Even during the boom time, statistics indicate Dubai residents tend to rent rather than buy. In addition, buying a home was out of reach for most residents as prices went through the roof. However, the global downturn reversed the trend and brought the prices down, making many units affordable as never before. So, is this an ideal time to buy your own home rather than continuing to pay rent, which is basically a dead investment? Property, in association with Jean-Luc Desbois, managing director of Home Matters, analyses whether it is a gain or loss for tenants, especially double income families, who wish to become owner-occupiers. While the calculations clearly suggest it is a great time to buy, real-estate experts advise discerning property buyers to buy only if they are thinking long term. Clearly, rents give no returns, and paying more or less the same amount in the form of a mortgage every month will ultimately benefit you in terms of capital appreciation and rental savings, especially at current price levels. Here we give a selection of properties that could fit the bill. These mortgage calculations are provided by Home Matters Mortgage Consultants. The calculations are based up to 25 years with interest rates ranging from 5.3 per cent to 5.99 per cent. From / Gulf News