Question: I’ve been marketing my townhouse for rent in a popular suburb for two months now with no tenant. The agents bring prospective tenants, but they just look and I never hear from them again. Is this normal? Does it signal a problem with the market or something wrong with my property? CT, Dubai
Answer: Yes, sometimes the property market can be slow in certain segments of Dubai’s rental market. It often signals either a pricing mismatch or competitive supply pressure rather than a complete market slowdown.
It is quite common (as is in your case) for people to come for viewing but not make an offer. There are several possible reasons. Over-pricing could be one. If your asking rent is above current market rates, the tenant flow stalls or you get viewings, because people are curious, but it stops there.
Location or product mismatch could be another reason. Even in a strong suburb, if the townhouse lacks amenities or features, is not decorated to a high standard, or doesn't have a view, or perhaps has higher service charges than younger buildings, demand will weaken.
Supply timing could also be a factor.
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