Aligning to changing consumer trends in real estate
For the real estate sector, obsolescence has been as old a challenge as the industry itself. Developments degenerate, and their appeal declines with time and changing perceptions and expectations of people. However, today, this challenge has become far more complex and pressing. Rapidly changing consumer trends, catalysed by the constant evolution of technology, demographics and social structures, are raising more questions than answers for real estate professionals, who need a whole new perspective on how real estate is designed, built, and managed.
Dubai's real estate landscape is a prime example of changing consumer trends. What was once a sought-after destination for global investors, is evolving into a mature market where people are looking for homes, not just assets. The city's diverse demographics also gives us a glimpse of how consumer trends are shapeshifting on a global scale. Additionally, the government, with its numerous initiatives to drive a knowledge-based, diverse economy, is building a robust foundation for the city's future. The time is ripe for change in the city's approach to real estate; and the industry players who will survive and thrive on this change, will be the ones who recognise one simple, yet profound fact – that real estate is a consumer-driven business and a service in and of itself.
DAMAC Properties, since its inception, has been at the forefront of the many phases of Dubai's real estate sector. Our continued success over the years has been a result of our human-centred approach. Today, our customers are not just capital markets and those who are only looking at returns on investments, but those who are going to use what we create.
Understand the demographics
Today, millennials are driving consumer trends not just among their demographic, but across a cross section of the population. For real estate developers, understanding this demographic is vital. However, this task is easier said than done. Millennials are by far the most diverse generation of all time. Their likes, dislikes, aspirations, and motivations are spread out, and for any business, it is essential to consider this diversity and stay away from generalisation. We need to continually look for factors that connect them and those that differentiate them. With the rise in co-living and co-working trends, it is clear that today's customers are looking at real estate as a service. They are looking to rent or buy homes that exist in wholesome communities where they can interact with others who share common beliefs and aspirations. At the same time, they also want to live in spaces that align with their individuality. That's why, at DAMAC, we have intensified our focus on creating mixed-use developments that offer a diverse range of world-class amenities and community spaces. However, our job does not stop there. We also work on activating these spaces by organising events and activities that bring people together.
Embrace Technology
Let's face it, technology is now synonymous to life, and consumers are continually being exposed to the next big revolution in convenience and user experience. Technology, particularly mobile and digital, has put the consumer back into the driver's seat, and the way they interact with businesses across the board has changed completely. Thus, the real estate sector must embrace technology, not just to build better and more efficiently, but to connect with consumers and enable them through seamless services. Last year, we launched 'Hello DAMAC', our online customer service portal that allows customers to take care of all their community management requirements online. Besides enabling homeowners and residents, the portal has been hugely successful in helping us better understand their needs and expectations through valuable feedback.
Rethink Investors' Returns
Besides coming up with new ways to engage community members and leveraging technology to enable them, we must also create new and innovative channels to bring returns on investments for customers. Traditionally, there are two primary sources of returns for real estate investors – long-term rental yields and capital returns. Real estate developers can play a crucial role in further diversifying returns for investors. At DAMAC, we have launched rental pool programs across a selection of our hospitality offerings, through which investors can get high returns without worrying about the management of their assets.
The real estate industry needs to move away from a one-dimensional approach that revolves around 'placemaking' and adopt a more rounded strategy. To become developers of the future, we need to develop skills that were probably not required a few years ago. We need to be innovative in terms of what we offer our customers. We must shift our values away from the physical to the service aspects of real estate. Above all, we have to work extensively on understanding the people we serve.
Being one of the world's leading real estate developers, DAMAC Properties offers a wide range of Luxury villas for sale in Dubai. The company has gained global recognition for its high-quality residential, office, retail and hotel projects located across the UAE. It is a Dubai-based property developer that offers homes of international standards and modern amenities. The company has developed properties in Dubai and the Northern Emirates region such as the luxurious residential complexes like DAMAC Hills, DAMAC Hills 2 and Portofino at DAMAC Lagoons. DAMAC Properties offers a wide range of properties like Apartment for sale in Dubai By Crypto, Flats For Sale In Safa One, Properties For Sale In Damac Hills 2 and townhouses in Dubai at affordable prices. Opting to buy properties for sale in Dubai with payment plan from DAMAC Properties will be an excellent decision as you can benefit from flexible payment plans.
