Denise  I agree you have to watch your tenants and it is the case in Dubai today that some families on low wage do indeed pack in 4 to 5 to a studio. Security also needs to be watched if the flat is left empty for a period.  Best plan is rent for  a couple of years cash in and upgrade and start the cycle again besr of luck

Thanks for the advice. Having looked around a bit more, it seems that 40.000 would be maximum rent. I would be a little afraid of furnishing the studios with really good furniture, unless you can be sure about your tenants. I have read on other forums  that since this is the first affordable accommodation being built, there is a fear that it might become a bit of a ghetto, attracting workers from third world countries, who will try to live three to a studio. I actually can't see this, personally, but would be wary of paying too much for furniture. We will probably furnish from Ikea, unless we find a better similarly-priced alternative. 

http://www.justlanded.com/english/dubai/tools/just_landed_guide/housing/rental_costs

Denise good luck with the rental its something I have to deal with myself soon as none of my flats are ready either - site above gives guide prices in dollars for some flats.  From what I have seen in adds 30k-40k is the studio range .  Much higher rents can be achieved by renting to tourists on short term basis but there is extra to pay for clean up after.  I like you will try and rent longterm and furnished will be looking to get about 500gbp for each studio ie 6000GBP/year ie about 42000dhs this may be unrealistic but will put in high quality furnishing and in fact thesae studios will be like a good hotel suite for which you qould pay a lot more.  Hope this helps - I would say your husband should go back and say that his price is the basic one and add maintenance cost etc of 5000Dhs

We've just been told by the seller that our studio will be ready for handover within a couple of weeks. A company my husband used to work for is just moving to Dubai and want to rent it. What kind of rent do you think we should we be looking at?We had intended to rent furnished. My husband, being unaware or rents in Dubai, has offered them the studio unfurnished at 30.000 AED. Of course, renting to someone you know means that you have peace of mind, since you know that they are not going to trash the place.However 30.000 seems rather low? Do you have any ideas about rents?I have seen studios on I.C. advertised at 40-50.000 AED, although 50.000 seems unrealistic, since 1 beds are being advertised at 55.000AED. Any input much appreciated.

Denise

Thanks Denise for the site great photos.  I wouldnt worry about over stauration the reality is with the planned developments by the Dubai Rulers people will be coming to Dubai for many years so getting rental income will not be a problem. I suppose the key is to have a good exit plan.  My own plan is to keep small appartments for say 5 years and then upgrade to a bigger one say at Dubai Marina. However now is a good time for the marina which is becoming the new center of Dubai and prices are reasonable .  I would recommend you visit before deciding on a second Icity flat and look at some other developments. Although as a straight investment Icity is top.

The one aspect of investing in this area that worries me  is the sheer amount of development going on and the density of each development. Is it possible that at some point the market is going to become over-saturated? Still can't decide whether Ajman is a good idea or whether to go for another apartment in International City. Prices have risen since we bought, however we've been offered one on France at a reasonable price.

I'm sure you've got some great  photographs of the area since you've been there, but thought you might like to have a look at this site. Since we haven't been to Dubai we got some idea of the progress of I.C from     www.pbase.com/bmcmorrow/dubaiprojects 

Denise Property wise I have invested in a few places in Dubai through VAKSON.   I have focused on this emirate but know the others have kicked off.  I also recommend Discovery Gardens development in Dubai which is just beside the Ibn Battuta shopping mall.

Yes Denise ENGLAND is near the main entrance and the values should stay high.  I have visited many times and the progress is good.  I imagine the main structure on the X block will be finished by December but the internals ahould take a bit longer. The Y block will be finished sooner.  Overall these are good rentable investments and the price will rise.  Dubai is a super spot and these flats are a win win deal. Goodluck