When to sell your rental property

8 signs it’s time to sell your rental property

1 - Your rental is worth more than when you bought it

One of the most straightforward indicators that it could be time to sell your property is that its value has significantly increased since you bought it. This appreciation could be due to market trends, improvements you’ve made, or developments in the surrounding area. 

Whilst price growth alone might not be enough of a reason to sell your property, the opportunity to lock in a good profit could be a great idea, particularly if any of the following signs also apply to you. 

2 - The cash flow is negative

The purpose of a rental property is most likely to make a consistent return on investment and one of the key factors to this is generating positive cash flow. If your rental property consistently produces negative cash flow, it may be a sign to cut your losses. 

Negative cash flow means that your expenses, like mortgage repayments, service charges and maintenance, exceed your rental income, which can drain your finances over time. Evaluate whether the property has the potential to turn positive, and if not, selling might be the best option.

3 - You can’t afford maintenance

Owning a rental property comes with ongoing maintenance costs. If you find yourself unable to keep up with necessary repairs and upkeep, it could lead to more significant issues down the line. Inadequate maintenance can lower the property’s value and make it less attractive to potential tenants, further impacting your rental income. 

4 - It’s a strong seller’s market

Real estate markets are typically cyclical, meaning they switch between periods of growth and periods of decline. During times of growth, demand from buyers is high and can exceed supply, creating a market that heavily favours sellers. By timing your sale during a seller’s market, you could achieve a much higher price. Keep an eye on market trends and consider selling when conditions are favorable.

5 - Low interest rates

Low interest rates can attract more buyers into the market, as mortgage borrowing becomes cheaper. If you notice that interest rates are particularly low, it might be an ideal time to sell your rental property. More buyers in the market can lead to higher competition and potentially better offers for your property. 

However, lower interest rates can also make it less expensive for you to own a rental property, improving your monthly cash flow, so you must weigh up these factors before making a decision. 

6 - Being a landlord is causing you stress

Managing a rental property requires time, effort, and patience. If the responsibilities of being a landlord are becoming overwhelming or stressful, it might be time to reassess your investment. Consider whether the financial benefits outweigh the personal costs, and if not, selling could be a good decision. Alternatively, you may consider hiring a property manager. Whilst this will reduce your return, the time and effort that you save could be well worth the cost. 

7 - You experience a major life event

Life events such as marriage, divorce, job relocation, or retirement can significantly impact your financial and personal situation. These changes may make selling your rental property a good decision to free up money or reduce your obligations. After a major life event, you should consider how your rental property fits into your new circumstances and decide if selling makes sense.

8 - You have better ways to generate passive income

Whilst real estate is widely considered to be one of the best investments that you can make, there are other ways that you can generate a return. If you decide that an alternative invest opportunity or even a different property promises better returns or less hassle, it might be a good idea to reallocate your money. However, you should consider the costs of selling the property and any costs associated with the alternative investment to weigh up whether it is the right decision. 

Tax implications of selling a rental property

Dubai does not charge any property taxes or capital gains tax. This means that selling a rental property in Dubai should not incur any local taxes. You should however consider that selling your rental property is likely to incur other costs.

If you are considered a resident of another country for tax purposes, you might be required to pay taxes when you sell your rental property. You should consult with a tax professional to navigate these complexities and ensure you comply with all regulations.

Conclusion - when is the right time?

There is no one right time to sell a rental property, with various factors relating to your personal circumstances. Deciding when it's the right time for you to sell your rental property requires careful consideration of these factors. By weighing up and monitoring the 8 signs that we have discussed in this article, you can hopefully maximize the return on your investment and choose the appropriate time to sell your property. 

How to sell your rental property fast with Engel & Völkers

Selling a rental property can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be.

Engel & Völkers Dubai offers comprehensive services to help you sell your rental property quickly and efficiently. 

• Over 200 community based specialists - offering the latest market insights and a data driven property valuation

• Perfectly capture your property using professional photography, 3D walkthroughs and videography

• Marketing to the Engel & Völkers network of prospective buyers across the world, with shops in over 35 countries

• Maximum exposure through a variety of channels, including our global website, leading property portals and social media 

• Full support throughout the transaction via our in-house conveyancing team, as well as full after-sales support