MEAM UAE Business Awards 2018

MEAMARKETS / 2018 UAE Business Awards 7 economy as a whole, with GDP expected to expand by 2.6%, from a seven year low growth rate of 1.7% last year. This is, in turn, expected to help support more stable rates of job creation and increased government spending as confidence levels improve. “In fact, following the announcement by ADNOC at the end of last year to spend AED 400 billion over the next five years to boost growth, we expect to see further infrastructure project announcements this year as the government moves to bolster economic growth.” According to the report, Abu Dhabi’s residential market has the potential to start stabilising by the end of 2018, but until then further softening is expected to persist. “The additional declines will be catalysed by rising levels of property handovers in locations such as Yas Island and Al Raha Beach by Aldar, which will curtail chances for a quicker recovery. We expect a decline of a further 5% to 7% for both residential rents and values during 2018, largely as supply and demand will likely remain out of kilter for a while yet. Positively, bulk corporate leases are back on the agenda for some firms as they move to secure better lease terms, or indeed better quality accommodation for staff, while also making a saving.” Durrani explained. Like the emirate’s residential market, Cluttons report says the office market in the capital is also still facing the pressures of firms that are downsizing or consolidating operations; a trend that began over two years ago. While rents across the city’s prime office buildings held steady during Q1, deals continue to be concluded below headline asking rates in many cases. In secondary and tertiary buildings, rates have dropped by as much as 30% to 50% over the same period. Carnegy said: “In some cases, rents in tertiary buildings have fallen to nearly the same level as prime warehouses. However, these substantial drops do not accurately reflect market conditions and are a result of landlords holding out on rent reductions for extended periods of time, before being forced to make drastic adjustments due to increased vacancy as they chase the market down. “We are aware of a number of instances where landlords are now also willing to cover agency fees. This is a seismic change in behaviour as up to 60% or 70% of landlords are now willing to do this, compared to almost none a few years ago. In addition to this, many are also willing to offer increased parking provisions, increased rent free periods, shorter leases with increased flexibility.” Overall, Cluttons’ report highlights medium term prospects are slightly more encouraging, with rising public sector spending expected to boost GDP growth, which in turn should aid in the return of more robust levels of occupier requirements. “However, this is unlikely to materialise for at least another 9-12 months. Until the market approaches that point, we expect further office rent drops of 5% to 10% on average, across the board, which we expect to continue underpinning the rising relocation activity we are seeing, after a couple of very quiet years. In parallel, occupiers from the banking and public sectors are testing the waters, attempting to capitalise on the softer rents; a clear indication that some are sensing the bottom of the current property cycle ” concluded Durrani. Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Market Nearing Bottom As Economy Prepares For Stronger Growth In 2018