ORA Developers Latest Study Reveals New Trends In UAE Home Buyer Preferences

2025-10-07 03:15:13

(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) ORA Developers Latest Study Reveals New Trends in UAE Home Buyer Preferences

For most buyers in the UAE, a home represents stability, security, and comfort, with many willing to make short-term sacrifices for long-term gains.
Emiratis lead the home ownership market, with 75% owning their homes, while nearly 90% of expatriates continue to rent.
First-time buyers account for 75% of the market that currently rent but are preparing to make their first property purchase, while 25% are existing homeowners looking to invest further.

Dubai, UAE, 1 October 2025 – ORA Developers has released new research shedding light on the shifting priorities of home buyers in the UAE, revealing notable differences in budgets, motivations, and purchase drivers across nationalities.

The study found that certain buyer groups, including Emiratis and Westerners, demonstrate above-average budgets for property purchases. Across the market, the concept of“home” is strongly associated with stability, security, and comfort, with many willing to make short-term sacrifices for long-term benefits.

Home ownership in the UAE is largely driven by Emiratis, with around three-quarters already owning their homes. Among expatriates, the picture is reversed, with nearly 90% continuing to rent. Looking at buyer behavior overall, first-time purchasers make up about 75% of the market, with a quarter of them planning to buy within the coming year, while the remaining 25% are existing homeowners seeking to expand their portfolios through additional residential properties for various purposes.

While personal and financial stability is a shared goal, priorities vary: some buyers focus on lifestyle and convenience, others on long-term investment value, and many on creating a secure environment for their families. Financial considerations, including payment plans, return on investment, and ownership costs, along with trust in the developer's track record, consistently emerged as decisive factors at the point of purchase.

The research also highlights that, while trust and quality are non-negotiable for all nationalities, different buyer groups emphasise distinct elements: some value after-sales service and Hassle-free purchase process, others look for community living, proximity to healthcare, or access to retail and leisure amenities. These findings underscore the importance for developers to understand the nuanced expectations that influence purchase decisions.

Eng. Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of ORA Developers , emphasized:“The UAE market is witnessing strong demand from consumers who are actively looking to own homes that reflect their aspirations. This research shows a clear appetite for properties that provide stability, lifestyle, and long-term value. At ORA, we are focused on meeting and exceeding this demand with communities that people can trust, places designed to combine quality living with future growth. Bayn is a prime example of how we are meeting this appetite with a destination that is both exclusive and enduring.”

In line with these shifting priorities, emerging areas such as Ghantoot are attracting growing interest from home buyers and investors. Strategically positioned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Ghantoot benefits from proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world's largest passenger hub, and the revival of Palm Jebel Ali, one of Dubai's most ambitious waterfront destinations. Together, these developments strengthen Ghantoot's appeal as a community that offers exclusivity, waterfront living, and long-term value.

With projects like Bayn, the area reflects buyers' increasing preference for homes that balance lifestyle, accessibility, and investment potential, demonstrating how new destinations are shaping the future of the UAE property market

The data aligns with the current strategy and vision of ORA Developers. ORA Developers will share further insights with industry stakeholders in the coming months to support strategies that meet the aspirations of today's home buyers.

* Note: for more information on the report, please refer to Appendix A.

– ENDS –

APPENDIX A: RESEARCH RESULTS AND TRENDS

Emiratis and Westerners have a higher-than-average budget for all property types.
The concept of 'home' is rooted in stability, security and comfort. Short-term sacrifices are justified to yield the long-term benefits that a house can provide in terms of creating a better life, financially, domestically and societally.
Common thread across is personal and financial stability that comes with home ownership however differing priorities emerge among nationalities: Westerners are looking for convenience, lifestyle and a place they are proud to host in. Emiratis are looking for their home to be conducive to their ideal lifestyle. Expat Arabs want their house to be a financial asset for long-term returns. Expat Asians are seeking stability and comfort for family.
Overarching concern across is around finances, including payment plans, cost of ownership, ROI and maintenance & service costs.
When evaluating on the final decision, trust and property developer track record of previous developments are fundamental to consumers. Home buyers are looking for reassurance that their property will be a quality purchase and will be maintained/ serviced to a high standard post purchase.
Trust and Quality are consistently considered across all nationalities. However, there are also some differences in priorities among nationalities.
- Expat Asians consider functional aspects like after sales services, maintenance and ease of purchase.
- Expat Arabs are looking for value and a community life.
- Emiratis value being able to easily access facilities such as healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and other amenities.
- Westerners consider aspects like healthcare facilities and past track record.
Budget Buyers are meticulous and cautious individuals who spend a significant amount of time researching and analyzing before making decisions.
- Their decisions are grounded in extensive research and a desire for value.
- They are comfortable in delaying action, if it helps in refining judgement.
- They are not willing to pay more or opt for premium options and prefer practicality over extravagance.

About Bayn

Bayn, a visionary coastal community within Ghantoot, blends vibrant city energy with serene coastal living. Strategically located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and just 35 minutes from Dubai and 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi it features 55% open spaces, including lush greenery and recreational areas.

The development spread across 4.8 million square meters includes low-density residential units-villas, townhouses, and apartments-each promoting comfort and environmental responsibility. Its 1.2 km beach and over 7 km of waterfront connect residents to nature, while its parks, sports club, and marina provide ample opportunities for active living.

The master-planned community includes residential, commercial, and leisure spaces, while sustainability is embedded in its infrastructure, from energy-efficient design to green spaces promoting biodiversity. The development also prioritizes walkability with extensive pedestrian and cycling paths. With its diverse offerings, Bayn is a dynamic destination where residents and visitors can thrive, set to redefine urban living in the UAE.

About ORA Developers:

ORA Developers Group is a global real estate leader, known for creating transformative spaces that enhance daily living. Founded in 2016, ORA group now holds more than USD four billion in assets and owns a portfolio of real estate products worth over USD 45 billion across Egypt, Cyprus, Pakistan, UAE, and Iraq. Such projects, include Ayia Napa Marina in Cyprus, Eighteen in Pakistan, Bayn in Abu Dhabi, Madinat Al Wardin Iraq and seven strategically located Projects in Egypt, exemplify ORA's commitment to integrated communities that blend harmoniously with local culture and landscapes. The group's hospitality assets include Silversands Grand Anse & Silversands Beach House in Grenada, the Caribbean, an upcoming 5-star hotel in Mykonos, in addition to other pipeline under development hospitality projects.

ORA's portfolio spans residential, hospitality, commercial and entertainment, focusing on multifunctional spaces designed to enrich and bring balance to residents' lives. Guided by Excellence, Balance, and Happiness, ORA's developments set new standards for sustainable, community-centered design. The acclaimed Silversands North Coast project, for example, captures the Mediterranean's essence, showcasing ORA's expertise in creating vibrant, place-sensitive environments while its 5-Star Hospitality developments in the Caribbean are nothing short of excellence in guest experiences and beautiful getaways.

For more information:

Visit our website: ora-uae

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