Better Homes witnesses a positive market reaction

Better Homes has engaged in a number of promotions and campaigns throughout the first half of 2009, where it has focused on offering carefully selected units to its clients, through various marketing methods and channels, within both the sales and leasing segments of its business.

Following a summer promotional 'Open Day' event last weekend at its Jumeriah Beach Residence branch in line with the start of Dubai Summer Surprises, Better Homes recorded an overwhelming response to its summer offers of inventory for sale and for rent. "There were no signs of repressed customers during our Open Day weekend" said Jannie Biddulph, Sales Manager, Better Homes. "Our Open Day promotion received over 350 walk-in customers, seeking both properties for sale and for rent".

During the past two weekends, Better Homes has focused on promoting competitively-priced units in areas of demand through its Open Day initiative and received over 1,400 calls in just two days during the selected promotions. "The positive result indicates that despite the recent market downturn, if the right product is offered to the client at the right price, at the right time, there is a good opportunity to transact units within both sales and leasing" said Ms Billy Rautenbach, Director of Operations, Better Homes.

With a specific customer and the right product in mind, Better Homes has been able to successfully match buyers and tenants with units, at a price which aims to satisfy its clients, creating positive results. "For example, our number of leasing transactions is looking very positive", added Ms Rautenbach. "In May this year, we executed 24% more leasing transactions than in May 2008".

With general enquiries on the increase and talk in the market of mortgages becoming available soon, Better Homes expects to see continued success in leasing and see an increase in property purchases sooner than expected. "As soon as lending becomes available at a wider scale, we expect to see a rise in sales transactions", added Ms Rautenbach. "It is difficult to forecast an exact trend, but if the UAE real estate market, specifically in Dubai, is bottoming out as many have suggested [and Better Homes has noticed an increase in prices in select areas], then now would be the definitive time to invest in property".

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About Better Homes
Leading the way in Dubai real estate for over 20 years, Better Homes is one of the UAE's foremost real estate companies; selling, leasing and managing more properties than any other agency in the Gulf. Better Homes is one of the most respected names in the Middle East with a reputation for professional care and expertise.

From a one woman company, today Better Homes employs over 700 fully trained and certified real estate professionals. Its range of services has grown from leasing to sales, property management and consultancy. Its Project Sales & Marketing Division has forged exclusive agreements with several of the world's top developers and landlords, giving it a distinct advantage in the variety and number of its real estate offerings.

Better Homes has pioneered many new concepts in the market. Amongst these, the concept of short-term rentals for business or vacation and an innovative online property search facility that offers real-time property listings by type, price and location. With a dynamic management team, solid reputation and innovative ideas, Better Homes continues to set the standards of professionalism in the real estate industry.

For further information, please contact:

Kilby Mahoney

PR Manager
Better Homes, Dubai (04) 349 4444
Email: kilby.mahoney@bhomes.com

www.bhomes.com