Bani leaned over the scale model of the promenade, her fingers tracing the edges of the Sadaf cluster. Her eyes were calm, but inside, she was already calculating footfalls, visibility, and the potential the area would gain once the beach promenade development was complete.
The representative, a sharply dressed man in his forties, gestured proudly. "The Sadaf shops are prime—waterfront view, steady tourists, and good visibility from the main road. You won't find better units at this price."
Bani nodded politely, tilting her head as she scrutinized the layout. "I see the corner units. But honestly, compared to Marjan or other clusters, foot traffic seems limited. Evening flow might pick up, but mornings look quiet. Cafés and restaurants might struggle initially."
The representative's smile tightened slightly. "That's subjective. Tourists like quiet areas with charm—they don't want overcrowded zones. And our rental rates are very competitive."
Bani leaned back slightly, resting her chin on her hand, letting the silence stretch. "Competitive is one thing. But for long-term leasing, visibility matters. If a tenant waits months for traffic, that's lost revenue. How many shops here are fully leased right now?"
"Most," he replied, "but a few are still open. High demand is certain, though."
She nodded slowly. "I can see why. But honestly, corner-facing units here don't face the main promenade directly, right? Morning tourists won't even notice them. Evening traffic might… eventually."
The representative hesitated, then tried to regain control. "Eventually, yes—but the area is already a stable investment. Prices will only rise."
Bani's lips curved into a faint smile, almost imperceptible. "Eventually is a vague term. I prefer actual numbers. Right now, there's more uncertainty than certainty. If I buy four units, I want risk balanced. Two corner, one mid-row, and one near parking—but the price should reflect current realities, not speculative future traffic."
"Speculative?" he echoed, incredulous. "The Sadaf cluster is waterfront. Any development here will only increase your value!"
"Yes," Bani said, voice calm but firm, "and yet, I'm paying for today, not five years from now. Right now, compared to Murjan shops, these are cheaper, and there's less immediate footfall. That's my point: I'm buying lower price for potential, not paying a premium for someone else's forecast."
The representative hesitated, realizing he couldn't dismiss her logic. "We've priced fairly for location, view, and potential. You can't expect a discount beyond a certain point."
Bani tilted her head, eyes fixed on the model, her tone soft but pointed. "I understand the value. But fair pricing considers actual utility today. If two shops are slightly underexposed compared to the others, that's an adjustment. I'm not asking for charity. I'm asking for balance."
He exhaled sharply, sensing her resolve. "How much of a discount are you talking about?"
Bani smiled faintly. "I'd say—10% off the listed price for the Sadaf units, given the current footfall patterns. That reflects risk, time, and tenant uncertainty. Pay 40% upfront, settle the rest over structured financing, and we both win."
A pause. The representative glanced at the floor plan, then back at her. He realized this wasn't a naïve buyer—she had done her homework. Every counterpoint he offered, she had a subtle rebuttal, never revealing the true reason she wanted these units: the promenade development would make Sadaf the most profitable cluster in five years.
He nodded slowly. "You drive a hard bargain. But… considering your upfront payment and the structure, we can work with 8% off."
Bani considered him, then tapped her pen lightly on the model. "8% is closer. But given the mix of units I'm taking—corner, mid, and parking adjacency—and the fact I'm locking four units, 10% is reasonable. That's structured risk mitigation, not speculation."
He swallowed and then smiled, extending his hand. "Alright. 10% it is. I think this is the start of a long-term relationship."
Bani shook it calmly, hiding the small thrill of her foresight. Inside, she already knew the promenade would transform this cluster beyond anyone's expectation. But on the surface, she was merely the careful, number-minded buyer, negotiating a fair price.
Her father, watching quietly, leaned toward her. "Impressive."
Bani only gave a faint nod, her gaze returning to the Sadaf cluster. Nothing was said about what she truly knew. And that was exactly how she wanted it.