The UAE residential property market continues showing strong long-term resilience despite growing geopolitical uncertainty across the region, according to a new investor sentiment survey released by Savills Middle East.
The report found that nearly 45% of respondents still plan to purchase property within the next 12 months, while an additional 32% remain undecided rather than abandoning plans altogether.
The findings suggest that market caution is currently slowing decision-making, but not significantly weakening underlying demand.
Property Owners Continue Holding Assets
One of the strongest signals from the survey is the lack of widespread selling pressure across the UAE market.
More than 60% of existing property owners said they plan to either hold or expand their portfolios over the next six months, while only around 4% indicated plans to sell.
This continued confidence among owners is helping support prices across several residential segments despite softer short-term sentiment and longer transaction timelines.
Buyers Shift Toward Ready Properties
The survey also highlights a growing preference for completed properties over off-plan developments.
Approximately 60% of respondents said they currently prefer ready properties, compared to around 23% favouring off-plan investments.
Analysts say buyers are increasingly prioritising delivery certainty, pricing clarity, and immediate usability as market conditions become more cautious.
UAE Market Enters More Balanced Phase
After several years of strong growth, Savills believes the UAE residential sector is now transitioning into a more balanced stage.
While transaction activity remains historically strong, buyers have become more selective due to:
- regional geopolitical tensions
- increased supply levels
- pricing expectations
- longer negotiation periods
The apartment sector may face greater pressure due to higher levels of incoming supply, while villas and premium residential properties are expected to remain more resilient.
Long-Term Fundamentals Remain Strong
Despite softer sentiment in the near term, the report suggests that the UAE property market continues benefiting from strong long-term fundamentals including:
- population growth
- international capital inflows
- economic diversification
- infrastructure investment
- continued foreign investor interest
Savills says future market performance will largely depend on how quickly buyer confidence stabilises and how efficiently new housing supply is absorbed across the market.
