Booked yourself one too many viewings?
We get it, house hunting can be an exciting and long process to find just the perfect space for yourself! And it only gets easier when you’ve got a great broker who understands you and the type of home you’re after.
But if you are a bit unsure on what to look out for when house-hunting or are embarking on the exciting experience of moving into your own home for the first time – we’ve got just the checklist for you to tick off and find the perfect home.
So, let’s get ticking!
Location
One of the first questions to ask is the property conveniently located in terms of proximity to your workplace, schools, amenities, and transportation? As your location will make all the difference, you want to know if living there works there for you in terms of convenience too. And ask yourself; Is the neighbourhood suitable for your lifestyle? Its crucial to check that the community has amenities you’re after so you can feel comfortable within the neighbourhood.
Size and layout
Before scheduling any viewings, you want to shortlist how many bedrooms or the kind of size you’re searching for. At the viewing, ask yourself; does the property offer sufficient space to accommodate your needs? And does the layout of the property align with your preferences? Consider factors like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, and storage space and see if you’re happy with it.
Condition
Before signing anything, make sure you assess the overall condition of the property, including the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows. Check for signs of dampness, water leaks, or structural issues. Inspect the functionality of electrical systems, plumbing, heating, and cooling. And if you find any issues, raise them with the landlord to have them repaired before moving in.
Natural lighting and ventilation
As Dubai is a hot city, you want to consider finding a home that’s well ventilated preferably with central AC and be mindful that if you want natural light coming in, the amount of natural light entering the property isn’t harsh or causing too much warmth in the room.
Ensure there is proper ventilation in all rooms, especially kitchens and bathrooms.
Privacy and noise
This one comes as no surprise, as we all respect and love our privacy, its good to assess the level of privacy on the floor, and from neighbouring buildings or public areas. Such as how close are the buildings together, are the neighbourhood areas loud or disturbing.
Consider potential sources of noise, such as busy roads, construction sites, or neighbouring businesses.
Storage space
Who doesn’t love extra storage space, so before moving in ensure there is a good availability of storage options, such as closets, cabinets, or a garage.
Amenities and facilities
We know Dubai’s properties are famous for their state-of-the-art amenities, and so before moving in ensure that the property you’re viewing clicks all the boxes.
Make sure that your property ticks of the basic amenities such as parking, security, gyms, pools, or recreational areas. And determine if there are any additional costs associated with using these amenities.
Maintenance and upkeep
While this isn’t uncommon in Dubai, a lot of properties have maintenance and upkeep costs – so it’s better to keep up and inquire about any maintenance responsibilities, fees, or regulations associated with the property or community.
Rental terms or purchase details
Once you’ve decided to go ahead with a property, make sure to ask and understand the rental terms, lease duration, security deposit, or purchase details like price, financing options, or closing costs.
Gut feeling
We often oversee this one, but your first home is a long-term investment and it’s important to trust your instincts and consider how comfortable and happy you feel in the property.
We suggest you visualise yourself living there and assess if it aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations.
Once you’ve ticked these boxes – you’re ready to call it yours!
Searching for your dream home?
Are you looking for your dream home, then get in touch with our property experts or check out some of our lettings live listings!