Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)
Emiratis lead home ownership in the UAE, with about three-quarters already in their own homes, while nearly nine in 10 expatriates still rent, according to a new study by ORA Developers.
First-time purchases, meanwhile, now account for 75% of the UAE’s buyer pool, and a quarter of them plan to step onto the ladder within a year. The remaining 25% are existing owners, adding a second or third home for family use, lifestyle needs or investment.
Across groups, the word “home” is linked to stability, security, and comfort, but the study shows variations in buying priorities among different nationalities, not only in motivation but also in budgets, expectations, and what ultimately drives the final purchase decision.
“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,” said Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of ORA Developers.
According to the study, published on Wednesday, Emiratis and Westerners report higher-than-average budgets across property types.
Western home buyers prioritise lifestyle, with convenience, design quality, and a sense of pride in ownership setting the tone for purchase decisions. They want homes that feel good to live in and are equally suited to hosting guests, and they also weigh proximity to healthcare and the developer’s track record when planning to settle long-term.
For Emiratis, who already make up the majority of homeowners, the ideal home is one that fits easily into their existing lifestyle, not one they need to adapt around. This group looks for quick and easy access to amenities, healthcare, shopping centres, and community infrastructure.
Asian expatriates may not spend the most, but their decision-making is deliberate and highly informed. They put family stability and day-to-day comfort first and pay close attention to functional details such as after-sales service, maintenance, and how straightforward the purchase process is.
Expat Arabs, on the other hand, are often investment-minded, approaching home ownership as a way to build wealth. They look for strong value, a sense of community, and the potential for long-term returns.
Besides payment plans, ownership costs, and returns on investments, what matters most for all nationalities at the point of purchase is reassurance. Buyers want confidence that the home they’re investing in will be delivered as promised, built to last, and properly maintained. Many also say they are ready to curb short-term spending to secure a home that delivers comfort and stability over time.
One group singled out in the ORA study is the so-called “budget buyer”.
Methodical and cautious, this group spends weeks comparing projects, reads forums and previous handover reviews, and is content to wait if another release or a clearer offer is on the horizon. They avoid premiums for features they will not use and choose practicality over extras.
The report suggests that a one-size-fits-all sales strategy cannot keep pace with increasingly diverse market demand. While trust and quality matter to all, what ultimately sways a purchase depends on who the buyer is and what they’re looking for. For developers, that means responding not only to homeowners’ budgets, but also their expectations.
