Ras Al Khaimah property market set for steady growth in 2026

by Staff Reporter
miraggio-al-marjan-island

Ras Al Khaimah’s property market is expected to see continued growth in 2026, supported by strong buyer demand and limited coastal supply, according to a new outlook from Metropolitan Premium Properties. The market is forecast to expand across both off-plan and ready homes as buyers become more selective.

Off-plan outlook

Off-plan sales in Ras Al Khaimah are expected to increase by 15–20% in 2026 compared to last year. The growth is linked to ongoing investment in infrastructure, tourism, and hospitality, alongside rising interest in lifestyle-focused developments.

“Ras Al Khaimah is moving into a more balanced and sustainable phase of growth,” said Maxim Novikov, Head of the RAK branch at Metropolitan Premium Properties. “While off-plan demand remains healthy, especially for branded and lifestyle-led developments, buyers in 2026 are becoming more selective. Limited supply in prime areas is supporting prices across both new and ready properties and we’re seeing increasing competition for high-quality assets in established communities.”

Coastal supply shifts

Al Marjan Island, which led off-plan activity in 2024 and 2025, now has limited inventory available. As a result, demand is expected to move toward newer coastal areas such as Marjan Beach, following announcements of major hospitality projects including the Hard Rock Hotel.

Raha Island within Mina is also gaining attention, supported by planned Armani-branded villas alongside the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, ENTA, as well as several boutique waterfront developments.

Secondary market demand

Reduced availability of new launches is driving higher demand for ready and near-completion homes. In 2025, prices for completed properties in Al Marjan Island, Mina, and Al Hamra Village rose at the same pace as, or faster than, off-plan units. Villas, townhouses, and waterfront homes recorded the strongest gains.

Average prices are forecast to rise by at least 20% in 2026, supported by strong end-user demand and a limited supply of premium properties.

Pricing and buyers

Developers are expected to continue offering flexible payment plans in 2026, including lower upfront payments and post-handover options. While international buyers remain focused on affordability, GCC buyers are showing increased interest in beachfront homes for personal and holiday use.

With fewer off-plan options in prime areas, resale transactions are expected to increase, particularly for waterfront apartments offering immediate occupancy or rental income.

Rental yields

Rental yields in Ras Al Khaimah currently average around 7–8% and are expected to rise further in 2026 as demand for ready homes outpaces supply. Growth in tourism and short-term rentals is supporting this trend.

With annual visitor numbers projected to approach five million, an estimated 60–70% of homes on Al Marjan Island and 30–40% in Mina are expected to be used for short-term rentals.

“The combination of tourism growth, globally recognised hospitality brands and limited new beachfront supply is reshaping the market,” Novikov added.

“In 2026, we expect both off-plan and secondary segments to perform well, but the real differentiators will be location, branding and long-term fundamentals rather than sheer volume of new launches.”

tanvir@dubainewsweek.com

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