Dubai’s rental market is projected to see an increase of up to 6% in 2026, driven by a growing population and rising demand for housing, indicating continued pressure on rental prices across the city.
Dubai rental rates expected to increase by up to 6% in 2026 as population grows.
Dubai’s residential rental market is expected to continue its upward trajectory in 2026, with rents forecast to rise by as much as six per cent, largely driven by the city’s expanding population. However, industry experts say the pace of growth will be more measured than in recent years, as a steady stream of new housing supply begins to ease pressure in certain segments of the market.
According to real estate executives, the rental landscape is entering a more stable phase following several years of sharp price increases. While demand remains strong, especially in sought-after locations, the addition of new residential units is expected to bring greater balance between landlords and tenants across parts of the city.
Despite this moderation, tenants living in neighbourhoods where housing availability remains tight are likely to feel the greatest impact. In such areas, limited supply combined with strong demand is expected to keep upward pressure on rents. By contrast, communities experiencing an influx of new properties may see increased competition among landlords, giving tenants more choice and bargaining power.
Industry professionals describe 2026 as a year of transition for Dubai’s rental market. Georgina Moyes, head of rentals at Metropolitan Premium Properties, said the sector is moving toward a more mature and sustainable growth phase after the rapid escalation seen in previous years.
“Dubai’s residential rental market is expected to enter a more balanced stage in 2026,” Moyes said. “Rental values and yields are likely to continue growing, but at a steadier and more controlled pace compared to the sharp increases recorded over the last few years.”
She added that while the overall market may stabilise, rental hikes of around four to six per cent are still anticipated in specific high-demand areas. These increases are most likely in locations where supply constraints persist and competition among tenants remains intense.
According to Moyes, properties that traditionally perform well—such as villas, townhouses, and spacious apartments—will continue to outperform the broader market. “The strongest rental growth is expected in segments where supply is structurally limited,” she said. “This includes villas, townhouses, and larger two- and three-bedroom apartments, particularly those located in beachfront developments and well-established master communities.”
These types of homes are especially popular among families and long-term residents, many of whom are willing to pay a premium for space, amenities, and proximity to schools and lifestyle hubs. As a result, demand for such properties has consistently outpaced supply, creating sustained pressure on rents.
Meanwhile, areas that are seeing a rise in newly completed residential projects are expected to experience more competitive conditions. In these neighbourhoods, landlords may need to be more flexible on pricing or incentives to attract and retain tenants. This dynamic could help temper rental increases and provide some relief to residents facing affordability challenges.
The city’s population growth remains a central driver of rental demand. Dubai continues to draw professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals from around the world, reinforcing its status as a global business and lifestyle destination. In 2025, the city’s population surpassed the four-million mark, reflecting its ongoing appeal and economic vitality.
This influx of residents has been fuelled by a range of factors, including strong job creation, investor-friendly policies, long-term residency programmes, and Dubai’s reputation for safety and quality of life. The arrival of skilled professionals and affluent expatriates has boosted demand for a wide range of housing options, from luxury waterfront properties to family-oriented communities.
While new supply is entering the market, particularly in emerging districts and mixed-use developments, experts caution that it may not be evenly distributed across all segments. High-demand categories such as villas and larger apartments remain relatively scarce, limiting the impact of new completions on rental affordability in these areas.
Real estate analysts note that the market’s gradual shift toward equilibrium is a positive sign for long-term stability. After years of rapid rent escalation, a more measured pace of growth is seen as healthier for both tenants and landlords. Stable increases help preserve investor confidence while reducing the risk of affordability pressures becoming too severe for residents.
Additionally, developers are increasingly responding to changing tenant preferences by offering a wider range of unit sizes, flexible layouts, and community-focused amenities. This diversification of supply could play a role in balancing demand over time, particularly in mid-market segments.
Looking ahead, industry leaders expect Dubai’s rental market to remain resilient, supported by population growth, economic diversification, and continued international interest. However, they emphasise that future rent increases are likely to be more selective rather than broad-based, with performance varying significantly by location, property type, and community maturity.
Tenants are encouraged to carefully assess their options, especially in areas where new developments are coming online. In such locations, increased supply may provide opportunities to negotiate or explore alternative neighbourhoods offering better value for money.
For landlords, the evolving market underscores the importance of maintaining competitive pricing, property quality, and tenant relationships. As the rental sector becomes more balanced, success will increasingly depend on offering well-maintained homes and attractive leasing terms rather than relying solely on rising market momentum.
In summary, while rents in Dubai are expected to rise by up to six per cent in 2026, the growth is anticipated to be more controlled compared to previous years. Population expansion will continue to underpin demand, but new housing supply is set to moderate the pace of increases in certain areas. High-demand communities with limited availability are likely to see the strongest rental performance, while other neighbourhoods may benefit from greater balance and competition. This shift signals a more mature phase for Dubai’s rental market, one that prioritises sustainability and long-term stability over rapid escalation.
Dubai’s rental market is gradually shifting toward a more balanced and tenant-friendly phase, according to real estate experts, as a surge in new housing supply begins to ease the intense pressure seen over the past few years. After experiencing strong double-digit rental growth, the market is now showing signs of stabilisation, driven largely by an expanding pipeline of residential units across several key communities.
Industry insiders say the steady inflow of new properties is slowly recalibrating the relationship between landlords and tenants. While demand remains strong, especially in well-established neighbourhoods, increased supply is introducing more choice for renters and encouraging landlords to adopt more flexible leasing strategies.
Data from Betterhomes indicates that Dubai’s residential supply continued to grow consistently during the first nine months of 2025, with a substantial number of completions expected toward the end of the year. Looking further ahead, the pace of development remains robust. Around 200,000 residential units are forecast to be delivered by 2027, while an additional 22,000 villas and 42,000 townhouses are scheduled for completion by 2030.
Much of this new inventory will be concentrated in high-density and mixed-use areas such as Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Furjan and Dubai Marina. These locations are expected to see heightened competition among landlords as more units come onto the market, potentially moderating rent increases and improving affordability for tenants.
By contrast, limited new supply is anticipated in certain villa-heavy or niche residential communities. Areas such as Al Barari, Dubai Production City, Dubai Residence Complex and Tilal Al Ghaf are projected to see fewer new handovers. In these locations, supply constraints may continue to support stronger rental performance, particularly for well-maintained or upgraded properties.
As availability improves in select sub-markets, landlords are becoming more proactive in their approach to attracting and retaining tenants. Rather than relying solely on rising market momentum, property owners are increasingly focusing on value-added offerings and lease flexibility to remain competitive.
According to Georgina Moyes, head of rentals at Metropolitan Premium Properties, competition is already prompting noticeable changes in leasing practices. Landlords are showing greater openness to flexible payment structures, including multiple-cheque options, digital payment platforms and customised lease terms tailored to individual tenant needs.
She also noted that older residential buildings are adapting to the changing environment. “Properties that are not brand new are increasingly offering selective incentives, such as minor refurbishments, cosmetic upgrades or improved maintenance packages,” Moyes said. “These measures help them compete with newer developments that offer modern amenities.”
Such practices are expected to become more common over the next year, contributing to a rental environment that is more aligned with international standards and increasingly focused on tenant experience. By 2026, industry experts believe these shifts will play a key role in shaping a more renter-centric market across much of the city.
Despite the rising supply, demand fundamentals remain strong. Dubai’s rental market continues to be underpinned by population growth and the steady arrival of expatriates, many of whom initially rent before considering property ownership. The emirate’s population surpassed the four-million mark this year, the highest level in its history, reinforcing long-term housing demand.
This sustained influx is expected to keep rents resilient in lifestyle-oriented and well-connected communities, particularly those located close to major employment centres. Established neighbourhoods such as Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay and Palm Jumeirah are likely to benefit from this trend, maintaining strong investor interest and stable rental demand.
At the same time, areas with a high volume of upcoming handovers may experience more pressure on rents, particularly for older properties that have not been renovated or modernised. In such locations, tenants may have greater negotiating power, while landlords may need to invest in upgrades or pricing adjustments to remain attractive.
Overall, market observers expect Dubai’s rental sector to continue evolving toward greater balance. While some high-demand pockets will still see rental growth, the broader increase in supply is likely to temper sharp rises and encourage more competitive, tenant-focused practices.
As the city continues to expand and attract global talent, the rental market’s next phase is expected to be defined not by rapid escalation, but by sustainability, choice and improved tenant experience—marking a significant shift from the conditions seen over the past few years.
