While most Dubai property hunters scroll through endless online listings, real estate expert Bassel Alhamra works a different angle. He just sealed a deal on a six-building compound that never hit the market – at 40% below value. Working from his Dubai office, Bassel spends his days tracking down these hidden gems, from luxury villas to developer bulk deals. Last month alone, he helped a client snag a property for 1.1 million that usually sells for 1.4. His secret? A blend of old-school networking and quick-moving investors who keep cash ready for these fleeting opportunities.
Here are a few strategies that Bassel uses to stay competitive in this market:
Starting with a Game Plan
“You need to have a clear strategy,” says Dubai real estate expert Bassel Alhamra, who spends his days guiding investors through various property deals. He breaks down investment approaches into three main paths: rental income, off-plan flipping, and renovation projects. Some buyers want steady rental income from day one. Others prefer buying off-plan properties, waiting for completion, then selling at a profit. A third group takes on more hands-on projects, buying older properties for renovation and resale. Each path needs different skills, different timing, and different amounts of cash ready to go.
According to Bassel,quick deals need quick cash – it’s that simple. “Off-market deals needs cash to be ready,” Bassel points out. He’s not talking about having money next month or next quarter. He means cash available right now, ready to move when opportunities appear. Last month, Bassel helped a client grab a property for 1.1 million that would normally sell for 1.3 or 1.4 million. The original buyer couldn’t keep up with developer payments, creating an urgent sale situation. These deals pop up regularly, but only for buyers ready to move fast.
Building Connections to Find Off-Market Deals
These urgent sales rarely hit public listings. Instead, they move through networks of connected agents who know which buyers have ready cash. “People with connection in Dubai, they have a way to find this stock,” says Bassel. When he gets a serious buyer, Bassel tells them to stay ready. “I’ll tell you wait. Maybe in a week’s time, in 10 days – I’ll give you a call. I have a real distress deal in my hand which is way below market price and it’s a perfect deal to be finalized. But it should go very fast.”
Despite the focus on quick sales, Bassel advises buyers to think long-term. Before jumping at discounted properties, investors should consider their overall strategy. Some prefer steady rental income, others look to flip properties after renovation. The key is matching urgent opportunities with long-term goals. “You should have a clear strategy for your investment,” he notes. This includes planning both entry and exit points. A 25% discount means little if the property doesn’t fit the buyer’s broader investment plan.
Through these urgent sales, Dubai’s property market has developed an efficient way to match motivated sellers with ready buyers. While most transactions still happen through traditional channels, this parallel market helps solve immediate needs while creating opportunities for prepared investors.
Looking Ahead
Dubai’s property market keeps evolving, but some basics stay the same. Buyers need clear plans, ready cash, and good connections. Sometimes that means waiting for the right deal. Other times it means moving fast when opportunities appear. For anyone looking to invest, Bassel’s advice boils down to this: know your strategy, keep cash ready, and build relationships with people who know the market. The rest comes down to timing and opportunity.
Through ups and downs, Dubai’s property market rewards investors who combine careful planning with quick action. Whether buying one apartment or several buildings, success starts with knowing exactly what you want – and being ready when the right deal appears.
Visit Bassel Alhamra’s website, or check out his Instagram and LinkedIn profile to learn more about his approach.
