Residential rents in several Dubai communities have declined over the past year, with Downtown Dubai recording a fall of approximately 14 per cent and Dubai Marina experiencing a 12 per cent decrease, according to property consultancy Betterhomes.
The findings were presented during a webinar examining Dubai’s residential property market and the company’s Future Living Report 2026. While rents have eased by around 3 per cent overall, the movement varies significantly between neighbourhoods. Jumeirah Islands recorded an increase of approximately 29 per cent, highlighting continued demand in some premium residential communities.
The changing rental market is also influencing tenant behaviour. Betterhomes reported that new lease transactions increased by 19 per cent in October, while renewals declined by 25 per cent, suggesting that more residents are exploring alternative properties rather than automatically extending their existing contracts. The increase in available housing has also given tenants more options when comparing properties.
The company’s survey, conducted among nearly 2,000 residents representing 63 nationalities during June and July, found that 91 per cent intended to remain in Dubai for at least another five years, while 69 per cent planned to stay for 10 years or longer. The survey also found that 55 per cent of tenants were considering purchasing property within the next one to three years.