Having spent some time going through some of the posts from people looking to move to Dubai, the general advice seems to be to rent rather then buy?

Given that it seems you have to pay a year in advance, what is the logic of renting over buying?

I understand that a deposit needs to be found for purchase, but this would probably equate to your years rent? Also, given that rental prices seem so high, subject to location, it would be relatively easy to rent your property out should you wish/need to leave?

In fact, the more I think of it, surely the safer option (financially) is to buy, because if your move does not work out say after 6 months, you are not going to 'lose' half of your rent?

Apologies if I have missed something blindingly obvious, what are your thoughts?

PS can somebody expalin the purchase process, i.e. is there such a thing as stamp duty, assume no tax on disposal, what are the interest rates linked to and can you opt for a base/euro/dollar pegged loan?

Many Thanks