21/01/2026
Dubai is no longer a short stop. Residents are staying longer than ever, with the average tenure now at 10.5 years, up from 7.5 just a year ago. Nearly 60 percent of residents say they plan to stay for more than a decade.
What this means for real estate is significant.
Longer stays usually lead to long term decisions. Renters begin thinking like residents, not transients. This increases demand for family friendly communities, larger homes, schools, healthcare and lifestyle infrastructure. For end users, it supports more stable neighbourhoods and better long term planning. For investors, it signals a deeper and more resilient demand base, not just short term rental cycles.
We are already seeing this shift play out. A growing number of tenants are becoming first time buyers, transaction values are rising, and supply is expanding to meet sustained demand. At the same time, rental growth is showing early signs of stabilisation, pointing to a more balanced and mature market.
A city where people choose to stay is a city where real estate fundamentals strengthen.
If you want to understand how this long term residency trend could shape your buying or investment decisions, speak with our team.
Source: betterhomes’ Future Living Report 2025