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The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Renting vs buying in Abu Dhabi - what the data tells us
It is the conversation that dominates many dinner tables: should we take the plunge and become homeowners? From Dubai to Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, more residents than ever want to settle down and have a place they can call home, particularly after recent rental surges. But it's important to do your sums. New research from Bloom Holdings and Property Finder shows that in some areas of the country, paying monthly rent is cheaper than a monthly mortgage payment. That said, the opposite is still more common than not. And, advocates will say, as a homeowner, you are building equity and will benefit when you sell. So it's important to have a conversation. Our analysis of the picture in Abu Dhabi is the subject of this week's Chart of the Week. Our data suggests a couple of curiosities that require explanation. On average, it's far more expensive to pay a monthly mortgage on a property on Saadiyat Island, than it is to rent. That's because rents haven't caught up with the recent surge in property values and purchases. It may also be that a raft of ultra-high-end properties has distorted the figures. There's a different picture Al Reef, an affordable suburb near Abu Dhabi airport. There, rent is much more expensive than the average mortgage rate - and it's a similar picture in Khalifa City and Reem Island. "In many cases, property prices have become disconnected from rental rates," says Andrew Laver, associate director in Cavendish Maxwell's Abu Dhabi office. In Al Reef, for example, he expects average monthly payments to even out, and the next data report should reflect that. "Affordable purchase prices create strong buying opportunities for purchasers. Only recently have both rents and prices begun increasing across Al Reef. Al Reem Island shows a similar pattern, with limited apartment price growth in 2023-2024," he says. So, with some of the data showing lower monthly mortgage payments for owners, does it always make sense to buy? Not necessarily, says Mr Laver. Newly arrived professionals or families will naturally want to settle into their jobs, and save for a deposit before taking the plunge, while others may feel priced out of the market. In the long term, he believes many more people will take the leap and buy. "This transition is especially likely if we continue to see an upward trend in the average duration of expat residency in the UAE, as longer-term outlooks tend to support homeownership over leasing," Mr Laver says. For renters who feel priced out, but still want to build long-term stability in the UAE, there are innovative options worth exploring. This can include real estate tokenisation, allowing investors to see the benefit of a strong market. There is also a host of new off-plan developments in the works, which are often aimed at middle-income families. "With the right timing and planning, off-plan investments can offer a more stable entry point into ownership, especially in emerging communities with strong growth potential," Laver adds.
Arabian Business
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE real estate: Abu Dhabi to add over 11,900 new homes by end of 2025 amid rising housing demand
Abu Dhabi will add 11,900 new homes to its residential real estate inventory by the end of 2025, but population growth and increased investor interest could mean that demand for housing outpaces supply, according to real estate advisory and property consultant Cavendish Maxwell. The UAE capital delivered 600 new residential properties in Q1 this year, meaning a total of 12,500 new homes will come to the market by the end of 2025. Another 7,000 are in the pipeline for Abu Dhabi in 2026, Cavendish Maxwell said. Strong demand boosts Abu Dhabi property prices Cavendish Maxwell's report on the Abu Dhabi residential real estate sector shows that in Q1 2025, sales values reached AED 3.7 billion across 1,300 transactions. Buyers paid an average AED 2.5 million per property – the highest quarterly value since Q1 2022. Apartment prices were up 12.3 per cent on last year, and 4 per cent quarter-on-quarter, whilst villas were 12.5 per cent and 2.4 per cent respectively. Ready property transactions increased year-on-year and are most in demand, accounting for 900 transactions worth a total AED 2.3 billion. Mortgage values hit AED 1.7 billion across 800 loans. Whilst ready property volumes and values were up compared to the same period last year, they were down quarter-on-quarter, potentially reflecting reduced activity post-festive season and less trading during Ramadan and Eid. Andrew Laver, Cavendish Maxwell Associate Director – Abu Dhabi, said: 'The UAE capital is seeing a notable shift towards the secondary residential market, with sustained demand for ready homes and fewer off-plan project launches compared to previous quarters. The average sales transaction reached a record AED 2.5 million in Q1, with encouraging signs of broader price appreciation – a trend we expect to continue in the months ahead. Robust bank activity and strong project delivery during the early part of the year underscore the resilience and dynamism of the Abu Dhabi real estate sector.' There were 1,300 residential real estate transactions in Q1, with sales values reaching AED 3.7 billion. The majority – 900 – of these were for ready units, with off-plan properties accounting for 400 deals. Off-plan activity declined year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, mainly because of fewer off-plan launches. Sales of ready properties increased year-on-year. The reduction in transaction volumes was mirrored by a decline in sales values. Despite the slowdown, the average ticket price on ready sales hit AED 2.5 million – the highest recorded value since Q1 2022. Apartments, villas and townhouses all saw price increases of over 12 per cent year-on-year. Quarter-on-quarter, apartment prices were up 4.1 per cent and villas/townhouses 2.4 per cent. Buyer activity continues to be driven by growing investor confidence, end-user interest, a macroeconomic environment and rental yields. In addition, initiatives from the Abu Dhabi government and developers – including payment plans, infrastructure development, long-term residency options and schemes to enhance quality of life in the capital – are stimulating real estate sales and supporting price growth. The biggest prices rise for villas was in Yas Island (15.5 per cent year-on-year, 3.5 per cent quarter-on-quarter), followed by Saadiyat Island (1.0 per cent and 2.3 per cent). Al Reef prices rose 4.4 per cent and 2.6 per cent respectively. Whilst apartment sales continue to dominate Abu Dhabi's residential sector, their market share fell year-on-year, indicating a shift towards villas and townhouses, whose market share showed both an annual and quarterly increase. Growing demand for villas and townhouses is largely from end-users, and in particular from families potentially seeking more space, a garden and place to live long-term. AED 1.7 billion worth of mortgages across 800 individual loans were secured in Q1, with transactions on villas and townhouses up almost 60 per cent year-on-year and 3.5 per cent compared to the previous quarter, reinforcing higher demand for these properties and a shift towards end-users. By contrast, there was a decline in mortgage lending for apartments.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
11,900 new homes to be delivered in Abu Dhabi by year end, but demand for residential real estate could outstrip supply
Apartment sales dominate, villas gain ground in UAE capital Dubai – Abu Dhabi is set to add 11,900 new homes to its residential real estate inventory by the end of 2025, but population growth and increased investor interest could mean that demand for housing outpaces supply, according to new insight from leading real estate advisory and property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell. The UAE capital delivered 600 new residential properties in Q1 this year, meaning a total 12,500 new homes will come to the market by the end of 2025. Another 7,000 are in the pipeline for Abu Dhabi in 2026, Cavendish Maxwell said. Cavendish Maxwell's latest report on the Abu Dhabi residential real estate sector also shows that in Q1 2025: Sales values reached AED3.7 billion across 1,300 transactions Buyers paid an average AED2.5 million per property – the highest quarterly value since Q1 2022 Apartment prices were up 12.3% on last year, and 4% quarter-on-quarter; villas were 12.5% and 2.4% respectively Ready property transactions increased year-on-year and are most in demand, accounting for 900 transactions worth a total AED2.3 billion Mortgage values hit AED1.7 billion across 800 loans While ready property volumes and values were up compared to the same period last year, they were down quarter-on-quarter, potentially reflecting reduced activity post-festive season and less trading during Ramadan and Eid Andrew Laver, Cavendish Maxwell Associate Director – Abu Dhabi, said: 'The UAE capital is seeing a notable shift towards the secondary residential market, with sustained demand for ready homes and fewer off-plan project launches compared to previous quarters. The average sales transaction reached a record AED2.5 million in Q1, with encouraging signs of broader price appreciation – a trend we expect to continue in the months ahead. Robust bank activity and strong project delivery during the early part of the year underscore the resilience and dynamism of the Abu Dhabi real estate sector.' Transaction trends … There were 1,300 residential real estate transactions in Q1, with sales values reaching AED3.7 billion. The majority – 900 – of these were for ready units, with off-plan properties accounting for 400 deals. Off-plan activity declined year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, mainly because of fewer off-plan launches. Sales of ready properties increased year-on-year. As would be expected, the reduction in transaction volumes was mirrored by a decline in sales values. Despite the slowdown, the average ticket price on ready sales hit AED2.5 million – the highest recorded value since Q1 2022. … and sales price stats Apartments, villas and townhouses all saw price increases of over 12% year on year. Quarter-on-quarter, apartment prices were up 4.1% and villas/townhouses 2.4%. Buyer activity continues to be driven by growing investor confidence, end-user interest, a stable macroeconomic environment and competitive rental yields. In addition, initiatives from Abu Dhabi Government and developers – including flexible payment plans, infrastructure development, long-term residency options and schemes to enhance quality of life in the capital – are stimulating real estate sales and supporting price growth. Hot locations The biggest prices rise for villas was in Yas Island (15.5% year-on-year, 3.5% quarter-on-quarter), followed by Saadiyat Island (1.0% and 2.3%). Al Reef prices rose 4.4% and 2.6% respectively. Villas and town houses gain ground While apartment sales continue to dominate Abu Dhabi's residential sector, their market share fell year-on-year, indicating a shift towards villas and townhouses, whose market share showed both an annual and quarterly increase. Growing demand for villas and townhouses is largely from end-users, and in particular from families potentially seeking more space, a garden and place to live long-term. More mortgages for villas AED1.7 billion worth of mortgages across 800 individual loans were secured in Q1, with transactions on villas and town houses up almost 60% year-on-year and 3.5% compared to the previous quarter, reinforcing higher demand for these properties and a shift towards end-users. By contrast, there was a decline in mortgage lending for apartments. About Cavendish Maxwell Cavendish Maxwell is one of the Middle East's leading real estate advisory groups and property consultants, with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Kuwait City and Muscat. The company is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and offers a full range of property-related services, including valuation, strategic advisory, research, project and building consultancy and investment and commercial agency expertise. With a team of experienced professionals and a commitment to delivering exceptional service, Cavendish Maxwell has established itself as a trusted advisor in the regional real estate market.
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi's residential property market set for sustained growth
UAE - Demand for residential property is on the rise in Abu Dhabi, where 38,700 new units are set to come to market by 2028, according to leading real estate advisory and property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell. Following a strong performance last year witor in the UAE capital is poised for further growth this year and beyond, fuelled by increased demand and strategic Government initiatives, said Cavendish Maxwell in its latest Abu Dhabi Residentiah 9,700 sales transactions worth a total AED26 billion ($7.1 billion), the residential real estate sectl Market Performance Report. Some 10,800 new units are due to be delivered this year, with another 6,000 in 2026. By the end of 2028, Abu Dhabi's total residential inventory will be around 313,700, it stated. Cavendish Maxwell said 5,200 new homes were delivered in 2024 - mostly at Al Raha Berach, Yas Island, Masdar City and Saadiyat Island – with 275,000 units in total at year end. Andrew Laver, the Associate Partner in Abu Dhabi, said the residential sector in the capital was experiencing steady growth, driven by increased demand from local and international investors as well as strategic government initiatives such as residency incentives. Sustainable development and innovative housing solutions will be key in shaping the future of capital's residential property market, with rising demand and price appreciation further boosted by infrastructure expansion and enhanced community offerings, he stated. Sales and rental prices up Cavendish Maxwell said the average sales prices for apartments rose by nearly 11.5% in 2024, with villa prices up by just over 12.5%. Yas Island commanded the biggest rises at more than 20% for apartments and 13% for villas. In the rentals market, rates were on an average of nearly 13% for apartments and 8% for villas, with Yas Island seeing the highest rises, at 16% and 10% respectively. Cavendish Maxwell predicts further gradual increases this year. The real estate expert said the demand for ready properties surged by almost 50% year-on-year in 2024, while off-plan transactions saw a decline of 13%, largely due to a reduction in new project launches. Of the 9,700 sales transactions last year, 75% were for apartments – up 63% on the previous year. Apartment sales transactions reached 7,300 with a total value of AED12.6 billion. 2,400 villas and townhouse, with a combined value of AED13.4 billion, were purchased in 2024 – a drop of 44% in volume and value, driven by limited new projects launches. However, demand for ready villas and townhouses was up 47% and 26% respectively, reflecting growing confidence among investors and end-users in the completed property market. Abu Dhabi saw a 34% increase in mortgage transactions in 2024, with nearly 5,000 mortgages, worth a total AED7.1 billion secured. Loans for apartments dominated the mortgage market, up 66% in volume and 55% in value on the previous year. Falling interest rates, increasing investor confidence and attractive financing options from banks fuelled mortgage demand last year, it stated. Almost 40 residential projects were launched in Abu Dhabi last year, bringing 11,000 new units to the market. Al Reem island saw the highest number of new units (2,000), followed by Saadiyat Island (1,800) and Al Bahyah (1,700). Aldar Properties dominated the market, launching around 4,000 units across 12 projects, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the capital's real estate sector. The performance of this year's off plan market will hinge on the number of new launches: a decrease in new projects could lead to a decline in volume and value of off plan transactions.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Al Etihad
25-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi's residential property market poised for sustained growth in 2025
26 Mar 2025 01:58 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Demand for residential property is on the rise in Abu Dhabi, where 38,700 new units are set to come to market by 2028, says leading real estate advisory and property consultant, Cavendish a strong performance in 2024, with 9,700 sales transactions worth a total Dh26 billion, the residential real estate sector in the UAE capital is poised for further growth this year and beyond, fuelled by increased demand and strategic government initiatives, according to Cavendish Maxwell's latest Abu Dhabi Residential Market Performance Report. Some 10,800 new units are due to be delivered this year, with another 6,000 in 2026. By the end of 2028, Abu Dhabi's total residential inventory will be around 313,700, the research shows. 5,200 new homes were delivered in 2024 – mostly at Al Raha Berach, Yas Island, Masdar City and Saadiyat Island – with 275,000 units in total at year end. Andrew Laver, Cavendish Maxwell Associate Partner, Abu Dhabi, said: "The residential sector in Abu Dhabi is experiencing steady growth, driven by increased demand from local and international investors as well as strategic government initiatives such as residency incentives." Average sales prices for apartments rose by nearly 11.5% in 2024, with villa prices up by over 12.5%. Yas Island commanded the biggest rises at more than 20% for apartments and 13% for villas. In the rentals market, rates were an average of nearly 13% for apartments and 8% for villas, with Yas Island seeing the highest rises, at 16% and 10% for ready properties surged by almost 50% year-on-year in 2024, while off-plan transactions saw a decline of 13%, largely due to a reduction in new project launches. Of the 9,700 sales transactions last year, 75% were for apartments – up 63% on the previous year. Apartment sales transactions reached 7,300 with a total value of Dh12.6 billion. A total of 2,400 villas and townhouse, with a combined value of Dh13.4 billion, were purchased in 2024 – a drop of 44% in volume and value, driven by limited new projects launches. However, demand for ready villas and townhouses was up 47% and 26% respectively, reflecting growing confidence among investors and end-users in the completed property market. Abu Dhabi saw a 34% increase in mortgage transactions in 2024, with nearly 5,000 mortgages, worth a total Dh7.1 billion secured. Loans for apartments dominated the mortgage market, up 66% in volume and 55% in value on the previous year. Falling interest rates, increasing investor confidence and attractive financing options from banks fuelled mortgage demand last year, says Cavendish Maxwell. Almost 40 residential projects were launched in Abu Dhabi last year, bringing 11,000 new units to the market. Al Reem island saw the highest number of new units (2,000), followed by Saadiyat Island (1,800) and Al Bahyah (1,700). Aldar Properties dominated the market, launching around 4,000 units across 12 projects, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the capital's real estate sector.
