Hi everyone!

I've been researching Dubai's real estate market for months, but the more I learn, the harder it gets to decide. I want to buy an apartment for rental income + potential future relocation (budget: $500K max).

Currently torn between:

Dubai Marina – More expensive, but high rental demand

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – Affordable, but lower yields

Downtown – Premium location, but steep service charges

My main questions:

Which area would you recommend for long-term ROI?

Is now a good time to buy ready property, or should I consider off-plan with payment plans?

What legal pitfalls should a foreign buyer watch out for?

I found some helpful market insights on https://www.austincontrarian.com/, but I’d love to hear from actual investors with experience in these areas.

P.S. Sorry if this is off-topic for this subforum! Mods, please move if needed