Real estate agents or property agents deal with different clients each day and more often than not, they receive queer requests and get even more queer questions from their clients. It is no different in Dubai.
Khaleej Times compiled the most unusual requests and questions the modern city have encountered so far, with the help of several property agents. Being a melting pot of varied cultures, perhaps it is to be expected.
According to Manish Khatri, VP, Sales and Development of SPF Realty:
1) Will landlord allow me to bring my 12 cats?
2) The unit is just for my family -- me, my wife and kids, my mother and brothers and their wives.
3) If the sun rises this side, where will it set?
4) Why do engineers in Dubai build such horrible layouts?
Based on Sophie Potterton's experience, leasing manager, Espace Real Estate:
1) A tenant asked to use the toilet when the property has no Dewa connection.
2) One asked us to check with the landlord to ensure there are no snakes and scorpions in the property.
3) We have been questioned about the neighbours, whether they are quiet or noisy. We would not know this, of course.
4) One asked how much the landlord would take for the property. The answer would evidently be the asking price.
Meanwhile, in real life, the soaring rent prices in Dubai, which has inceased by up to 55 percent in the last 4 years is no laughing matter.
Khaleej Times notes in a different report that those who just arrived in the city or tenants who wants to upgrade their accomodation may find it extremely difficult to find affordable units in popular communities. The only upside is that those tenants on historic leases get to enjoy below part market rents. In fact, rents have doubled in the last few years.
For example, in Dubai Marina, according to Hussain Alladin, head of research, GCP Properties, the rents have increased by 50 percent beginning 2011 while as much as 93 percent increased have been recorded in International City rents.
