Dubai Land Department eliminated the minimum property value requirement for sole owners on April 30, 2026, removing the Dh750,000 threshold and relaxing conditions for jointly owned properties as the emirate opens its real estate market to a broader pool of investors and first-time buyers.
The policy shift represents a significant departure from previous restrictions, effectively lowering the barrier to residency at the entry level while other global jurisdictions tighten their requirements.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Move
Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, described the update as a forward-thinking approach that builds on Dubai’s investor-friendly reputation.
“This latest progressive move by the Dubai Land Department builds on the forward-thinking, investor-friendly approach the emirate has long cultivated. The removal of a minimum property value threshold for homeowners is particularly significant as it opens the door for a wider pool of first-time buyers and investors. Such policies strengthen demand fundamentals and deepen market maturity,”
Alfred told Khaleej Times.
Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, emphasized the strategic timing of the decision. “Dubai has just done what most global property markets won’t – lowering the barrier to residency at the entry level at a moment when other jurisdictions are tightening theirs,” he said.
Al Msaddi noted that the policy sends a clear message: “Residency in Dubai is no longer reserved for those who can write a seven-figure cheque on day one. You can now plant your stake in this city with capital that matches your stage of life, and grow your position from there.”
Impact on Market Segments
Luthfullah K, Director at Casagrand Dubai, said the expanded eligibility will naturally stimulate demand in the entry and mid-market segments, where rental yields and long-term capital growth remain attractive. “Many buyers today are choosing Dubai not just as an investment destination, but also as a residency hub, and this policy further strengthens that appeal,” he added.
Tauseef Khan, Founder and Chairman at Dugasta Properties, highlighted Dubai’s commitment to accessibility. “This update highlights Dubai’s dedication to making property ownership accessible and investor-friendly. The removal of the minimum property value requirement for sole owners and the introduction of practical conditions for jointly owned assets open the door for a wider range of buyers.”
Annuj Goel, chairman of Golden Light Group, emphasized the structural change. “What changed today isn’t a number — it’s a barrier. By moving away from a fixed investment threshold and instead focusing on ownership structure, the UAE has made the market far more accessible,” Goel said, noting that the buyer pool widens overnight, especially in the mid-market segment where most genuine end-users sit.
Broader Market Context
The policy update comes as Dubai’s property market maintains strong momentum, with sales crossing Dh180 billion in Q1 2026 and luxury home prices jumping 25% in 2025.
The removal of minimum thresholds aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to attract global talent and maintain its position as a premier destination for long-term living and investment. Industry experts suggest the measures support a more balanced and resilient real estate ecosystem, driven by genuine ownership rather than short-term speculation.
The policy strengthens the connection between ownership and residency, reinforcing one of Dubai’s biggest competitive advantages in the global property market.