Diwali and money: work honestly, then count

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated by families around the world, including here in Dubai. Homes are cleaned, lamps are lit, and many families pray to Lakshmi, associated with prosperity, and to Ganesha, who is invited to remove obstacles. In some traditions, businesses also open a fresh set of account books at this time of year.

Why this belongs on a property website

Because the order matters. In the way I try to work, the lamp comes first and the numbers come second. A lit lamp reminds me why I work: to look after my family, to serve the people in front of me, and to do it honestly. Then, with a calm mind, I look at price, payments, rent and risk.

Faith is not a replacement for checking the numbers. It is the reason to check them honestly.

Three small practices for this season

• Begin the day with a moment of thanks, before the phone and before the work.
• Review your commitments. Write down what you have promised, to whom, and when each payment is due.
• Decide one thing you will not do, such as signing something you have not read, or buying something because someone said the offer ends today.

For family offices and larger investors

Wealth that is meant to last across generations is usually held with a clear purpose. Before the next decision, it can help to write one sentence on what the capital is for: security for the family, support for a cause, or growth over many years. A sentence like that makes it easier to say no to a deal that does not fit. In my work I think in seven-year arcs for the same reason. It keeps the purpose in view and the noise out of it.

My wish for you

May your home and your decisions be well lit this Diwali. If you would like to speak about property in Dubai in the new year, I will always begin with what matters most to you.

Radhe Shyam.

Nothing here is a promise about any market. Property figures are assumptions, not promises.