Property purchase is one of the largest investments you make in your lifetime. So, naturally, ensuring that each penny of your investment is worth it is paramount. With so many choices of types of properties available in the market, it can get extremely overwhelming to reach the final decision, to say the least. However, filtering your options through a pragmatic approach will allow you to make a sound and well-informed decision.
Before you decide on the location or whether you want to go for a duplex, apartment, townhouse, penthouse, villa, or commercial property, if that is what you seek, you need to first make the primary choice. This decision involves selecting between a ready-to-move-in property and an off-plan property.
Pros of a Ready-to-move Property
There are plenty of reasons why a lot of people choose to invest in a ready-to-move-in property, the primary among them being the following reasons.
Immediate Occupancy
Needless to say, the biggest advantage of selecting a ready-to-move-in property is the fact that you can immediately occupy it the moment you purchase it. Whether you are going to reside in it or give it for rental, you can reap the benefits of your situation.
The advantage of rental yields or the luxury of settling down quickly is unparalleled. Furthermore, you don’t have to deal with the risk of construction delays.
Evaluation of Finished Products
With ready-to-move-in properties, you get the benefit of seeing first-hand the condition and state of the finished products as well as the overall architecture. You don’t have to rely on a blueprint or a computerized image of what your property might look like.
You get to inspect and experience what you are investing in which eliminates the risk of discrepancies between the promised product and the finished one. Quality check is of utmost importance for the huge sum you are paying and such properties allow you to do so.
Established Community
Ready-to-move-in properties are often located in established communities. They are present in the best locations in Dubai to own a property that has all the necessary amenities
and facilities you will need to go about your lifestyle. You get a clear idea of the schools, hospitals, retail outlets, restaurants, departmental stores, and transportation avenues, among others. This allows you to make an informed decision before making your final purchase.
Not to mention, this evaluation also opens up the room for more evaluation. This also stems from the fact that these properties are usually up for sale for a longer time. The need for a family-friendly neighborhood, the proximity to work, as well as overall safety of the nearby community can be adjudged with these properties.
Cons of a Ready-to-move Property
With good things come the bad. Purchasing a ready-to-move-in property doesn’t come without its flaws, with the pivotal ones among them being the following.
Higher Cost
Because ready-to-move-in properties allow immediate occupancy, they tend to be costlier than off-plan properties. So, your budget needs to always be on the higher end compared to when you are purchasing the latter.
You need to remember that you are getting the benefit of avoiding a construction-related delay. So, to make up for it, these properties charge you extra. So, those people who are on a tight budget often refrain from purchasing these properties.
Limited Customization
Since your participation in having a say about the architectural style of ready-to-move-in properties is limited, you will not find much scope for imparting any customized element to your house. You will have to suffice with the interior and exterior design implemented by the developer.
Any heavy customization will require you to start from scratch by demolishing any existing aspect of the property, which, in itself, is either not feasible or burns a hole in your pocket.
Depreciation
In stark contrast to their off-plan counterparts, ready-to-move-in properties often don’t appreciate in value. This is mostly because the initial discount is already availed off by the first buyer. The market trends for ready-to-move-in properties are not as favorable compared to off-plan properties.
Therefore, if you are thinking of reselling your purchase, a ready-to-move-in property might not be the most profit-inducing option. Add to the fact that there are more chances of the presence of wear and tear in these properties clubbed with outdated features increases their chances of depreciation.
Pros of an Off-plan Property
As time has evolved, the popularity of off-plan properties has seen an uprising. Several factors have contributed to their popularity. Some of them are as follows.
Cost-effective and Appreciation
Off-plan properties always quote a lower price than their ready-to-move-in properties since property developers offer incentives and discounts to potential buyers. This is mostly done to encourage them to invest early in the development stage of the property.
Since buyers are not immediately moving in, the developers provide the concession of offering discounts so that they can wait patiently till the completion of the project.
Modern Facilities and Customization
Off-plan properties are equipped with the latest amenities that make way for the ultimate modern urban lifestyle. Add to the fact that there is a huge room for customization; it makes all the sense to invest in such a property.
This is especially true for those who want a distinct style in their property. From choosing the aesthetics, theme, wall colors, flooring materials, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen countertops, among others, you get to have the final say in every little detail of your house.
Flexible Payment Plans
A major benefit that off-plan property provides is the humongous flexibility that it offers in its payment plan packages. You don’t have to pay the entire amount upfront. In fact, you barely have to pay one-fifth or in some cases, one-tenth of the payment as your initial deposit. As these properties are not fully developed, they don’t need the entire amount altogether initially.
The payment plan is often marked with specific construction milestones and can be made through several installments. The final portion is usually paid after the completion of the project and on handover.
Cons of an Off-plan Property
Buying an off-plan property does come with its own set of risks. So, practice caution and keep the following points in mind.
Risk of Delays
No matter how much assurance you are given on the date of completion of the project you have invested in, many extenuating circumstances can come into play that may govern delays. The delay also means that the handover is pushed off the line and it can hamper your planned financial situation.
The uncertainty can’t be ruled out. Bad weather, disruptions in the supply chain, and labor shortages, among others, can dampen the construction. Even though your investment is secured as long as you rely on a reputed property developer, the delay in time can be detrimental to your financial health.
No Immediate Return
As the property is not immediately habitable, you can’t put it on rent and expect a rental yield from it. This puts a severe financial strain on many buyers, especially those who are already paying rent somewhere else or are mortgaging another property as the construction of the off-plan property goes on.
In addition, you have limited information about the final product. No matter how many detailed definitions you have laid out, you can’t see your vision come to reality immediately.
To Conclude
As you can see, both ready-to-move-in and off-plan properties offer their own advantages and disadvantages. If you are on a limited budget, have time on your hands, and want to customize your property, go for an off-plan option. On the other hand, if you want to immediately occupy your property and want rental yields, then a ready-to-move-in property is ideal for you.
Making one crucial decision by choosing between a ready-to-move-in property and an off-plan property will automatically make the final selection of your property much smoother and easier. So, make your choice wisely and take time to make it. This is one of the biggest investments of your life and you should consider all the options.
