Cushman & Wakefield Core: Dubai residential rents fell 7% year on year in the third quarter

The new report compares falling rents with an increase in the number of new tenancy contracts.

Cushman & Wakefield Core published its review of Dubai's residential market for the third quarter of 2026 on 29 October. The consultants estimate that average rents fell 7% compared with the same quarter of 2025 and 4.5% compared with the preceding quarter. These are different comparison bases, not two successive annual declines.

Meanwhile, the number of new tenancy contracts rose 32% quarter on quarter and 12% year on year. The authors link this activity partly to moves before the school year and some prospective buyers' decisions to continue renting. Falling average rents are accompanied by tenants moving between properties.

According to the review, around 12,900 residential units were completed in July–September, bringing the year-to-date total to approximately 40,400. A further 10,500 are expected in the fourth quarter. That last figure remains a supply forecast and cannot be added to completed homes as an outcome that has already occurred.

For prospective tenants, the figures offer a reason to compare several suitable buildings and the actual terms of a new contract. The citywide average does not determine the rent of every apartment: the building, condition, fittings and lease term matter.

Buy-to-let buyers should check their calculations against comparable properties in the same development and account for costs and vacancy periods. Citywide statistics help frame the questions, but do not replace an assessment of a particular property.