What's Really Happening in the UAE Property Market? Tariq Jarrar on Dubai's "Selection Market"

The UAE property market is changing. According to Tariq Jarrar of Devmark, the market has become more selective, making it especially important for investors to match a property to their goals, location preferences and exit strategy.

In the Season 8 premiere of The Dubai Connect® Podcast, I sat down with Tariq to discuss what is happening beyond the headlines and what investors should consider before buying in Dubai or the wider UAE.

Watch the full episode on YouTube.

What does a "selection market" mean?

Tariq describes the current market as a "selection market." In his view, investors can no longer assume that every property will appreciate or that a quick resale will be straightforward. The outcome may vary depending on the property, location, developer, purchase price and the buyer's investment plan.

That makes property selection and due diligence more important. A strong market can still contain investments that do not suit a particular buyer's objectives.

Why an investment objective and exit strategy matter

Before choosing a property, investors should be clear about what they want it to do for them. Are they seeking rental income, long-term appreciation, a future home, or a combination of goals? The answer can affect the property type, location and timeline that make sense.

An exit strategy should also be considered before purchasing. Investors who plan to resell an off-plan property in a short period should understand the competition they may face, including newer projects offered directly by developers. Tariq and I discuss why buyers should assess the timing and likely resale market instead of assuming a quick flip will work.

Due diligence still matters

UAE regulations provide important protections for property buyers, but they do not remove the need to research a specific investment. Buyers should assess the developer's track record, the project, the price, the location and how well the property fits their intended strategy.

Tariq also emphasizes the value of working with a knowledgeable, vetted real estate professional who takes time to understand a buyer's objectives and exit plan. Buyers should feel comfortable asking questions and checking the assumptions behind any investment recommendation.

Should investors wait for prices to drop?

That depends on the buyer's goals, the property under consideration and the evidence available for that specific opportunity. In the episode, Tariq discusses how he responds to investors who are waiting for prices to fall, including the importance of looking at actual market transactions rather than relying on assumptions or promotional claims.

There is no single answer that applies to every investor or every property. A careful decision starts with the buyer's financial position, time horizon, risk tolerance and intended use for the property.

Watch the full conversation

In this episode of The Dubai Connect® Podcast, Tariq Jarrar and I discuss market changes, investor due diligence, property selection, developer evaluation, exit strategies and how to think through the decision to buy or wait.

Watch the Season 8 premiere on YouTube.

Ghada "GG" Benitez is a California REALTOR®, Dubai RERA Broker and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS®). She is the host of The Dubai Connect® Podcast and advises global investors exploring real estate in Dubai and the UAE. She is affiliated with Realty Executives Dillon in California and Prime Capital Realty in Dubai.