Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Young property buyers in Abu Dhabi could own their first home by the age of 29, a new study reveals — an insight experts say is realistic, given the emirate’s stable economy, robust property market, and attractive financial advantages.
According to the Global Home Ownership Gap study by Bloom Holding., young professionals in the emirate benefit from modern housing and off-plan opportunities that accelerate their path to ownership. With high incomes and the advantage of tax-free savings, these young residents can realistically save enough for a home within just six years, the study found.
The UAE capital stands out among the world’s most accessible markets for first-time buyers, placing fifth globally after Bucharest, Budapest, Vilnius, Tallinn, and Oslo, the study said. With a property centre-price of $4,511 per m², the emirate is the only non-European city in the top rankings.
This accessibility is underpinned by a combination of factors, including zero personal income tax, average monthly earnings of $4,877, annual savings of approximately $24,583, and a median deposit requirement of $138,389, the report noted.
Abu Dhabi’s real-estate market is reinforcing a narrative of opportunity. In the first half of 2025 the emirate logged Dh54 billion in property transactions, a 42% jump year on year, according to the inaugural Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market Report released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
The ADREC report highlighted that sustained demand growth, outpacing supply, and a shift towards premium master-planned communities have reinforced the capital’s status as one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the region.
Data confirms a growing number of young buyers in the capital, especially among professionals in their late 20s and early 30s, according to Nawwar Sammoni, a sales manager at Oia Properties in Abu Dhabi.
“It is not surprising to see Abu Dhabi ranked among the world’s most affordable cities for first-time buyers. Over the past few years, the city created a very balanced real estate ecosystem with flexible payment plans, competitive pricing, and a strong focus on lifestyle and community living,” Sammoni told Aletihad.
The fact that the average age of first-time buyers is just 29 shows how confident young professionals are in investing in Abu Dhabi, she noted. This reflects both economic stability and long-term trust in the market.
Johnny Conran, Managing Partner and Head of MENA at Joseph Mews, said that salaries in the UAE are generally higher, income is fully tax-free, and the cost of living has stayed relatively stable while other global cities have become more expensive.
“The dirham’s peg to the US dollar keeps repayments steady, and steady mid-market supply gives younger buyers confidence. For many residents, that means the rent-versus-buy crossover happens earlier, making ownership before 30 a genuine possibility in Abu Dhabi,” Conran told Aletihad.
Economic expert Wajdi Makhamreh said Abu Dhabi’s zero personal income tax and average net monthly income create a powerful economic multiplier. “This allows first-time buyers to retain nearly 40% more disposable income than in high-tax jurisdictions.”
He noted that this directly translates into higher mortgage affordability and even makes luxury real estate accessible at entry-level price points.
