Whilst it is a year's rent up front this can be done in 2, 3 or 4 cheques which spreads the pain a little.
Prices are up and we have a green community terraced apartment for AED220,000. if you are willing to drive around daily for the first few weeks looking at property you can get some cheaper than the norm. the problem i find is that Agents multi list so the same property can be with 7 agents.

we looked at 3 bed bungalows in Barsha and they were around AED180,000 3 months ago and we used to live there in a 3 bed for AED115,000 for 3 years.
it is a case of keep looking and immediately taking one you are happy with, do not hang around when you see one.