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