Apartment rents in Abu Dhabi maintained their downward trend and declined by around six per cent in the third quarter of 2011 after soaring to their highest levels during 2007-2008, a real estate firm said on Thursday.
The rate of fall in the third quarter was slightly slower than in the previous two quarters, when rents receded by eight and nine per cent respectively, the Dubai-based Asteco real estate management company said,“This indicates a degree of stabilization in the third quarter of this year,” it said in its quarterly real estate monitor.
Villa rental rates for third quarter were relatively static for the second consecutive quarter although villas in off-island locations such as Mohamed Bin Zayed City and Khalifa City continued to slide by five percent on average.
"The strong rental demand we are witnessing is being driven by existing residents' desire to upgrade and secure better value for money accommodation. This trend is set to continue as future improved quality accommodation is handed over in the coming months," said Elaine Jones, CEO, Asteco Property Management.
In terms of sales, the market was still characterized by low sales volumes but the level of sales enquiries increased amid the delivery of completed projects.To try and stimulate sales activity in the market, Aldar has announced a rent-to-own scheme on unsold properties at Al Zeina and Al Bandar. "Rent-to-own schemes are an effective way of stimulating demand. Similar initiatives have been successful in the past, such as the Green Community in Dubai," Jones said.