You see them online more and more frequently: apartments in Dubai offered at unbelievably low prices. For example, you might see a fully furnished apartment in the heart of the city centre offered for €1000 per month, complete with a fitted kitchen and a luxury master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. It sounds fantastic, of course, especially when compared to rental prices in many other major cities. But often, this is simply too good to be true.
These supposedly perfect apartments are usually part of fake listings. They cleverly prey on people dreaming of a luxury life in Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah for a fraction of the normal cost. In reality, these are often scammers posting fake advertisements to secure upfront payments.
How Fake Listing Scams Work
Scammers often use beautiful photos of existing apartments, which they have simply taken from the internet. The prices seem incredibly low and everything sounds ideal: fully furnished, immediately available, and a prime location. As soon as you show interest, they often quickly ask for a deposit or reservation fee, supposedly to hold the apartment for you.
Once the money has been transferred, the scammers disappear without a trace. The apartment turns out not to be available, or may not even exist at all. This type of scam is unfortunately common, especially in popular cities like Dubai where many expats and investors are looking for a home.
Therefore, always be very careful when an offer seems too good to be true. Check if the real estate agent is registered with the Dubai Land Department and avoid listings that are only promoted via social media or unknown websites. Never pay anything before you have seen the apartment with your own eyes.
Although Dubai has many beautiful homes, the rule still applies here: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Edward Clarke is a seasoned property expert with extensive experience in international real estate investment, with a particular focus on Dubai’s fast-growing property market. Drawing on both personal investment experience and years of client advisory work, he helps investors make informed, realistic decisions when purchasing apartments, villas or off-plan developments in Dubai. With a pragmatic mindset, a sharp focus on returns and a strong commitment to transparency, Edward is a trusted point of contact for anyone considering a property investment in Dubai.
