And you are still in two minds whether to rent a house or buy a house in Dubai?
You are not the only one. It is a question to which nearly every long-term resident must ask himself or herself, but never more than now, as rents continue to rise, off-plan deals become increasingly easy to secure, and the idea of having your own space becomes more accessible than ever before.
To begin with, just to make it clear, this is not investing. It is about life, getting to a place which has the feel of a home, where you can settle down, create memories, and truly feel at home.
Either way, whether you are renewing a lease or even considering that big step to owning, here is everything you need to think about, including real numbers, the good and the bad, and some expert advice along the way, courtesy of Roots Heritage.
Renting in 2025: It Does Still Pay (Occasionally)
It is a fact, renting is liberating:
- No long term commitments
- No worries of property values
- Experiment with neighborhoods (JVC this year, Dubai Hills next)
- Be able to move freely in case of job or plans change
- Forego the huge down payment
Ideal when:
- You are new in Dubai
- You are not staying more than 23 years
- You are still trying to determine whether this city is where you will live in the long run
- When such situations occur, purchasing will not be worth it because it will not be able to pay off soon enough.
But…
The rents in the year 2025 are not low. Where you live, you might be paying as much, or more, in rent than a mortgage payment, and not getting anything in return.
That is where the renting argument begins to shake.
Purchasing a House: Security, Property Ownership, and Investing
Purchasing is not only a financial process. It is controlled.
- Feel like painting a wall? Do it.
- Fancy a dog? No landlord regulations to be concerned about.
And in 2025, a purchase has never been simpler due to developer-friendly payment plans.
Developers are now providing:
- Only 10-20 percent down payment
- Post-handover payment terms (37 years)
- Communities with brands and carefully planned designs
- Pay as you live not everything at once
You see you aren’t really buying a house. You’re buying time. You are purchasing a piece of mind. And the same monthly expense as rent, often.
Looking forward to paying no more rent and starting to create equity? At Roots Heritage Realty, we make the whole process easy, and that includes short-listing homes, to receiving keys in your hand. So, we can begin with a free consultation.
Too Early To Purchase? Go Hybrid: Rent Now, Buy Off-Plan
It is not necessary to decide today. There is the middle way:
- Rent now. Reserve an off-plan home in future.
- Construction pay in small payments
- Lock in present-day prices before the market changes
- Move into it or rent it out in 2026 or 2027
In the meantime, do not forget to maintain flexibility in living where you desire
Great Examples
- Cubix Residences (JVC) – Contemporary designs, rooftop lounges, workstations
- Arisha Terraces (Studio City) – More than 100 plans, green design, personal cinema, solar panels
These are not investor boxes, they are homes built to accommodate real people.
How Much Will it Cost You?
Let’s quickly compare what you’ll need to pay whether you choose to rent or buy a home in Dubai.
In Case You Purchase:
- 4 Percent DLD Fee
- Approximately 2 percent in the form of Agency/Admin fees
- The set up fees on the mortgages (where applicable)
- Annual service charges (AED 12 25/ sq. ft.)
- Insurance & maintenance
When You Rent:
- Agency fee is 5 percent of annual rent
- 5 percent security deposit
- The potential annual rent increases
- Nothing left in assets
So What Can You Do?
It’s not an easy decision, but don’t worry. Let’s break it down so you can see what really makes sense for you in 2025.
Renting is a good idea when:
- Flexibility is required of you
- You doubt whether you can live there permanently
- You desire low responsibility
- It is rational to buy when:
- You are long-term in Dubai
- You desire to accumulate equity as opposed to paying rent only
- You desire a steady place to live- not a rental house
Hybrid (off-plan) has its best chances when:
- You wish to possess, not quite yet
- You want to fix prices but to be nimble
Roots Heritage is ready to assist whether you are ready to make a purchase or just browsing. We provide clear counsel, professional services and access to the most livable homes in Dubai. Schedule a call and make your initial step home.
Final Takeaway
The real estate picture of Dubai in 2025 is evolving. You do not simply have to decide between renting and buying. You have a choice between Temporary vs. permanent, Immediate liberty vs. long-term worth, Renting vs. Paying yourself. The door is open-to rent or own. All you need to do is to choose the time you want to go through it.