Dubai’s rental market is showing early signs of change, as more properties come onto the market and tenant demand becomes more selective.
Recent data from Betterhomes indicates that while leasing activity continues, pricing and property presentation are playing a bigger role in securing tenants.
Market activity
Tenant enquiries are currently about 30 to 40 per cent lower compared to the same period last year. However, activity has picked up since early March, with weekly lead volumes increasing by around 20 per cent and briefly reaching levels seen during the same time last year in mid-March.
Tenant demand
Search trends across major property portals show that demand is focused in key communities such as Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Jumeirah Village Circle.
These areas are currently recording the highest search activity among tenants.
Pricing trends
The increase in available properties is changing market conditions. Data shows a 23 per cent rise in rental listings compared to March 2025, alongside a 16 per cent drop in tenant enquiries.
This shift is placing more pressure on landlords to set realistic rental prices and present properties well to attract interest.
Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes, said: “We are seeing many of the same questions from both tenants and landlords, particularly around demand, pricing, and how the market is evolving. What matters now is stepping back from the noise and focusing on what the data is actually showing. The market remains active, but outcomes are increasingly shaped by realistic pricing, strong presentation, and a clear understanding of tenant behaviour.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
