Active demand, more selective tenants: what landlords need to know

Landlords across Dubai have been reaching out to us to understand what is happening on the ground in the leasing market. It is understandable to question tenant reactions given the inherent uncertainty introduced by regional geopolitical developments. Looking at the activity from the first 10 days of March, the numbers show that life across Dubai is moving along as usual. 15,220 leasing contracts were signed in that short window. Of these, 5,177 were new leases, and 10,043 were renewals. Numbers at that level show that tenants are still securing homes across the city, either by moving into new properties or extending their current contracts.

Key Takeaways

• Leasing activity in early March confirms steady demand across the city.
• Renewals made up the majority of contracts signed during this period.
• betterhomes recorded around 7 enquiries for every available rental listing, a sign of active tenant demand.
• Renters are paying close attention to pricing, property condition, and value in each community.
• Payment flexibility can help landlords secure tenants more quickly.

How Many People are Looking for a Home?

At betterhomes, 1,232 new tenant enquiries came through in the past ten days. During that same window, 172 new rental listings were published. When you break that down, it means there are roughly seven potential tenants for every single available property.

That ratio signals active tenant demand. News coverage may create a sense of uncertainty, but the reality for a landlord with an available unit is that multiple people are looking for a place to call home. The interest is there, and it covers a wide variety of communities across the city.

What are Tenants Looking for Right Now?

Even with high demand, the way people search for a home is changing. Many residents are taking extra time to review properties for rent in Dubai. 

The factors influencing tenant choices today include:

• Competitive pricing within the neighbourhood
• Well-maintained interiors and building facilities
• Flexible payment structures with multiple cheques
• Properties that offer practical layouts and everyday convenience

We see that flexibility is becoming a major factor in how quickly a home gets rented. Sometimes, a small adjustment in payment terms is all it takes for a vacant property to secure a reliable tenant within days.

Are People Still Moving into New Communities?

While renewals are high, there is still a steady flow of people moving into new spaces. Over 5,100 new leases were signed during this period. People are upgrading to larger spaces or moving closer to work and schools. Movement like this keeps the rental market active.

New leases often see a higher price point because they reflect the most current market conditions. For example, on March 5th, the average price for a new lease reached AED191,000. We can say that for the right property in a desirable location, people are willing to pay for quality and convenience.

How can you prepare for a Renewal in the Current Scenario?

If a tenant's renewal date is approaching, early communication can make the tenancy contract renewal process smoother for the landlord and tenant. Looking at the latest data allows for a helpful conversation based on facts. 

Preparing for a renewal becomes easier when a few factors are reviewed in advance.

A successful renewal is a win for everyone. The landlord keeps a reliable tenant, and the tenant avoids the cost and effort of moving. Given that over 10,000 people chose to renew in early March, it is clear that many landlords and tenants are finding common ground and choosing stability.

Why is Flexibility a Good Strategy?

Offering multiple cheques is a way to show a tenant that you understand their needs. In a market where people are being more selective, being a flexible landlord makes your property stand out. It creates a positive relationship from the very first day.

Flexible terms can attract a wider group of tenants and help secure reliable occupants who take good care of the property.

What is the Best Way to Move Forward?

The most important thing for a landlord right now is to stay informed about their specific neighbourhood. Global trends are one thing, but what matters most is the demand for your specific front door.

When preparing to list a property or discuss a renewal, a few factors can guide the process.

• Review enquiry levels in your area to understand current tenant interest.
• Check recent transaction prices in your building or street to guide rental expectations.
• Compare available listings nearby to position your property competitively.
• Start renewal discussions early with accurate local market information.

Being proactive at the neighbourhood level can make leasing and renewal discussions far more productive.

For landlords currently operating on short-term or holiday rental platforms, this may also be a good moment to assess whether a longer-term lease could offer more predictable income and lower vacancy risk. Your consultant can help you compare both options for your specific property.

How Can a Consultant Help?

A consultant spends every day looking at these numbers and talking to tenants. They know which communities are seeing the most views and which payment terms are getting the most signatures. They can help you review the supply in your area to ensure your property is positioned correctly.

If you would like a detailed look at the numbers for your community, reaching out to a betterhomes real estate consultant is a simple first step. They can provide an updated view on your property and help you decide on the right pricing to meet your goals.

Final Thoughts

The recent figures across the city show a market deeply woven into residents' daily lives. The activity is clear and well-documented. People are choosing to stay in their homes, and those looking for a new space are prioritising properties that offer fair value and flexible terms.

With more than 40 years in this market, we have seen the leasing sector navigate many periods of regional uncertainty, and each time, tenant demand has remained one of the most resilient parts of Dubai’s property market.

Looking at local market data and staying open to small adjustments gives landlords a clearer picture of how their property fits within the community. Across many neighbourhoods, the priority centres on stable communities and homes that support people building their lives and careers in the city. Even during periods when regional developments attract attention, daily life in Dubai still revolves around people finding homes that suit their needs.

Every community tells a slightly different story. Understanding the latest leasing activity in your area can help shape the right approach for your property.