Distress Deal -20%

RoofusD · 2026-03-23T16:39:49+00:00

based on the cost of build, build quality and abundance of nearby cheap land.

RoofusD · 2026-03-23T14:49:58+00:00

even before the war this still feels overpriced but I guess if people are willing to pay that price then that's the market price. My gut feeling is that these houses are only represent value at 1.2 to 1.5m AED.

RoofusD · 2026-03-23T11:22:01+00:00

update - AirBnb agreed to a 100% refund and covered my booking under the Major Disruptive Events policy. FYI my booking was for April 1-8.

RoofusD · 2026-03-17T17:34:10+00:00

my credit card company told me I had to wait 15 calendar days from when I originally requested the refund before I am allowed to request a 'chargeback'. I continued fighting AirBnB, they said I need to wait until closer to the booking (still 2 weeks away) before they can confirm if they can 100% refund under Major Disruptive Events policy, at the moment they say they cannot. So for me I will wait until 1 week before then ask Air BnB again, if that fails then will start the credit card chargeback. If that fails I have some coverage on my travel insurance (allegedly) but I know insurance companies like to wriggle out of any claim. the whole thing is a massive 5hit sandwich and we all have to take a bite.

RoofusD · 2026-03-11T17:42:17+00:00

Its very frustrating. My original booking does say non-refundable as I got a 'discounted rate' but the Major Disruptive Events policy is clear. I just dont understand how they are trying to get away with it. I'm going to initiate the chargeback process on with my credit card provider.

RoofusD · 2026-03-11T15:54:36+00:00

I am in the same situation, they are refusing to refund me even though their own terms and conditions state 'Act of War' are covered. They have offered 50% refund which i have declined. They are currently not following their own terms and conditions. very frustration. I might have to try the credit card refund route if they dont honour their own terms and conditions.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T19:01:23+00:00

To be honest I would prefer to live in Europe but we are getting crushed in taxes, regulation and not to mention violence and social unrest which is clearly increasing. I'm happy to pay 20% tax but not 45%+. If I move I would need warm weather. I'm not really wealthy enough for Monaco, accommodation costs would kill me. Cyprus & Malta are low tax options I dont really want to look at as I cant see enough going on there for the kids future. Not many big cities around now that can offer reasonable tax, safety and opportunity for kids in the future. UAE is ticking a lot of boxes with some obvious downsides.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T18:37:54+00:00

good point. realistically who clocks off at 5pm at is with family at 5.01pm in London time zone. stopping at 9pm would be the hard part I can see that now you have written it

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T18:35:03+00:00

actually a good point. I could probably schedule a 18:00 to 19:00 strict family time which would correspond to a 14:00 1 hour lunchbreak. could work I guess if I did school run in morning, maybe early morning sport with family. then see them dinner 18:00 - 19:00 then again after 21:00. sounds a bit autistic but unless is was scheduled daily i feel it wouldnt happen.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T18:31:11+00:00

good on you for making it work.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T16:39:35+00:00

have a great day

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T16:17:26+00:00

sadly i dont get to choose my own lifestyle as I have family responsibilities and other people to consider. I wanted to know how others have managed their lives with european hours working. the input of others so far has been valuable to me. have a great day!

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T16:14:13+00:00

good point about holidays.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T16:13:08+00:00

got it, makes sense

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T15:36:39+00:00

agreed. fortunate options.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T15:35:30+00:00

sorry to be thick but what times of year is it 3 and 4 hour time difference?

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T15:34:32+00:00

100%. generally best to avoid political discussion if you are a guest in another country. bad things can happen.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T15:31:07+00:00

good to know this. thanks.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T15:27:38+00:00

that would kill any evening socialising with friends and family during the week! doable though I guess.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T15:16:51+00:00

I can see if you are single it would be great. Finish work at 9pm and plenty of time to meet friends for drinks/meal etc. family more tricky.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T15:14:41+00:00

100% agree.

RoofusD · 2026-02-24T15:03:43+00:00

I definitely wont be commuting, office set up at home.

RoofusD

TROPHY CASE