Over the past few years, Dubai real estate has been so hot that deals can close with “a single phone call.” When short-term flippers with low investment literacy crowd into the market, prices tend to surge fast—and fall just as fast—creating a classic bubble → panic-selling cycle.
This article clarifies common misconceptions, explains the market mechanics, and lays out principles you can actually operate by.
Assuming a purchase price of JPY 24,000,000 and annual rent of JPY 1,800,000:
Gross yield = 7.5%.
That is not the net yield.
Like Japan, Dubai properties incur maintenance and other running costs,
so the net yield will be lower.
— Masa Nozaki (@MasaNozaki2), Aug 29, 2025
“Because leases auto-renew, cash flow is predictable.”
It sounds neat, but auto-renewal alone doesn’t guarantee CF stability. Rent revisions, vacancies, service charges, capex, and rule changes can all shift your numbers.
We also see frequent confusion between:
Rule of thumb: the simpler the pitch, the more cautious you should be.
Change one assumption and your cash flow can break.
In a heated market, high-ticket deals can close with shallow due diligence. That’s scary, but it also creates opportunity when the cycle turns:
A high-supply pipeline in 2027–2028 is widely discussed. When supply lands, flippers’ exits narrow—an easy spark for panic selling.
This is a projection, and actual impact will depend on rates, FX, demand, and policy—i.e., a mix of factors.
Judge by earnings reality, not short-term momentum.
1) Evaluate yield on a net basis
Include service charges, maintenance/capex, taxes/fees, furniture, realistic vacancy, leasing costs, PM/agency fees, and platform fees (for STR).
2) Verify the quality of rental demand
Commuting nodes, schools, transit, retail.
Tenant tenure & profile (tourist-only demand is volatile).
Renewal clauses, break options, rent-review practice.
3) Test substitutability
If a flood of similar alternatives exists at the same price point, downside pressure is high—even in good locations if new supply walls are near.
4) Know your exit mechanics
Process and fees for foreign sellers, expected timing, buyer segments.
Track recent closed comps and list-to-close gaps.
5) Keep leverage disciplined
Model rate/FX stress (interest coverage, LTV, DSCR).
Understand loan covenants and your Plan B under stress.
Keep the decision tree simple:
Who rents? At what yield? For how long? Can I hold through a downturn?
If you can answer those with numbers, you’re playing the right game.
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