Marina and Palm see sales increase

There has been a rise in demand for residential units in the area known as 'New Dubai' during the second half of 2009, according to a new report from Asteco, a property services company. 

Apartment and villa sales prices across Dubai decreased by an average 15 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, representing a significant slowdown in negative growth compared to the quarter-on-quarter decline from Q4 2008 to Q1 2009, the report said. 

However, Palm Jumeirah, which along with the Dubai Marina forms the area known as 'New Dubai', has reported a surge in sales prices during the second half of the year, the report claims. 

It was found that villa prices rose by 20 per cent and apartment prices have risen seven per cent. With more properties being handed over, owners are reluctant to sell at a reduced cost and are therefore leasing their units, Asteco claim. 

This has led to apartment and villa rental rates on the Palm dropping by 12 per cent and 25 per cent respecively. 

Andrew Chambers, Asteco's managing director, said the "demand has mostly been for one- and two-bedroom apart-ments and for three- and four-bedroom townhouses" in the 'New Dubai' areas.