As a Dubai investor, you've likely noticed the buzz around 1% monthly payment plans. Real Estate Developers like Expo City, Damac, and Danube are offering them, promising an incredibly low barrier to entry in buying property. But are they right for YOU? This guide will help you make a smart decision.
How 1% Payment Plans Work
Down Payment: 15-20% to reserve the property. (Plus the 4% DLD Property Registration fees)
Monthly Instalments during construction: 1% of the property price for typically 4 years.
Post-Handover: Remaining balance (often 30-40%) paid with 1% monthly instalments for 3-5 years, interest-free.
Real-Life Example: Expo City 1-Bedroom
Investment: AED 1.8 Million
Downpayment: AED 360,000
DLD Fees: AED 75,000
Monthly Instalments (Pre-Handover): AED 18,000
Post-Handover (with Rental Income): Monthly Instalment + Service Charges: AED 19,250
Rental Income: AED 9,166 (reflects AED 110,000 annual rent)
Net Monthly Cost: AED 10,084
Potential ROI: After the 8-year plan, you could net AED 110,000 annually (around 6% ROI).
Why Developers Offer 1% Plans
Attract Buyers: Grabs attention in a competitive market.
Halal Investing: Appeals to a large market of investors who follow Islamic principles prohibiting interest (riba).
Bypass Mortgage Hurdles: Allows buyers with lower income to access larger properties.
Early Funding: Ensures consistent cash flow for construction.
The Hidden Cost: Are They Truly Interest-Free?
While there's no explicit interest rate, developers often inflate property prices to compensate for the extended payment period. Plus, consider the opportunity cost of not investing your down payment elsewhere.
Important Note for Cash Buyers
If you have significant cash available, a 1% plan might not be the best use of your funds. Consider purchasing a near-completion property where you might negotiate a better deal. Remember, the higher price on a 1% plan means less potential for capital appreciation if you're looking to flip the property.
Is a 1% Plan Right for You?
Cash Flow: Can you comfortably afford the monthly payments (around AED 18,000 pre-handover for a 1 Bedroom) AND manage your current living expenses, as well as save for future expenses like service charges? A comfortable income of AED 35,000 to AED 50,000 per month is recommended.
Investment Goals: Is rental income your priority? 1% plans are best for long-term rental yields, not quick flips.
Market Comparison: Thoroughly compare total costs against similar properties with traditional financing. I feel a mortgage of 25 years would be more expensive as the interest you are paying around 4.5% yearly multiplied by 25 is too high.
Should You Buy? A Case-by-Case Decision
1% plans CAN be beneficial, especially if you have consistent income, want to avoid traditional mortgages due to religious beliefs or preference, and are targeting rental returns. But for a quick flip or sale, these would not work for you, as you are buying at a higher price. But being able to pay off a property in around 8 years, is amazing. It's certainly better than a 25 year mortgage. Expo City might be a particularly promising location due to future developments. However, always focus on the long-term costs.
My Role: Your Investment Advisor
I'm here to help you make the best decision for YOUR financial goals. Let's analyse your individual situation and see if a 1% plan is the right fit. Especially for the Damac Townhouses and the Expo City Apartments.