Dubai attracts investors worldwide, but behind the promises lie hidden risks. What mistakes do buyers make? How do you choose a trustworthy broker? Alexey Gorbachev, CEO and founder of real estate agency in Dubai “IDEALIST”, MLS BROKER CLUB creator, shares his insights.

Many believe that Dubai’s real estate market is ideal for investors, but what pitfalls await those unfamiliar with it? Is there anything that isn’t openly discussed?

First and foremost, carefully read developer contracts. Each has its own conditions, and some explicitly state the right to delay construction, which can be an unpleasant surprise for buyers.

Secondly, if the property is purchased on an installment plan, it is crucial to adhere to the payment schedule. Otherwise, the property may be repossessed legally.

Another important point—don’t blindly trust brokers or transfer money without proper verification. A reliable team with legal and real estate professionals can help you avoid unnecessary risks.

Lastly, don’t fall for promises of extraordinary returns. While Dubai offers great investment opportunities, if a deal looks too good to be true, it’s best to double-check the details.

You founded a real estate agency «IDEALIST REAL ESTATE», wrote a book, created the MLS broker club, and have extensive experience in the market. What do you know about the industry that 99% of other agents don’t?

Firstly, I analyze the market on a deeper level than most agents, considering macro- and microeconomic factors. This helps determine which properties will truly generate profits and which are simply well-marketed.

Secondly, I build my business on transparent partnerships, sharing commissions with other brokers—a rarity in Dubai, especially in the secondary market.

Thirdly, I actively study American marketing techniques and content-driven sales strategies, which are still underutilized in Dubai but have proven effective.

Lastly, the MLS system I am developing is based on over a century of experience from the U.S. real estate industry, helping structure broker collaboration more efficiently.

What are the biggest challenges for real estate agencies and brokers in Dubai today? Is there a risk of market overheating, similar to what happened in 2008?

Key challenges:

• Many agencies compete rather than collaborate, leading to lost deals.
• Brokers often act as middlemen rather than investment advisors, whereas a consultative approach results in more successful transactions.
• Many lack a deep understanding of market trends, focusing only on individual properties rather than global shifts.

As for overheating:

• Property prices are at a record high in recent years.
• Sales volume has increased by 27%, and rental prices have risen by 15%.
• The market will only overheat if demand drops significantly.
• However, Dubai has clear development plans through 2040, including large-scale projects such as a 0,5 billion dollars wellness center expected to attract 1.7 million tourists annually.

As long as Dubai remains a global business and tourism hub, a real estate bubble is unlikely.

How do you assess the integrity of brokers in Dubai? Are there shady schemes, and how big of a problem is it?

Shady schemes do exist—my team includes legal experts, so I see how the market operates. However, working with professional agencies can help avoid these risks.

Is this a major issue?

I personally don’t encounter it because I operate differently, but fraud is possible, especially in high-value transactions. The UAE authorities regulate the market, but broker quality is still inconsistent. This is why I founded a broker club  «IDEALIST BROKER CLUB» to filter out unprofessional and unethical players.

What are the most common mistakes investors make in Dubai, and what advice would you give to those entering the market now?

The biggest mistake is a lack of proper analysis.

• Even if you have investment experience in Europe or the CIS, Dubai’s market operates under different rules.
• It’s essential to base decisions on analytics and real statistics, rather than solely trusting developer promises.
• Working with agencies that employ experienced brokers familiar with the local market is crucial.

Dubai now attracts investors from all over the world (U.S., Europe, China, CIS), so understanding international competition and working with multilingual brokers is key.

You speak at events, write articles, and actively manage social media. Is this more of an image-building effort or a real way to attract clients?

Both. Anyone with valuable insights can share them through social media. The real question is how much value you provide to investors. Many clients find me through social media because they see that I speak openly and honestly. Some initially doubt me, make mistakes with other brokers, and then come back. Social media isn’t just about personal branding—it’s an essential tool for professionals, especially in real estate.