Dubai Residents Put Down Roots: Average Tenure Surges to Over a Decade
Dubai’s real estate market is no longer just about transactions and short-term stays. It has evolved into a city where residents are actively planning their long-term lives. According to recent data, the average length of residency in Dubai has now reached 10.5 years, a significant increase from 7.5 years in 2024. This shift clearly shows that Dubai is no longer viewed as a temporary stop, but as a genuine long-term home for a growing number of residents.
This trend reflects not only economic confidence but also emotional commitment. Nearly 60% of residents now expect to live in Dubai for more than ten years—something that was relatively uncommon in the past. This change highlights a deeper connection between residents and the city, supported by stability, opportunity, and long-term planning.
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Tenant and Owner Trends: A Shift Toward Stability
Tenants in Dubai are also staying longer than ever before. In 2024, the average renter stayed for approximately 6.7 years. By 2025, this figure increased to nearly 9.9 years, with future expectations rising to around 10.7 years. This demonstrates a clear shift toward more deliberate and long-term housing decisions.
This evolving pattern strengthens overall real estate demand, as residents increasingly make thoughtful choices—whether continuing to rent or transitioning into property ownership. Dubai’s market is steadily moving away from a transient population toward a more stable and rooted community, reinforcing the city’s long-term economic and infrastructure growth.
Longer residency durations also benefit landlords, developers, and investors by creating predictable demand and a more balanced property ecosystem.
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Market Transactions Reflect Record Confidence
Market activity further confirms this growing confidence. In the first half of 2025 alone, approximately 125,538 real estate transactions were recorded, reaching a total value of nearly Dh431 billion. This represents an increase of around 25% compared to the same period in 2024.
Investor participation has also surged. Around 94,717 new investors entered the market, reflecting a 26% increase in investor activity. Both UAE residents and international buyers continue to view Dubai as a long-term growth destination rather than a short-term opportunity.
Notably, nearly 45% of these new investors were UAE residents, signalling a strong transition from renting to homeownership. Expanding residential supply, strong economic fundamentals, and positive future outlooks are encouraging more residents to commit to property ownership.
Residential Supply and Pricing: A Balanced Market
Dubai’s development pipeline remains robust. During the first half of 2025, approximately 17,200 residential units were completed, while nearly 61,800 additional units are currently under construction and scheduled for delivery later in the year.
Property prices continue to show healthy and sustainable growth. Residential sales prices increased by around 7.8% compared to late 2024, with year-on-year growth reaching approximately 16.6%. Meanwhile, the rental market is showing early signs of stabilisation, with a slight compression of around 0.6%, while maintaining an overall positive annual trend.
This balance between supply and demand reflects a maturing market that supports both long-term residents and investors seeking stability and sustainable returns.
Why More Residents Are Choosing to Stay Long-Term
Dubai’s high quality of life plays a key role in encouraging residents to stay longer. World-class infrastructure, strong job opportunities, safety, and overall liveability have positioned Dubai as a city designed for long-term settlement—not just temporary employment.
Access to modern amenities, healthcare, education, and cultural diversity has transformed Dubai into a truly global home. Families are growing, businesses are being established, and residents are planning their financial futures with long-term confidence.
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Conclusion: Dubai Is No Longer Temporary
Dubai has firmly transitioned from being a short-term destination to a city where residents are putting down lasting roots. The rise in average residency, increased ownership, and sustained market confidence all point toward a stable and resilient real estate environment.
Whether you are a buyer, investor, or long-term resident, Dubai’s position as a global city with strong fundamentals makes it an attractive place to build both lifestyle and financial security.
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