Most UAE Residents Plan to Buy Property Within Six Months: Here’s Why
Walk into any coffee shop in Dubai or Abu Dhabi today and you’ll hear conversations about property. It’s not just seasoned investors or high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) eyeing the market anymore ordinary residents, young professionals, and families are now planning to buy their own homes.
A recent survey revealed that a majority of UAE residents plan to buy property within the next six months. For a country known for its dynamic rental market, this shift toward ownership is both remarkable and telling. But what’s behind this surge in confidence? And more importantly, what does it mean for the Dubai real estate market and those watching it from abroad?
At Harpreet Real Estate LLC, we believe this trend marks a significant turning point in how people view property in the UAE. Let’s break down the reasons fueling this momentum.
A Market Redefined: Why Residents Are Turning Buyers
For years, renting was the norm in the UAE. With its transient workforce and expat-driven economy, many residents saw property ownership as a long-term dream rather than an immediate plan. That mindset is changing.
1. The Security of Long-Term Residency
The introduction of Golden Visas and long-term residency permits has given buyers confidence that they can call the UAE home for more than just a contract cycle. Suddenly, buying isn’t just about investment it’s about belonging.
2. Rising Rental Costs
Rental prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have surged by 20–30% in some communities over the past two years. For many tenants, it now feels more practical to pay a mortgage and build equity rather than continue facing unpredictable rent hikes.
3. Attractive Financing Options
Banks in the UAE have been offering competitive mortgage rates and higher loan-to-value ratios, especially for first-time buyers. This access to financing is pulling many would-be renters into the ownership bracket.
The Role of HNW Buyers: Saudi and Indian Investors Lead
While everyday residents are making the leap into ownership, HNW investors in Dubai continue to shape the broader market dynamics.
Saudi investors: Proximity, cultural ties, and wealth diversification strategies are drawing affluent Saudis to Dubai’s luxury market. The city offers them an international lifestyle just a short flight away.
Indian investors in Dubai: Long-standing trade and family ties make Dubai a natural extension of India’s property ambitions. For many Indian HNWIs, Dubai serves as both a profitable investment and a second home for family holidays or retirement.
The presence of these groups reassures residents. If global millionaires trust Dubai real estate as a safe and profitable investment, why shouldn’t ordinary residents consider it for themselves?
Lifestyle: The Hidden Driver of Ownership
Beyond economics, there’s a deeper reason people are choosing to buy quality of life.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer world-class amenities: international schools, top-tier hospitals, safe neighbourhoods, and a lifestyle that blends modern luxury with cultural richness. Communities like Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, and Jumeirah Golf Estates aren’t just residential zones; they’re ecosystems designed for families.
For many residents, buying a home here isn’t just a financial move it’s about planting roots in a city where they feel secure and inspired.
Tax Benefits That Turn Renters into Owners
One of the UAE’s most attractive selling points remains unchanged: zero property tax and no capital gains tax.
In comparison, buyers in cities like London or New York face hefty annual property taxes and transaction fees. Here, owning a home feels lighter, cleaner, and financially smarter. That’s why both HNWIs and middle-class buyers are increasingly aligning their wealth strategies with Dubai property.
Economic Growth and Stability
The UAE’s economic story adds another layer of confidence. Diversification beyond oil, thriving trade, and growth in tourism and technology mean the country’s foundations are solid.
Even during global downturns, Dubai’s real estate has shown resilience. Post-pandemic, while other cities saw stagnation, Dubai recorded record-breaking AED 411 billion in sales in 2023 and has continued to set new benchmarks in 2024 and 2025.
For residents, this isn’t just about numbers it’s reassurance. Buying into such a resilient market feels less risky than renting in an uncertain one.
Expo 2020’s Legacy: More Than Just an Event
The Expo may have concluded, but its aftershocks continue to shape Dubai’s property market. Infrastructure developments, new communities like Dubai South, and global recognition from Expo have elevated the city’s status.
Today, residents see these new neighbourhoods as affordable entry points with high growth potential. The sense of being part of Dubai’s future narrative is nudging many renters to become owners.
What Does This Mean for the Market’s Future?
The shift toward ownership signals a more mature property market. Dubai isn’t just a playground for global investors anymore it’s a city where residents genuinely want to settle.
This broadening of the buyer base brings several advantages:
Market stability: With more end-users, demand is less vulnerable to speculative swings.
Sustained growth: Ongoing demand across mid-market and luxury ensures balance.
Greater community development: A growing base of owners encourages developers to invest in family-friendly communities, schools, and infrastructure.
A Balanced View: Opportunities and Considerations
While the momentum is strong, it’s important to stay realistic.
Affordability pressure: As prices rise, entry-level buyers may find it harder to secure prime locations.
Global headwinds: Economic uncertainty worldwide could slow the pace of international investment.
Oversupply concerns: Developers must balance ambitious launches with sustainable demand.
Still, these challenges don’t overshadow the bigger picture Dubai real estate remains one of the world’s most dynamic and investor-friendly markets.
Conclusion: Why Now May Be the Right Time
The fact that most UAE residents are planning to buy property within the next six months isn’t just a statistic it’s a reflection of how deeply the market has transformed. From long-term residency options to tax-free ownership and a world-class lifestyle, the UAE offers a rare combination of financial logic and emotional appeal.
For some, it’s about escaping rent hikes. For others, it’s about building generational wealth. For many, it’s simply about calling Dubai or Abu Dhabi home.
At Harpreet Real Estate LLC, we see these shifts daily. Families looking for their first villa, young professionals purchasing starter apartments, and HNWIs diversifying portfolios all moving toward the same conclusion: property in the UAE is more than an investment, it’s a statement of belonging.
If you’re considering your options, the question isn’t whether the UAE market is strong it’s how to find the right opportunity within it. And that’s where our expertise, built on credibility, honesty, and loyalty, can guide you.
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