this cosy corner has gained popularity due to those home renovation reality shows and luxury homes in those interior design magazines.
Functional Kitchen
There is no denying the fact that a kitchen is the most important space in a property that appeals to potential homebuyers. Likewise, if there are any issues with this space, it is a big no from the home buyers in UAE. They look for the functionality of the kitchen and primary features such as a double sink, walk-in pantry, small dining space or a table for eating, a central island and a water filtration system.
These energy-efficient appliances not just make the home’s environment friendly but also save you on your utility bills. A double-kitchen sink is the key feature of a kitchen that gives you more options to organise the work with. While investing in a sink for the kitchen, make sure to pick one that has enough depth to accommodate large dishes such as pots and pans. Consider the one with stainless steel construction since it is durable and easy to care for.
Hardwood Floors in the Main Living Area
Flooring is another major draw of a property, especially in the living area. Speaking of this important space, hardwood flooring works the best. It gives a natural look to the room, is easier to maintain and of course, is more durable than carpeted flooring.
This type of flooring does not require replacement every few years; it just needs to be refinished over a while. Most home buyers in Dubai prefer hardwood flooring over other luxury floors since it is less allergenic. Engineered wood flooring is what many sellers on a budget invest in. It is a hardwood veneer on top of many layers of various wood types forming a plywood core.
A Full Bath on the Main Floor
A bathroom is another important space in a property and prospective home buyers prefer a house with a full bath on the main floor. A full bath consists of a tub, shower, sink and a toilet. Most families want a home that has a bathroom on the main level since there are kids in the families who need to be supervised during their bath time while their parents are indulged in other activities, maybe in the kitchen or the living area.
If you’re planning to sell your property and you do not have a full bath on the main floor, you can convert an existing powder room to a full bath. It can be worked out by incorporating space from an adjacent room, closet or hallway. Smart home buyers wish to have a bathroom that has a small bathing area with a tub-and-shower combination or a separate walk-in shower. In case there is a lack of space for this setting, you can replace the pocket door with a swing door that will add up to the space you have and allow you to add features in this typical space to enhance accessibility.
In Conclusion
These are some of the most important features a vast majority of home buyers in Dubai actively seek. Apart from them, a front porch, eat-in kitchen, dining area, walk-in closet and a garage storage space are some other much-desired spaces most buyers wish to have in a property. Consider incorporating these major items in your next remodelling project if you wish to sell your UAE home in the near future since these features will help invite more potential buyers and you will not have to put your house in the market with less demand and at a lower sale price.
