What should I look for when viewing a house or living space? This is an important question every individual who is looking to buy property in Dubai must get an answer to. Particularly if you are a first-time home buyer in this city, it is essential to be aware of certain property viewing basics so that you can make a well-informed decision that you wouldn’t regret in the later stages.
It is important to note that a property buying guide is not the same as a property viewing guide. While the former contains steps that one has to follow when buying a property, the latter relates to inspection of the property in the initial stages. Sellers or agents try to hide the flaws or weak points of their property from buyers to increase its value. This guide will enable you to locate these flaws and learn much more about property viewing in Dubai. Read on to know more!
Don’t Rush into Things
Never plan a visit to your potential new living space when you are short on time. If possible, plan a property viewing visit on weekends so that you can have ample time to pay attention to every minor and major detail. If you are rushing things, there are high chances you will miss out on important details that can become a cause of concern for you later on. So, take your own time and inspect the property from every possible angle. Furthermore, don’t just settle for a single visit. If you have liked the property and are inclined towards buying it, visit it once more before making the final decision. You may encounter certain details that you overlooked in the earlier visit that can influence your decision.
Have a Virtual Tour
With the help of advanced technology, you can now have a detailed look at a particular property without having to visit it. Many real estate agents and builders now offer the option of having a virtual tour of the property. This feature can specifically come in handy in the current times where people are encouraged to stay indoors. You can have a look at the property, inspect its details, right from the comfort of your home.
Even when not in lockdown, this particular feature can prove to be quite useful. It can help to save your time as you will not have to physically visit the property to see it. Simply, take a virtual tour of the property before and decide if you want to visit and closely inspect it or not.
Pay Attention to Nitty-Gritty Details
Paying attention to nitty-gritty details of a property in Dubai holds crucial importance. Your experience of living in that residence will depend largely on these details. Therefore, you must not neglect them. These include:
Direction & Sunlight
Make sure you are aware of the direction the house faces. Not many people pay attention to this but it can turn out to be a vital factor. It can not only have an impact on the lighting but your monthly DEWA charges as well. For example, if the property faces the east direction, sunlight, during the major part of the day, will be able to enter it through the windows and create a nice, well-lit ambiance. Furthermore, it will also reduce electricity charges as you will not have to depend on lighting fixtures to illuminate the rooms. If you aren’t sure about the direction of the property, don’t hesitate in asking the agent about the same or you can use your smartphone for this purpose as most of them come with a built-in compass.
Storage Area & Size of Rooms
Size matters, particularly when it comes to the rooms of the place you are going to call your new home. If the property is unfurnished, make sure the rooms are spacious so that they can accommodate your furniture and other stuff easily. Moreover, check whether the property has a storage area or not. All the extra stuff you own that can’t be placed in the living or bedroom needs a proper place to be stored. This is why it is important to have a storage area in the property.
Maintenance Work
Keep an eye on the maintenance work a property has undergone. It will give you an idea how old the property is and about its condition. Furthermore, don’t get deceived by the fancy interior work. They are mostly done to hide the flaws of the property. So, be very diligent and observant during your visit and don’t miss any such detail.
Other important details you shouldn’t miss out on are pipework, window frames, bathroom fixtures, etc. The more closely you observe these details, the better decision you will be able to make.
Leave Your Emotions at Home
It’s always mind over heart when viewing a property. A living space may look extremely beautiful and win your heart over the moment you step into it. However, there are chances that it has certain flaws and issues that can impact your lifestyle adversely once you shift into it. So, don’t just trust what your heart says when viewing a property, leave your emotions at home, and let your mind make the decision.
Sharpen your Hearing & Smelling Senses
When a property has unwanted moisture, it gives off an unpleasant musty odor. This indicates damp, which property owners/sellers usually cover by paint or using air fresheners the moment before you enter the premises. So, if you smell such an odor, ask the agent or seller where it is coming from.
Other than that, also take into account unfamiliar sounds. For example, if a door/window, appliance, or another part of the property makes a sound you aren’t familiar with, inquire the agent about it.
Keep an Eye on Surroundings
Needless to say, it is important to know about the area the property is located in. If you plan to move into the new home with your family, ensure the area is family-friendly. The views of the surrounding properties should be pleasant and there must not be much noise pollution. All these features will have a direct impact on the living experience in your new home.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you are looking for a property for sale in United Arab Emirates, follow this comprehensive home viewing guide to make a decision that can prove to be fruitful for you in the long run. An important piece of advice here is that one shouldn’t discard a property if it has prominent flaws or issues. You can use this flipside to the said living space to your advantage by negotiating with the seller and getting it on reduced rates.
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