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More Dubai residents buy homes to live in for long term, developers say
The trend comes as the emirate introduces initiatives that make homeownership more accessible, including its ‘First-Time Home Buyer’ Programme
- PUBLISHED: Wed 29 Jul 2026, 1:51 PM UPDATED: Thu 30 Jul 2026, 4:33 PM
More residents in Dubai are purchasing homes to live in for the long term rather than solely as investment properties, as government initiatives and a growing population encourage more people to put down roots in the emirate, developers say.
Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties, said investment demand remains strong, but the company is seeing a broader mix of buyers entering the market.
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"We are seeing buyers place greater emphasis on communities that support long-term living, with connectivity, convenience and overall quality of life becoming increasingly important considerations alongside investment potential," he told Khaleej Times.
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The trend comes as the emirate introduces initiatives that make homeownership more accessible, including its ‘First-Time Home Buyer’ Programme. Within a year of the programme, more than 3,200 people purchased homes collectively worth over Dh5 billion, according to Dubai Land Department data.
The shift is also being driven by expatriate professionals, entrepreneurs, families and first-time homeowners who are planning to remain in Dubai for years to come, another developer said.
Tauseef Khan, founder and chairman of Dugasta Properties, said buyers are increasingly choosing homes based on where they want to build their lives rather than on short-term returns.
"Families, entrepreneurs and professionals are placing greater emphasis on community, connectivity, schools, lifestyle amenities and overall quality of life, rather than focusing solely on short-term investment returns," he said.
According to the founder, many buyers have lived in the UAE for several years, established careers or businesses and now feel ready to purchase a permanent home.
He added that confidence in Dubai continues to be supported by the emirate's economic stability, business-friendly environment and government initiatives that encourage long-term residency and homeownership.
Community living gains importance
"The developments that will command stronger long-term value are those that become part of residents' daily lives," Khan said. "This means walkable surroundings, convenient retail, public spaces that encourage interaction, strong connectivity and a thoughtful mix of residential and community facilities."
Abdullah Alajaji, Founder & CEO of Driven Properties, echoed the sentiment, saying that integrated communities with walkability, quality retail and dining, and easy access to schools command a stronger premium.
“Buyers are increasingly recognising that the quality of the surrounding ecosystem is just as important as the property itself,” Alajaji said, adding that this suggests Dubai’s residential market continues to mature.
“Broad market appreciation alone is no longer enough, and buyers have become more selective with how they assess long-term value,” he explained. “Developments offering an authentic sense of community and combining strong fundamentals with genuine placemaking are best positioned to command a lasting premium.”
Hind Aldah is a business reporter based in Sharjah. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.