Ask any resident in Abu Dhabi about their experience of finding a home in the capital and you’re bound to get a long tale. From scarily-high rental prices to unwanted pests and a shortage in demand, the problems with finding a suitable home are all too familiar.
One estate agent group is aiming to change all that however. First Arrow Properties specialises in finding the perfect home for people in Khalifa A; and with the target of 1,000 properties to be available in the area by the end of the year, the company is busier than ever.
“Abu Dhabi is still a young market,” says Drica Rodrigues, an estate agent for First Arrow Properties. “There’s still a big waiting list for studios and one beds in Abu Dhabi – we’re hoping to be able to meet and match demand. Two years ago we were renting out 10 apartments a week. These days my phone doesn’t stop ringing!”
Drica knows all too well how difficult it can be to find the perfect home, especially when you’re moving to the UAE for the first time.
“I was actually introduced to First Arrow when looking for a home over here. My husband was offered a job and so naturally, the first thing we looked into was finding somewhere to live. We never realised it could be so difficult – it was only when we logged on to Abu Dhabi forums that we noted how many people mentioned how hard it is to find somewhere nice and affordable,” she says.
Using her personal knowledge and experience, Drica and First Arrow Properties are aiming to improve choice in the market and meet the demands of the clients.
“Renting a home is more than just signing a contract. We want to make sure the client is entirely satisfied, and offer a service that they won’t find anywhere else. First Arrow Properties is about informing and advising so the customer gets the best solution to their living requirements,” says Drica. “We always brief our clients and find out exactly what the customer needs it’s a tailor-made service. We’re not just about sales at any cost.”
First Arrow Properties currently owns approximately 150 properties in Khalifa City A and Mohamed Bin Zayed City, and the number is rising quickly. “Khalifa A is set to become the Beverly Hills of Abu Dhabi,” believes Drica. “As standard the properties feature car parking facilities, gardens, round-the-clock watchmen, and all kinds of general maintenance such as electricity, air conditioning, carpentry, plumbing, ceramics, painting and cleaning of villas—all provided by First Arrow Properties.
“For us, First Arrow is really just beginning. We’re always striving to be better and to inform and educate our clients about living in Abu Dhabi – it’s positive selling for us. Abu Dhabi has such a close community that word of mouth and recommendations spread fast. We’re hoping to spread the message that we don’t just deliver a service – we go further, to make homes in Abu Dhabi.”
[Caption] Drica Rodrigues
[Originally published in Abu Dhabi Week vol 2 issue 19]
