Most investors know that high oil prices mean increased building costs, but Ajman property prices still remain the lowest in the UAE.

The Emirates by night

The cost of raw materials such as steel and cement which are extremely energy intensive to produce, have push up building costs throughout the world. These costs are in turn passed on to property purchasers.

Despite the recent increases, Ajman real estate is still an attractive option, particularly when compared to property in the rest of the UAE. Last year the average price of property in Ajman stood at around 400 Dhs per sq ft, now the price is nearer 600 Dhs per sq ft. However, when you consider that the average cost per square foot in nearby Dubai is approaching 1600 Dhs, you can why Ajman continues to attract buyers.

As the price of Dubai property becomes increasingly expensive, many locals are purchasing in Ajman and commuting to work in Dubai. Those who prefer renting are eschewing the high rents of Dubai in favour of Ajman where monthly rental costs are more affordable.

As a result of this switch in buying/renting patterns, property close to the Emirates Road which links Ajman to Dubai is becoming particularly sought-after.

Apartments at the newest developments such as the Burj ul Ain and the Lake Signature Tower can be bought for a fraction of the cost of similar apartments in Dubai, and their proximity to the Emirates Road mean they are ideally placed to take advantage of this new trend.

Ajman Property Report - 18th September 2008

MENAFN Press reported that the Board of Directors for Ajman Marina the USD 3 billion waterfront development on the shores of the Emirate of Ajman have appointed the hugely experienced Mr Abdullah Saud Al Dehaim as Deputy CEO.

New Marina project will interest Ajman property investors

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Abdullah Al Majed Head of the Executive Committee of Ajman Marina’s Board of Directors said that “It is with great pleasure that we make this appointment. Mr Abdullah Saud Al Dehaim offers the company a wealth of experience in the fields of international project management and investor relations and he will be a valuable asset to Ajman Marina over the coming years, as we move forward with this landmark project.”

Mr Abdullah Saud Al Dehaim said that “It is both a privilege and a pleasure to be offered this post. Ajman Marina is an exciting project with international importance and I look forward to using my skills and experience to ensure the successful completion and running of the development. Ajman Marina will be the jewel in the shore of the Emirate of Ajman and I aim to ensure and consolidate its position as such.” He has a diploma in English Language and Business English plus experience in high-profile projects in Turkey and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ajman Marina is a brand new development based on the coast of Ajman, the smallest of the seven Emirates. It encompasses a range of commercial and residential real estate developments, including 8000 freehold residential units, as well as all associated amenities and infrastructure covering a total of 17 million square feet.

Source: steelguru.com

Ajman Property Report - 9th September 2008

When talk turns to property investment in the UAE, Dubai is usually the main topic of conversation. However, recently the tiny emirate of Ajman - which it would be fair to say that a few years ago, no one had even heard of - is starting to be mentioned as the next big thing.

A superb two bedroom villa property for only £149,794

With a land area of just 260km2 it’s hardly surprising that this compact emirate has been overlooked by many, but to avid investors in Ajman property, size matters not a jot.

Ajman’s low property prices which average around 650 (AED) per square foot, compared to Dubai where the average price is nearer 1600 (AED) per square foot, are attracting ever-increasing numbers of investors.

Ajman’s proximity to Dubai is also seen as a major plus point; many of the new wave of property developments are situated close to the Emirates Road which means that Dubai International Airport is reachable within 25 minutes, with Dubai’s headline-grabbing tourist draws only a short car journey away.

Add to this the prospect of the new Dubai Metro system being extended to link to Ajman, the massive port redevelopment and the millions of dollars of investment by the Government of Ajman into a raft of major infrastructure projects, and it’s easy to see why this dynamic emirate is finding favour with switched-on investors.

Arguably, two of the most appealing new property offerings are the Burj ul Ain Tower and the Chapal Flora Residences, both of which are located conveniently close to the Emirates Road.

Stylish, studios at the Burj ul Ain are available for just £41,321 (GBP). One bedroom apartments start at £61,589 and two bedroom units can be bought for only £90,859. Burj ul Ain properties also come with an unprecedented 9.69% rental guarantee, making them an ideal purchase for buy-to-let investors.

Although villa properties in Ajman are relatively rare and as such, much sought-after, it’s possible to pick up a two bedroom, two bathroom villa with private covered parking at the Chapal Flora Residences (pictured) for as little as £149,794.

Ajman may never rival Dubai in terms of fame and glamour, but with such advantageous property prices, convenient closeness to Dubai and a forward thinking government eager to attract inward investment, Ajman is beginning to make its mark on the world of international property investment.

For more information on the properties mentioned, call (00 34) 952 765 993

Buyers of Ajman property are now virtually guaranteed a residency visa after the enactment of a recent government initiative aimed at clarifying and simplifying the whole process.

Reassuring News

Investors in Ajman properties will be given visas provided sub-developers give assurance to that effect to master developers.

The visa is issued once the buyer or investor gains procession of the property and the developer issues a no objection letter. It is believed that the issuing of the no objection letter will be a formality.

Several leading Ajman property developers have already announced that they will be signing pacts with master developers for the issuance of the residence visas. Visas are valid for one year and can be renewed on an annual basis. The cost of the visa is set at 1500 Dhs - £220 (GBP).

With properties in Ajman costing at least 35% less than those in nearby Dubai, the easing of visa restrictions looks set to further enhance the emirate in the eyes of switched-on international property investors.

New developments such as the keenly priced Lake Signature Tower which is part of a major real estate project just 25 minutes drive from Dubai are already attracting buyers seduced by an entry level price of just £36,100 (GBP) for high-spec studio apartments.

The assurance of a residency visa coupled with low prices is sure to make Ajman the place to invest for many years to come.

Ajman Property Report: 20th August 2008

The first phase of the new, $3.3 billion (USD) Ajman International Airport is scheduled for completion by 2011. The airport is to be built by a Spanish consortium, Groupo Inmobiliario Whitelake and when finished the huge, six million square metre site will include residential and business areas, a free zone and aircraft maintenance facilities.

Ajman property: The new destination of choice for UAE investors

The airport will be the UAE’s 4th major airport, and when fully operational, is expected to serve 1 million passengers a year, as well as handling over 400,000 tonnes of air cargo.

It is envisaged that the airport will target low-cost carriers which will be welcome news to investors in Ajman property - Real estate located within a 45 minute drive of an airport, typically receive a 20% price uplift whenever budget carriers announce new routes to the destination.

Construction is due to commence by the second half of 2008, and subject to approval from the Federal Aviation Authority. the project will be executed in two phases.

The multi-million dollar Dubai Metro system which is due to begin carrying passengers in September 2009 could be extended to cover neighbouring Ajman.

Futuristic: The Dubai Metro System

The plan to extend the project is still in its early stage, but should the link go ahead it will be major boost to owners of Ajman properties.

In recent years, the massive growth in property developments, particularly the construction of awe-inspiring edifices that have become instant tourist attractions and the subsequent increased visitor numbers has led to traffic bottlenecks in several parts of the emirates.

It is envisaged that the new metro will play a major part in alleviating the traffic flow problems in Dubai, and any extension into neighbouring emirates will help prevent future traffic issues as they continue to enjoy their own respective property bonanzas.

The proposed extension of the metro is planned to pass through Emirates Road to Al Corniche in Ajman and on to Al Zawra, and then linking Ajman’s newly emerging investment zones.

Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, has made in clear that the plans are very much in their embryonic stage and many more factors will have to be discussed before the project gets the green light.

Sales Manager of Arabian Sands, Tom Browning said: “With more and more people investing in Ajman properties, any additional measures to improve the emirate’s already sound infrastructure are most welcome”. He added: “Currently, off-plan properties in Ajman are over 50% cheaper than Dubai so we expect a continuing interest from overseas investors”.

Dubai Metro System – Key Facts

CompletionThe Metro is scheduled to partially open by September 2009 and be fully completed by 2012.

Stations along the route

There will be a total of 47 stations (in addition to station on the extension lines). The Red Line will have 29 stations, including 24 elevated, four underground and one at ground-level. This line is 52.1 km long, including 4.7 km underground. The Green Line will have 18 stations, including 12 elevated and 6 underground. The Green Line is 22.5 km long, including 7.9 km underground.

Adjacent bus and taxi stations

All main metro stations will have adjacent bus stations as part of the integrated transport system which will include buses, taxis as well as water transport links at stations near the creek.

Construction of viaducts for elevated tracks

A viaduct is a bridge, which is placed over piers to make a track for the train. The construction of viaduct spans for the Dubai Metro has started on Shaikh Zayed Road near Interchange 5.5 near Ibn Battuta Mall.

Each of these viaduct spans is being made up with a minimum of eight pre-cast viaduct deck segments, which are manufactured and transported from Jebel Ali casting yard.

Luxurious interiors

The interior of the trains is based on a water and air theme and every train will have five compartments. Every train will have three classes – The Golden Class (VIP), the Women and Children’s Class and the Silver Class (economy).

The Golden Class will have a luxurious interior with leather seating. The Women and Children’s compartments will have plenty of space for strollers and bags to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

The Silver Class has been finished in a combination of blues and greens. Seating is arranged in a variety of ways giving passengers the choice between admiring views through windows or chatting with friends.

All compartments will have reserved wheelchair spaces for special needs people. There will be a policy of priority seating for elderly, injured, special needs people and pregnant women.