Purchasing a property in the UAE is one of the best parts of diversifying your portfolio. However, if your dream is to move to the UAE, why not consider Sharjah? It will be icing on the cake if you are thinking about getting your place in Sharjah because it is one of the best cities in the UAE.
Moreover, this time of the year is one of the best ones if you want to start looking for properties. What is holding you back with options like 5 BHK villas and Townhouses available to you?
In this blog, we will be discussing the most important things to consider when getting your place in Sharjah. These elements of life are what will make your journey as a buyer easy. So hop on the bandwagon as we explore the world of UAE.
Land of possibilities
Sharjah is essentially a land of possibilities. With a wide array of real estate options available, investors and expats can diversify their world with a range of options at their fingertips. Whether you are thinking about renting or buying a place in Sharjah, the options are varied and new.
You can buy a 5 BHK villa or a townhouse if you want, or you could also opt for a condo. Sharjah, with its top-notch neighborhoods, ensures that a diverse range of options is available to investors and buyers at all times.
Why choose Sharjah?
One of the most important things to consider when you plan on getting your place in Sharjah is why exactly are you opting for it? Well, in case there is any confusion, let us clear them up for you. The real estate industry in the UAE, specifically in Sharjah, is quite welcoming to expats and foreigners. It not only boasts a wide array of infrastructure designs which are one of a kind, but it is also indeed a beautiful place to live in.
Add to the colorful life the feature that Sharjah is located close to Dubai, which means you can have all the real estate amenities at your arm’s reach.
New developments focused on sustainable energy in Sharjah are also one of the major reasons why you should be going forward with this transaction. If you are on the business side of things, then you will love the property choices in Sharjah. From townhouses to villas, there is a diverse pool of real estate options.
Government regulations
Another thing to consider when getting your place in Sharjah is the governmental regulations. In 2014, the government chose to adjust regulations regarding real estate ownership in Sharjah. This move allowed nationalities from all over the world to purchase real estate in Sharjah.
Sharjah is one of the most appealing places to own property in because it has an incredible community, and it is extensively focused on its future developments. With green energy projects being the new real estate talk in the UAE, the focus is on sustainability.
The new resolution opens doors for foreigners who want to buy real estate in the emirate. It is, however, worth noticing that non-GCC Arab nationals may only be allowed to purchase up to five properties. Moreover, they do not need a residency visa to invest in Sharjah.
But don’t forget that despite the lucrativeness around UAE, the downside is the fact that there are limited areas in the city where expats can buy property without a residence visa. In this regard, it is important to consult with your real estate agent to guide you best.
Tenure to live
When you decide on getting your place in Sharjah, you will need to focus on tenure. Questions like how long you have been in the city and how long you plan on calling it a home will play a crucial role in your decision. The answer to these questions will provide you with a rundown of potential investments you will have to make. If you are currently unsure how long your stay will be, renting a place in Sharjah is best. In this manner, there won’t be excessive pressure on your head about buying a property and investing long-term.
Affordability
A global norm that helps determine affordability is when it comes to monthly housing expenses, they should not exceed 30% of your salary. It is also important that you budget for upfront fees, which can be estimated to be around approximately 7-8% of the purchase price. As the owner of a property, you will also have to go on paying the maintenance fees along with annual service fees. Keep these in mind when you decide to buy property in Sharjah. These factors play an important role when it comes to deciding on a property.
Maintenance Costs
When you buy a property in the UAE, you must pay government agencies’ maintenance costs. Depending on which emirate you buy a property in, the charges will vary. Be sure to determine the maintenance costs before buying real estate properties.
Savings
Perhaps one of the major factors you will need to consider when buying a home is the down payment. As per the UAE Central Bank Regulations, the minimum deposit that you will need as an expat in the UAE is 25% of the purchase price for properties that are valued at less than AED 5 million and 20% for nationals.
Just keep in mind that a personal loan that you obtain from a local bank cannot finance your down payment. This payment will be made from your own savings. The transaction cost, agent fees and bank fees can be financed through a personal loan.
Rental yields
When you start thinking long-term, you will want to convert your home into an investment property down the line. In this light, it is important to assess whether the projected rental income will be sufficient to cover the monthly mortgage repayment and maintenance expenses.
Residence Visa
Suppose your future residency in Sharjah is valued above AED 1 million. In that case, you will be entitled to having a residency visa through home ownership, which would be subjected to certain conditions. As an expat coming to the UAE, you will have two types of visas, these 6-month multi-entry one or a 2-year residency. Individuals who own property can also sponsor a visa for their immediate family.
To Conclude,
Now that you know about the things you should consider when buying a real estate property in Sharjah, you can move on to investing your savings. Remember, the UAE has a diversified culture, and as an expat, a lot of the savings you make will be directed towards settling into a new life. Happy Investment!
