UAE Property Market in August Emerges as Peak Rental Season
The UAE property market experiences a notable surge in rental activity every August, driven by a combination of seasonal, financial, and lifestyle factors. Residents take advantage of lower rents, vacant properties, and the school holiday window to relocate with minimal disruption—making August one of the most active months for home shifting.
Why August is a relocation hotspot
For many families, the summer break presents an ideal time to move without interrupting children’s studies. Landlords, eager to fill vacant units quickly, often offer competitive rental rates to secure tenants before the academic year begins. This seasonal alignment creates a win-win scenario for both renters and property owners.
Raif Hassan Ikkeri, founder of Emaan Properties, explained: “People expect rentals to be lower during July and August, as many families vacate homes, and owners are looking for new tenants. An apartment rented for AED 100,000 the previous year might go for AED 115,000 in the new contract, but some landlords, eager to cover EMIs, rent them for just over AED 100,000—or even below that figure.”
Opportunities for tenants
Tenants who secure such deals often hold on to leases for two to three years to benefit from reduced rents. Others leverage short-term stays to achieve higher returns later. The summer holiday cycle also allows renters to time moves strategically—vacating in June or August and moving in by late August or September—sometimes saving one or two months’ rent.
Furnished apartments for frequent movers
Relocating can cost around AED 3,000, prompting many tenants—especially those moving annually or semi-annually—to opt for furnished apartments. This enables easy transitions, allowing them to “pack and move” without the added expense of buying or transporting furniture.
Preferred August move-in destinations
- Damac Hills — popular for townhouses with green landscapes and community amenities.
- Dubai Hills Estate — sought after for family-friendly layouts and proximity to schools.
- Business Bay — ideal for short-term stays with central access to business districts.
- Dubai Marina — waterfront lifestyle with high appeal for professionals and expats.
Data supports the trend
Mohammed Hashmath Raza, sales manager at The Heart of Europe, confirmed the seasonal peak: “June to August is the peak season for relocations, particularly among families. Around 70% of those who want to move prefer summer to avoid disrupting school schedules.”
According to market data, over 372,000 rental contracts were signed during summer 2024, defying the belief that the season slows the market. Instead, it fuels both real estate transactions and rental demand.
Top relocation drivers in summer
- School openings in late August and early September.
- Lease expiries coinciding with summer.
- Families returning from summer travel.
Raza also highlighted that the transition from peak summer heat to cooler weather by late August makes moving more comfortable—allowing families to settle in before the winter season begins.
Outlook for August rentals
Given the combination of favourable pricing, flexible availability, and family-driven timelines, August is expected to remain a high-absorption period in the UAE rental market. Demand will likely concentrate in Damac Hills, Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina, where communities combine lifestyle appeal with convenient access to schools, workplaces, and leisure destinations.
