In the last few years, Dubai has earned the status of a hub for real estate investment. The emirate has some of the best residential properties. There are beautiful villas, cosy apartments, and not to forget, some of the most stunning waterfront developments.

However, bear in mind that all that glitters is not gold. A seemingly beautiful home that you have selected may not live up to your expectations. From plumbing issues to broken cabinets and cracked tiles, numerous issues can crop up.

To ensure nothing of this sort happens with you, it’s important that you view and inspect the property thoroughly before buying it. Here’s a comprehensive guide that will help you with the same:

Take Someone with You

It’s always a safe idea to take someone along with you, other than the agent when going for property viewing. The reason why not relying on the agent is recommended here is that they are as much loyal to, as they are to the seller. Their main purpose is to earn a commission for which they’ll want the deal to go through.

When you take a friend or a trusted person for property viewing, you will have an objective set of eyes. They can give you second opinions or even better, help to identify flaws or issues that you had missed.  

Pay Attention to Small Details

Most of us, when viewing a property, tend to ignore small details. However, they are the ones that can matter the most when you have moved into the property. For example, the seller may try to conceal cracks on walls or floors by covering them with décor items. You need to be diligent enough to note them and take into account when making your decision.

You can also use this point to your benefit, as you will have the upper hand when negotiating the price with the seller.  

Focus on Curb Appeal

If it’s a villa or a standalone home, it should have a nice lawn and other outdoor amenities, such as a pool, patio, etc. In case it’s an apartment, consider the appearance of the building, staircase, and elevators. Also, check the conditions of the amenities and facilities available for residents.

Nowadays, apartment buildings in Dubai come with modern amenities, such as a fully-equipped fitness centre, temperature-controlled infinity pools, spa, sauna and steam rooms, etc. However, they wouldn’t be of any use if they do not work properly. For example, if the machinery available in the gym malfunctions often or the steam room doesn’t have the latest equipment, you wouldn’t be able to use them. Therefore, when visiting the property, make sure to inspect every facility that’s available for residents.

Consider Lighting & Sound

It goes without saying that lighting impacts the outlook and décor of the property up to a great extent. A property lit dwelling features a vibrant aura, while a house that doesn’t get sufficient sunlight has a rather dull ambience. So, it’s important that you check the home for sunlight.

Other than that, be attentive to sounds. Do not neglect if you hear an unrecognised sound when viewing a property. Ask the seller for its source. In many cases, leaking or faulty pipes or malfunctioned air conditioners are the sources of such sounds. Therefore, it’s imperative that you pay attention to them in the preliminary stages.

Size Matters

Indeed, it does! Particularly when talking about rooms. Bigger, spacious rooms appeal to everyone. No matter how beautiful a housing unit is, if it has small rooms, you will have trouble adjusting in it. First of all, your furniture wouldn’t fit in. Even if it does, you wouldn’t have sufficient space to move around freely without colliding with the side of your bed or the dressing table.

Check the Neighbourhood

A beautiful home in a noisy or unsafe neighbourhood – doesn’t really seem like a wise idea. So, while you’re viewing the property, spare some time inspecting the neighbourhood as well. Ask your neighbours about the security conditions and other available amenities. It will give you a fair idea about the living conditions here.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These are some of the must-do practices when you’re viewing a home. However, you cannot use them if you’re buying an off-plan property. In such a case, you have to rely on the reputation of the developer. As buying an off-plan property comes with many perks, a lot of people have shown their interest in the primary market. Stella Maris Dubai, a waterfront development in Dubai Marina, is a prime example of this. The project has gotten immensely popular even before completion. However, if you wish to invest in such a project, it’s recommended to do your research beforehand and then make an informed decision.