In this episode of the DubaiView podcast, we’re joined by Lynette Sacchetto , widely known as Dubai’s “Data Queen” for her unmatched understanding of market trends, buyer behavior, and the macro forces shaping real estate in the UAE.
With a background in both US and UAE real estate, Lynette has advised some of the region’s biggest developers, led data teams at top firms like Property Finder and DXBinteract, and now serves as the founder of The Dubai Plug, a consultancy connecting real estate professionals with timely, actionable insights.
Why Data, Not Hype, Will Drive the Next Decade
Lynette argues that Dubai’s real estate conversation is still dominated by sentiment, opinions, and headlines — and not enough data. She believes the next wave of success stories will come from those who shift their mindset from reacting to emotion-driven noise to leveraging actual numbers.
- Daily transactions and pricing trends are more useful than monthly averages
- Agent success now depends on understanding micro-markets , not just citywide shifts
- Data is no longer a bonus—it’s a non-negotiable business tool
She urges agents to build habits around interpreting trends and filtering noise , rather than just waiting for portals or developers to dictate what’s hot.
The Market Has Shifted—And So Should Your Strategy
According to Lynette, we’ve entered a post-flipping era . The market today is driven less by quick profit-seekers and more by long-term end users and global families seeking lifestyle, safety, and education.
Here’s what that means for investors:
- Holding power is now more important than short-term exit gains.
- Buyer psychology in 2024 is focused on schools, infrastructure, and stability.
- Community-specific supply and demand trends matter more than ever.
Flipping in 2020-2022 was a timing win. But that model isn’t sustainable—and those still clinging to it may get left behind.
Where the Market Still Lacks Visibility
Even in a maturing landscape, Lynette points out that some of the most important metrics are still hard to find or standardize:
- Vacancy rates by community remain unclear
- Real-time off-plan cancellations or delays aren’t always reported
- Overleveraging and mortgage stress metrics are still underreported
This creates risk for agents who blindly promote projects, and for investors who buy without a full picture. Lynette encourages more agents and brokerages to collaborate around open data ecosystems , which she believes will drive smarter decision-making for everyone.
Future Proofing as an Agent or Investor
Lynette’s advice to agents is straightforward: stop pushing product and start consulting. Know what your clients actually want, monitor platform search trends, and track market shifts weekly—not monthly.
For investors, it’s about avoiding herd behavior. Pick advisors who use data, not emotion. Base decisions on evidence. Watch migration patterns, school growth, and infrastructure—these are the signs of sustainable demand.
Explore Dubai’s Real Estate Opportunities
Dubai’s real estate market offers endless potential for those ready to innovate and adapt.
Ready to start your journey in Dubai’s thriving real estate sector? Follow the Dubai View Podcast for more expert insights, or book a free consultation with us to start the conversation.
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