Individuals have different reasons for buying a home. Some prefer to live somewhere they can unwind after a busy day, raise kids, or spend their twilight years in.
Because of this, there’s really no single rule that applies to everyone when it comes to buying the perfect home. Perfection, in this case, is subjective after all.
Still, this doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from some guidance on finding the house of your dreams.
If you’re planning to live in Dubai – whether temporarily or permanently – you can use the top three home buying tips below to make sure the property you pick matches your lifestyle and goals:
1. Identify who you are as a homebuyer
Homebuyers have varying needs and requirements in a property. Some look for Dubai Festival City apartments for rent because these are located conveniently close to the Dubai Festival City Mall, marine transport services and a metro station. Others prefer to live in houses in the suburbs for some peace and quiet.
While everyone has a unique purpose for buying a home, each homebuyer falls under one of a few major categories:
First-time homeowners
As the name suggests, this category covers people about to buy the first ever house they will own.
Besides having a lot to learn, one of the biggest challenges first-time homebuyers face is prioritising the right features.
If you are this type of buyer, you need to remember that a house is an investment for both the present and the future. This means the features you include in your must-haves list need to accommodate both your current and future lifestyle and needs.
Think about what you consider as non-negotiables features:
- Safety and security.
- Low-maintenance fixtures.
- Family adaptability.
- Proximity to work, school, and other places you frequent
After listing down your priorities, try to match them to your budget. Remember, while you may not get everything you want, you’ll at least have the essential things you need to live comfortably and within your means.
Growing families
Some people also decide to find a new home to accommodate their growing families.
The changes in your family dynamics may lead to safety, space, and other constraints, especially when you have more children. Priorities can also change, especially if you live with your senior citizen parents or relatives with special needs.
Because of that, you may need other features in your home that are specifically designed to make life more comfortable for everyone in the family:
- If you have younger children, look for houses with easily monitored yards and outdoor spaces or other amenities for safe outdoor play. Some home features can be baby-proofed, too.
- For families with older children, zoned living spaces are This will ensure privacy for everyone while still keeping it easy to spend quality family time in communal areas.
- If you live with older people and individuals with special needs, you should consider looking for specific accessibility features like handholds, ramps, etc.
Upgraders
Some people also experience dramatic changes in their lifestyle or situation that they eventually need to upgrade their homes.
Whether you’re now earning more than you previously did or need a home that can accommodate a business, you may need to buy a new home to enhance your quality of life.
When looking at real estate prospects, you may need to consider what needs improvement in your current house. Here are some examples:
- Bigger common areas for entertaining guests and hosting social gatherings
- More windows to let more natural light inside the house
- More bedrooms and bathrooms
- Better plumbing and electrical work
- Proximity to essential services, work, and other places you frequent (e.g., school)
- Accessibility to public transport or major roads
Empty nesters
Empty nesters include parents whose kids have already grown up and moved out of their house. This means you no longer need a two-storey house with lots of rooms. Instead, you need a place that caters to your needs as a future retiree and represents the fruits of your labour.
Some features you may need to prioritise include accessibility aids like handrails and ramps. If you’re thinking about buying a condominium, consider a place with an efficient elevator service.
Having a home near grocery stores, hospitals, and other establishments covering essential services is also a must for people in their twilight years.
2. Take a closer look at your lifestyle
Aside from determining where you are in property ownership, you also need to think about how you live your life in the present and near future.
Some people do well in a small space, while others need a bigger area to enjoy their preferred lifestyle. This also affects the location, layout, and interior design of the place you’re planning to rent or buy.
To make it easier for you, below are some personas that describe people’s individual lifestyles and the kind of house they need:
The Jetsetter
Jetsetters are individuals who frequently leave their homes, whether for a job or for fun. They tend to be more familiar with the airport than their own living room and aren’t always present when people visit their house.
Jetsetters need to consider the following in their future home:
- Proximity to public transport or major roads
- Ease of maintenance
- Smaller space but with a walk-in closet
The City Dweller
These are people who are always updated about the best museums, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in town. They tend to have an active nightlife and socialise more than others.
As such, they do well in homes that are:
- Near or within the city
- Accessible via public transportation
- Spacious enough to host after-parties
Take note: City living can be a bit expensive. This means you may have to downsize to a smaller condo or perhaps a one- or two-bedroom apartment to leave room in your budget for your lifestyle.
The Homebody
Homebodies are people who don’t go out much and find pleasure in just staying home, reading a good book, or binge-watching their favourite films and TV shows on weekends. They would rather just be chill if given the chance.
Because of this, homebodies do well in houses that are:
- The epitome of comfort
- Close to grocery stores
- Located in a nice-and-easy neighbourhood
- Furnished with simple furniture and basic appliances
3. Decide on long-term investment
Whether you’re looking to buy from Al Badia Residences for sale or have a place that you’re planning to remodel, you also need to consider whether it’s going to serve as a viable long-term investment.
If it’s purely for rental or sale investment, you need to be careful not to overspend on the property. Besides the upfront costs, consider expenses for possible repairs and renovation work.
Unless you’re planning to live there for the time being, you should also consider having the walls painted a neutral colour to help renters picture themselves living in the place and feeling comfortable about calling it their home.
Remember, a property purchase is a major decision that must be taken seriously.
To make sure you pick the perfect house for you, remember to factor in your lifestyle, goals and needs.
