Future Living Report 2026 by betterhomes

Dubai’s biggest success story is not its skyline. It’s the confidence of the people who call it home.

The Future Living Report 2026 by betterhomes reveals an interesting shift in Dubai’s real estate market.

Property prices may be entering a period of correction, but long-term confidence in Dubai remains remarkably resilient.

The report, based on a survey of 1,714 residents, reveals some compelling insights:

🏡 69% intend to stay in Dubai for another 10 years or more.
🏙️ 32% now own their homes, up from 23% in 2024.
📈 55% of tenants plan to purchase property within the next three years.
📉 Only 32% expect property prices to rise, compared with 72% in 2024.
💰 47% have made significant lifestyle adjustments or seriously considered relocating because of rising living costs.
💪 67% say their confidence in Dubai has either remained unchanged or increased following recent regional developments.
🤖 41% have used general AI assistants during their property search.

What does this tell us?

Dubai is transitioning from a destination for short-term opportunities into a city where people want to build long-term futures.

The real estate market is also maturing. Buyers are becoming more informed, more selective and increasingly focused on value rather than speculation.

But there is another important lesson.

Confidence does not mean complacency.

Affordability, infrastructure, quality of life and transparency will determine whether Dubai can sustain this remarkable level of commitment.

For businesses, investors and entrepreneurs, the opportunities extend far beyond real estate.

A population planning to stay longer creates demand for education, healthcare, technology, financial services and lifestyle businesses.

Dubai’s next chapter will not simply be about building more properties.

It will be about building a city where more people choose to belong.

The true measure of a city’s success is not how many people it attracts. It is how many people want to stay.