Dubai’s leasing market is entering a more selective phase, with changes in tenant behaviour and a rise in rental listings beginning to reshape market conditions, according to data from betterhomes.
The brokerage, which has operated across multiple market cycles over nearly four decades, says lead volumes are currently running at 30 to 40 per cent below the levels recorded during the same period last year.
“We are seeing many of the same questions from both tenants and landlords, particularly around demand, pricing, and how the market is evolving. What matters now is stepping back from the noise and focusing on what the data is actually showing. The market remains active, but outcomes are increasingly shaped by realistic pricing, strong presentation, and a clear understanding of tenant behaviour,” Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes said.
Dubai Marina, JVC among top areas for rental demand as market dynamics shift
However, conditions have shown signs of improvement since early March, with lead volumes rising by around 20 per cent week on week and briefly matching year-on-year levels in mid-March.
Figures from betterhomes show that comparing March 2025 with the current month, rental listings have increased by 23 per cent while tenant enquiries have fallen by 16 per cent. The brokerage says this shift places greater weight on pricing strategy, presentation, and flexibility from landlords from the outset.
Search activity across the main property portals indicates that rental demand is currently concentrated in four areas: Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), all of which are recording the strongest search volumes at present.
