The cost of property in UAE has been steadily rising over the past five years:
Adjusted for inflation, the growth was 8.09%, 5.96%, 16.34%, 14.72% and 9.6%, respectively. By December 2025, the price index of residential property in Abu Dhabi increased year-on-year by 31.59% in Abu Dhabi and by 12.88% in Dubai. The country remains one of the most promising destinations for foreigners, offering premium quality at prices that are two to three times more favourable than in major global cities.
|
Name |
Founded |
Specialization |
|
Emaar Properties |
1997 |
The largest developer of property in UAE; large-scale residential complexes, skyscrapers and master communities in Dubai. |
|
Damac Properties |
2002 |
Luxury villas and apartments; collaborations with Cavalli and Paramount Hotels & Resorts. Notable projects include property in Damac Hills. |
|
Nakheel |
2000 |
Large-scale island and coastal developments; property in Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands. |
|
Dubai Properties |
2002 |
Integrated developments in mid-range and business-class areas: Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Mudon. |
|
Aldar Properties |
2004 |
Leading developer in Abu Dhabi; island projects on Yas and Saadiyat, commercial properties. |
|
Residential Project |
Emirate |
Property Types |
Starting Price |
Completion Year |
Amenities |
|
Binghatti Twilight |
Dubai |
1–3 bedroom apartments |
USD 354,000 |
2026 |
Infinity pool, gym, rooftop lounges, children's play area, office & retail spaces |
|
Liv Oceanside |
Dubai |
1–3 bedroom apartments, duplexes, penthouses |
USD 653,500 |
2027 |
Private and shared pools, yoga areas, Jacuzzi, cinema, game room, library, massage room, wellness centre |
|
Yas Living |
Abu Dhabi |
Studios, 1–3 bedroom apartments |
USD 267,000 |
2028 |
Pools, gym, yoga areas, cinema, game room, boutique spa, shaded walkways, 10 minutes from Ferrari World |
|
Grove Ridge |
Dubai |
1–3 bedroom apartments, 3-bedroom townhouses |
USD 346,000
|
2029 |
Adult and children's pools, BBQ area, playgrounds, landscaped gardens |
|
Serro at The Heights |
Dubai |
3–5 bedroom villas |
USD 1.6 million |
2030 |
Wellness centre, yoga park, meditation garden, crystal lagoon, 38 km of jogging and cycling tracks |
|
Masaar 3 Laura |
Sharjah |
2–4 bedroom townhouses, 4–5 bedroom villas |
USD 490,000 |
2028 |
Green areas with 100,000+ trees, lagoons and waterfalls, cycling and running paths, clubhouse |
|
Palm Jebel Ali |
Dubai |
5–7 bedroom villas |
USD 4.9 million |
2028 |
Private beach, landscaped gardens, waterfront promenade, resort amenities |
The market of properties in UAE for investment remains one of the most attractive for investors due to several factors:
The market of property in Dubai is the largest and most dynamic. The number of transactions continues to grow by 20–60% each year, while prices have increased by 8–21% since 2021. In 2025, prices rose by 12.88%. When analysing specific districts and classes of residential complexes, certain projects stand out for their higher profit potential:
Rental yields in Dubai average 6.66% per year but are significantly higher in popular districts:
Abu Dhabi shows strong market growth, with prices having increased by 31.59%, especially in high-end waterfront areas. Luxury apartments in Yas Island and Saadiyat Island grew by 24.3% and 27%, respectively, while mid-range villas in Al Samha rose by a record 40.5%.
The rental segment in Abu Dhabi is also active: rates in Al Reem Island, Hamdan Street, Al Raha Beach and communities in Yas and Saadiyat increased by double digits (10.7–31.6%) compared to the previous year.
Rental yields for apartments in key areas are:
Villa rentals in Al Reef, Al Raha Gardens and Al Raha Beach bring in 6–6.2% annually.
Sharjah offers more accessible entry points along with notable growth in both property values and rental rates.
Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a promising market due to expanding infrastructure, tourism and commercial projects.
Ajman offers some of the most affordable housing prices in the country, attracting budget-conscious investors.
Foreigners can obtain mortgages from UAE banks regardless of whether they hold residency. In recent years, interest rates of property for sale in UAE for permanent residence have ranged from 3–5%, with loan terms between 5 and 25 years.
Residents enjoy more favourable conditions:
Expats investing in property in UAE for foreigners faces slightly stricter requirements:
To calculate your monthly payments, you can use an online Mortgage Calculator.
The population of the UAE exceeds 11.5 million, with 88–90% comprising expatriates: foreign professionals, families with children and entrepreneurs. English is widely spoken across business, education, healthcare and government services. The country is designed as an international platform for work and life, making cultural and language adaptation relatively seamless.
Administrative processes are digitalised. Residency visas, licences, utility payments, transaction registrations and most services are accessible via government online platforms. Banking, rental contracts and service-related procedures are also handled remotely. A cashless economy and digital identity are standard in everyday life.
Major highways – E11, E311 and E611 – connect multiple emirates. Travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is around one hour; Sharjah can be reached in 30–40 minutes. Dubai has a metro network over 90 km long, plus a tram system in the Dubai Marina and JBR areas. The national railway project, Etihad Rail, is under way.
The UAE has one of the world’s lowest street crime rates and ranks first in the 2026 Numbeo Safety Index. Safety, developed infrastructure and a clear regulatory environment make the country a comfortable and stable place to live.
|
Factor |
Advantage |
|
Market regulation |
All transactions are processed through the Land Department of the respective emirate. Ownership rights are recorded in the government registry. The market develops under approved masterplans and centralised oversight. |
|
Tax environment |
There is no personal income tax or annual property ownership tax. |
|
Ownership rights |
Foreign buyers can fully own property in freehold zones. There are more than 80 such zones in Dubai alone. |
|
Convenient financing |
Installment plans from developers and mortgage loans of up to 25 years are available, subject to bank requirements. |
|
Residency status |
Investments starting from USD 544,500 qualify for a long-term golden visa valid for 5–10 years depending on the emirate. Dubai also offers a 2-year residence visa for property investment in Dubai starting from USD 204,000. |
|
Economic stability & transparency |
The UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar, reducing currency risks. |