Use calculators to understand a scenario, but verify current rules and fees before making a financial commitment.
Start with the complete picture
A useful property decision includes more than the headline price or rent. Build your comparison around the cash needed today, recurring costs, financing, flexibility and the time you expect to keep the property.
Use realistic assumptions
Use numbers you can support rather than the most optimistic scenario. Allow for vacant periods, maintenance, service charges, insurance, transaction fees and changes in interest rates where they apply.
Compare like with like
Keep the same time period and include the same categories of cost in every option. A monthly mortgage repayment cannot be compared fairly with rent unless deposits, fees, maintenance and the value of built-up equity are also considered.
Verify before committing
Rules and charges can differ by emirate, development, lender and transaction type. Confirm material figures through the relevant land department, municipality, bank, building manager or qualified adviser before signing.