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Tag: Golden Visa UAE

  • Dubai Holding Launches Golden Visa Service at Sales Centres

    Dubai Holding Launches Golden Visa Service at Sales Centres

    Dubai Holding Real Estate announced on Monday that it has introduced a dedicated Golden Visa and investor residency facilitation service at the Meraas and Nakheel sales centre, creating a more seamless journey for eligible property investors purchasing across its portfolio.

    The service brings residency guidance directly into the property sales journey, enabling customers to receive in-person support on eligibility, documentation and application requirements at the same destination where they select their home. Applications will be handled by an accredited visa service provider, with Meraas and Nakheel acting strictly as facilitators.

    Coverage and Eligibility

    Dubai Holding’s new Golden Visa facilitation service covers key residency pathways available to property investors, including the 10-year UAE Golden Visa for eligible real estate investors owning property or a group of properties valued at AED 2 million or more, subject to applicable conditions and approval by the relevant authorities.

    It also supports customers seeking investor residency options available to property owners in Dubai. By integrating visa facilitation into the sales centre experience, the initiative creates a more seamless ownership journey for investors at a key decision-making moment. This will also be applicable to existing customers.

    The service is designed to provide clearer guidance, support sales teams and brokers through a more coordinated process and strengthen the end-to-end ownership journey across the company’s portfolio.

    Strategic Alignment

    The initiative supports Dubai’s wider ambition to be the world’s leading destination for investors, residents and talent. It also aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to increase homeownership rates to 33 percent, double the real estate sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP to approximately AED73 billion and grow real estate transactions by 70 percent.

    “Dubai is one of the world’s most attractive destinations to live, invest and build a future. By integrating the Golden Visa and investor residency process into the property ownership journey, we are empowering our customers with greater clarity and confidence as they choose their home. This service reflects our commitment to making the ownership experience across our portfolio simpler, more seamless and aligned with the long-term opportunities Dubai offers,” said Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Holding Real Estate.

    The UAE’s Golden Visa offers long-term renewable residency for eligible applicants and allows holders to sponsor family members, subject to approval by the relevant authorities. According to the Dubai Land Department, eligible real estate investors owning property valued at AED 2 million or more can apply for a 10-year renewable residence permit.

    The service operates strictly on a facilitation basis, connecting customers with accredited residency specialists. All eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, government fees and approvals are determined by the relevant UAE authorities.

    The move comes as Dubai registers record project launches worth over AED275 billion in the first half of 2026, with developers expanding initiatives to attract both local and international buyers. The integration of residency services into sales processes reflects the emirate’s growing focus on supporting homeownership accessibility across multiple touchpoints.

  • Dubai Holding Real Estate Launches Golden Visa Service at Sales Centres

    Dubai Holding Real Estate Launches Golden Visa Service at Sales Centres

    Dubai Holding Real Estate has integrated residency services into the property purchase journey at its Meraas and Nakheel sales centres, offering customers immediate support on Golden Visa eligibility, required documents, and application procedures at the same location where they select their homes.

    Applications will be processed by an approved visa services provider, while Nakheel and Meraas will provide guidance and support without directly issuing visas, according to Al Khaleej Arabic daily.

    The service covers key residency options available to property investors, including the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa for eligible real estate investors who own one or more properties worth at least Dh2 million, subject to applicable conditions and approval by the relevant authorities.

    “By integrating the Golden Visa and investor residency process into the property ownership journey, we are empowering our customers with greater clarity and confidence as they choose their homes,” said Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate.

    Dubai Holding Real Estate confirmed the initiative also applies to existing customers and is designed to provide clearer guidance, help sales teams and brokers follow a more consistent process, and improve the end-to-end ownership experience across the company’s portfolio.

    The initiative supports Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global destination for investors, residents and talent. It also aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which aims to raise home ownership to 33 per cent, double the real estate sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP to about Dh73 billion, and increase real estate transactions by 70 per cent.

    The streamlined service comes as Dubai’s property market continues to attract strong investor interest, with the emirate projected to attract over AED1 trillion in new real estate projects over the next five years, driven by foreign investment inflows and a steady pipeline of mega-developments.

    By reducing administrative friction and consolidating services, Dubai Holding Real Estate aims to make ownership across its portfolio simpler and more closely aligned with the long-term opportunities Dubai offers to international investors and residents.

  • Dubai Homeowners Now Hold Properties as Long as London, New York Buyers

    Dubai Homeowners Now Hold Properties as Long as London, New York Buyers

    A landmark analysis by fäm Properties using Dubai Land Department data reveals that 740,219 residential properties purchased since 2012 have never been resold, representing 69.9% of all primary market purchases and 61.1% of resale transactions—a decisive shift away from the emirate’s former reputation as a speculative investment hub.

    The study examined 687,406 primary market transactions between 2012 and 2025 and 425,083 resale transactions between 2009 and 2025, providing the most comprehensive picture yet of Dubai’s evolving ownership patterns.

    Retention rates mirror global cities

    Among primary market buyers, 42% of those who purchased in 2014 still own their properties 11 years later, while retention rises to 53% for 2017 buyers after eight years and 61% for 2022 buyers after three years. The secondary market shows similar patterns, with 38% of 2014 buyers retaining ownership after 11 years and 65% of 2022 resale buyers still holding their homes.

    “Buyers focused on flipping properties have increasingly been replaced by long-term owners committed to living in Dubai or holding assets for wealth preservation,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “A buyer who purchased property in Dubai in 2014 and still owns it today is behaving exactly like the median homeowner in New York or London.”

    These figures broadly align with mature Western housing markets, where the average American homeowner stays in a property for 11 to 12 years, according to Redfin and the National Association of Realtors. In the UK, only about 4% of homes are sold annually, implying ownership durations extending well beyond a decade.

    Golden Visa drives permanent residency shift

    Property analysts attribute the trend to multiple factors, chief among them the UAE Golden Visa Programme introduced in 2019 and expanded in 2022, which established a direct connection between property ownership and long-term residency rights. The initiative has encouraged expatriates to view Dubai as a permanent home rather than a temporary workplace.

    Stronger legal protections for off-plan buyers, escrow regulations and stricter developer oversight have also boosted investor confidence. The Covid-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift as global investors prioritized politically stable, low-tax cities offering safety and lifestyle advantages.

    Market stability and economic implications

    The longer holding periods carry significant implications for market stability, reducing speculative volatility and limiting excessive supply turnover during uncertain periods. Analysts say this creates a healthier and more sustainable real estate cycle aligned with leading global cities.

    Major infrastructure developments including expansions to the Dubai Metro network and large-scale master communities such as Dubai South, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Islands have broadened the range of areas where residents are willing to settle permanently. Improved transport connectivity, schools, healthcare facilities and lifestyle infrastructure are increasingly encouraging families to remain long-term.

    The findings arrive as Dubai’s real estate market continues to demonstrate resilience, with transaction volumes remaining robust despite early signs of price moderation. While the emirate recorded over Dh180 billion in Q1 2026, the rise in long-term ownership suggests the market is becoming more institutionally driven and fundamentally sound.

    For investors and policymakers, the data signals that Dubai’s housing market is no longer defined primarily by speculative trading cycles, but increasingly by permanence, wealth preservation and long-term economic confidence—characteristics that distinguish mature global property markets from emerging ones.

  • Abu Dhabi Residential Market Enters 2026 with Strong Fundamentals

    The market is expected to remain resilient throughout 2026, with sales prices and rental rates likely to record further increases in the near term, although the pace of growth will vary across communities as new supply gradually enters the market.

    Record-Breaking 2025 Performance

    In 2025, Abu Dhabi’s residential real estate market delivered a record-breaking performance, with total transaction volumes reaching approximately 22,400 deals—up 55% year-on-year—while total sales value climbed to AED73.2 billion. This performance was driven by robust end-user demand, sustained investor activity, and a wave of new project launches that kept the off-plan segment at the center of market activity.

    Apartments dominated the market, accounting for 66.1% of transactions, while villas and townhouses also recorded strong growth, supported by demand from families and high-net-worth individuals seeking larger living spaces.

    Off-Plan Segment Leads Market Activity

    The off-plan segment continued to lead market activity, accounting for 71% of total transactions, supported by flexible payment plans, competitive developer incentives, and strategic launches across key districts. Meanwhile, ready market activity also remained resilient, supported by population growth, rising rental costs, and a growing shift among tenants toward homeownership.

    On the supply side, residential stock continued to expand steadily, with approximately 7,400 units completed in 2025, bringing total supply to around 315,000 units. While approximately 15,900 units are projected for completion in 2026, recent handover trends suggest actual deliveries are likely to be lower, in the range of 6,500-9,000 units. This measured pace of supply delivery is expected to support pricing momentum and help prevent near-term market imbalances.

    Sustained Price Growth Across All Segments

    Apartment sales prices in Abu Dhabi continued their upward trajectory in 2025, rising 15.1% year-on-year, accelerating from the 10.9% growth recorded in 2024. This strong price performance was driven by a broadening buyer base, as owner-occupiers sought affordable homeownership amid rising rental costs and investors were attracted by strong rental yields and capital appreciation potential.

    Villa sales prices grew 12.2% year-on-year in 2025, slightly accelerating from 11.6% in 2024, driven by a combination of end-user and investor demand. This trend has been shaped largely by the post-pandemic shift in lifestyle priorities, with buyers increasingly seeking larger living spaces, community-focused environments, and access to outdoor areas.

    Rental growth also remained robust, with apartment rents rising 12.5% and villa rents increasing 5.5%. Elevated rental levels have further reinforced sales demand, as tenants increasingly viewed homeownership as a more cost-effective long-term option.

    Structural Demand Drivers Remain in Place

    Looking forward, transaction activity is expected to remain elevated in 2026, with the off-plan segment continuing to lead the market. Several structural factors are expected to support robust housing demand beyond 2026, including population growth, continued talent inflows, business-friendly visa policies, and expanding employment across various sectors.

    Long-term residency initiatives, including the Golden Visa program, are also expected to broaden the buyer base by attracting high-net-worth individuals and professionals seeking stable, long-term ties to the emirate.

    Taking these factors into account, Abu Dhabi’s residential market is expected to enter 2026 from a position of strength. Supply discipline, strong investor confidence, and a supportive macroeconomic backdrop support market resilience and help mitigate external shocks. While potential risks should continue to be monitored, the likelihood of a broad market correction remains relatively low, supporting the outlook for sustainable growth throughout the year.

    The Abu Dhabi market’s performance mirrors broader trends across the UAE, where expatriates now drive 62% of home sales and the UAE real estate sector concluded 2025 with exceptional growth led by Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking performance.

  • UAE Long-Term Renters Turn Homeowners Amid Flexible Payment Plans

    UAE Long-Term Renters Turn Homeowners Amid Flexible Payment Plans

    Competitive pricing compared to global cities, flexible payment plans, and residency incentives such as the Golden Visa are helping nudge more UAE residents towards home ownership, according to real estate experts.

    Blagoje Antic, CEO and Founder of DHG, noted strong interest in emerging, master-planned communities with a clear long-term vision, such as Meydan Horizon and Dubai Islands.

    “Looking ahead to 2026, demand is moving toward communities that balance accessibility with green spaces and a more sustainable way of living,”

    he said.

    The shift comes as buyer intent remains strong. Last month, a survey revealed that seven in 10 UAE residents plan to buy property in the next six months. The findings, based on Property Finder’s bi-annual Market Pulse survey, gathered responses from 5,540 participants and showed that buyers expect only moderate changes in prices.

    That intent is increasingly translating into actual purchases, supported by government-backed initiatives aimed at making home ownership more accessible. Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme has enabled more than 2,000 residents to purchase their first home in the past six months, generating over Dh3.25 billion in residential property sales, according to figures from the Dubai Land Department.

    Launched in July 2025 by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and DLD, the programme offers first-time buyers priority access to new projects, tailored mortgage solutions and preferential pricing. More than 41,000 residents have registered for the programme so far, with nearly half of completed purchases made by residents who have lived in Dubai for more than five years without previously owning a home, highlighting its role in converting long-term renters into homeowners.

    Industry experts say this renewed confidence is drawing more first-time buyers and long-term residents into the market, with purchasers increasingly focused on build quality, location, developer reputation, and how well a home will hold up over time.

    “End users are more informed and are prioritising good layouts, practical design, amenities, and strong community infrastructure,”

    Antic said. “One- and two-bedroom apartments remain the most in-demand, mainly due to affordability and strong rental demand, with well-planned layouts and quality finishes playing a bigger role in decision-making.”

    Svetlana Vasilieva, Head of Secondary Sales at Metropolitan Premium Properties, said most first-time buyers currently have a budget range between Dh2 million and Dh3 million. She added that while some developers rarely offer incentives, others provide flexible payment plans or upfront discounts to encourage sales.

    “My advice to first timers is to buy with resale and long-term value in mind, not just what fits your budget today,”

    she said.

    Affordability and space remain key considerations.

    “Many first-time buyers are looking for larger apartments or townhouses within family-oriented communities and are willing to live further out to achieve a lower price per square foot,”

    Vasilieva added. In Dubai, buyers are most frequently enquiring about Arabian Ranches 3, The Valley, Dubai South, Nad Al Sheba and Town Square.

    Elie Namaan, CEO and Co-Founder of Ellington Properties, said market momentum is increasingly being driven by end-users buying with intent rather than urgency.

    “We have noticed far more confident and deliberate first-time buyers than even a year ago. These buyers are asking sharper questions and making decisions after more consideration, not just around price but around how a home fits into their daily life,”

    he said.

    Namaan added that livability has become central to the decision-making process, with buyers prioritising thoughtful layouts, natural light, storage, walkability and a sense of community over short-term gains.

    “There’s a growing recognition that a first home is not just a financial milestone, but an everyday environment that needs to support work, wellbeing and long-term comfort,”

    he said.

    The trend aligns with broader market shifts toward value-driven purchases across the region, as buyers prioritize developer credibility and long-term stability. With Dubai recording over 200,000 transactions in 2025 and residential prices rising 12.1%, the emirate continues to attract investors seeking quality and sustainable communities.