New data from property search platform Skyloov sheds light on how shifting economic conditions and evolving lifestyle needs are influencing property preferences across the UAE. Based on over 44 million search queries and 540 million property views in Q2 2025, the report outlines distinct patterns among renters and buyers, highlighting affordability, access, and long-term value as key drivers in the current market.
Affordability and Access Define Rental Demand
In the rental segment, search activity indicates a rising preference for communities that offer a balance between affordability and proximity to business hubs.
In Dubai, the top five most searched areas for renters were International City, Deira, Bur Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). These areas appeal to singles, young professionals, and small families seeking to balance living expenses with connectivity and convenience.
In Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island led in search interest, followed by Hamdan Street, Khalifa City, Electra Street, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City. These communities offer mid-range options and access to schools, retail centres, and public infrastructure.
Buyers Focusing on Growth and Value Potential
In contrast, homebuyers and investors showed more substantial interest in emerging communities that offer capital appreciation potential and access to future infrastructure.
In Dubai, Dubai Investment Park (DIP), Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), and JVC topped buyer searches, indicating a growing focus on lower entry points, long-term investment potential, and improving connectivity.
In Abu Dhabi, Khalifa City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City remained high on buyer interest, with demand centred around spacious villas and community living. Outside the capital, Al Nahda in Sharjah and select areas in Ras Al Khaimah have also gained traction, indicating a widening of buyer confidence in peripheral markets.
Diverging Priorities in a Shifting Market
The data highlights a growing divide in priorities: renters are seeking immediate affordability and access to amenities, while buyers are taking a long-term view, focusing on growth potential and return on investment.
“In a market as dynamic as the UAE, data is no longer a supporting tool; it’s a strategic advantage,” said Dr. Abdulaziz Albwardi, Chairman of the Board at Skyloov. “What we’re seeing is a clear divergence in how renters and buyers make decisions, influenced by shifting economic conditions, infrastructure development, and long-term value potential. At Skyloov, our platform captures these behavioural shifts in real time, helping the industry respond with smarter, more targeted offerings that reflect where the market is headed, not just where it’s been.”
As digital platforms increasingly shape how real estate decisions are made, real-time behavioural data is emerging as a critical tool for developers, agents, and investors navigating the UAE’s evolving property landscape.
