The recent update to Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Authority rent calculator is a double-edged sword for deal-hunting tenants, according to analysts who say the rise in rents will be balanced out by the growth of communities offering better value for money.
The Rera calculator, which was recalibrated on March 1 to become more representative of open-market pricing, is revised periodically for certain communities and buildings to reflect current market rental rates.
It shows whether or not a rent increase is allowed and uses criteria such as location, property type, current rent and number of rooms, and works by comparing properties with similar ones nearby.
Rents in Dubai surged 19 per cent year-on-year in 2023, compared with 27 per cent the previous year, property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield said in its latest market report.
It said many tenants were opting to stay put because rental increases during renewals are much lower compared to signing new leases, but several renewing this year will face higher rent due to the adjustment in Rera's calculator.
"Last year, we observed rental ranges widening for some areas by increasing the top end of the allowed price increase," Haider Tuaima, director and head of real estate research at Dubai-based ValuStrat, told The National.
"The residential rental market is on an upswing stage of the cycle. Therefore, increasing the upper end of the permitted rental range allows landlords to increase their rates closer to prevailing market rents and improve their yields in the process."
Cherif Sleiman, chief revenue officer of Property Finder, said the recent change in the rental index also reflects the efforts of Rera to balance a fair rent increase across different communities "while fostering a healthy environment for investors, ensuring competitive rental yields aligned with global standards".
"The nation's commitment to fostering long-term residency and investment has fuelled this trend, resulting in a growing demand and heightened interest in investment," Mr Sleiman told The National.
Renters become buyers
With many tenants with historically low rents set to face significant increases in their next renewal, John Lyons, managing director at Dubai-based Espace Real Estate, said it may encourage more to a foothold on the property ladder.
"This will increase the churn rate of rental stock within many communities, while also accelerating the trend of 2023, whereby many tenants decided to buy, opting for the lower monthly costs associated with home ownership," Mr Lyons said.
"Although the updated rent calculator will inevitably cause some level of disruption for many tenants, the great pivot of housing stock from the rental sector to the end-user sector will help to create increased levels of stability for Dubai’s residential property market over the longer term."
Jacob Bramley, senior leasing manager at Dubai-based Betterhomes, said the consequence was two-pronged: any increase may prompt tenants to vacate their property to save money, which in turn would give an opportunity for landlords to re-rent at a higher price, offering better return for their investment.
"The revision, now more aligned with current market prices ... differs from the previous scenario where tenants were more inclined to stay," Mr Bramley told The National.
Better value
However, this could also lead to increased demand in "newer" and developing communities that offer better value for money, as tenants opt to downsize or move further from their ideal search location, Mr Bramley said.
"With more tenants choosing to move, this may lead to long-term increases in market prices, as landlords can charge tenants the current market value compared to when tenants opted to renew at a lower price previously."
Another possible outcome is "increasing the number of available rental properties if tenants are no longer able to afford the rent and decide to vacate the property", ValuStrat's Mr Tuaima said.
Dubai's property sector, a key pillar of its economy, emerged strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic amid robust economic momentum, allowing it to remain an attractive asset for domestic and international investors.
The emirate had a bumper year in 2023, registering a record 1.6 million property transactions across market segments, an almost 17 per cent jump on an annual basis, the Dubai Land Department reported last month.
The total value of real estate deals in the emirate reached Dh634 billion ($172.6 billion), with the number of transactions hitting 166,400 in 2023. This marked an annual growth of 20 per cent in the value of deals and 36 per cent in the number of transactions.
How to use Rera calculator
Rera was established in 2013 to regulate the market and prevent it from overheating.
The rental calculator shows whether a rent increase is applicable and works by comparing properties with similar ones nearby.
Tenants and landlords can access the calculator on the Dubai Land Department website.
The maximum percentage of rent increase for Dubai properties depends on the area, property type and size, and current market value.
If the rental price is:
- Less than 10 per cent below the market value for the area, no increase is allowed
- Between 11 per cent and 20 per cent below market value for the area, a landlord can increase by 5 per cent
- Between 21 per cent and 30 per cent below market value for the area, a landlord can increase by 10 per cent
- Between 31 per cent and 40 per cent below market value for the area, a landlord can increase rent by 15 per cent
- Forty-one per cent or more below market value will permit a 20 per cent increase in rent
According to the Rera calculator, a landlord cannot increase the rent by more than 20 per cent in any given year.
However, if the landlord and tenant agree on a higher increase during private negotiations, that can exceed 20 per cent.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Ukraine 2 (Yaremchuk 06', Yarmolenko 27')
Portugal 1 (Ronaldo 72' pen)
Meydan race card
6pm Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
1,800m
7.10pm Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m ,400m
7.45pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
8.20pm Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m
8.55pm Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The years Ramadan fell in May
More on Quran memorisation:
FIGHT%20CARD
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The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2-litre%204-cylinder%20mild%20hybrid%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20S%20tronic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E265hp%20%2F%20195kW%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20370Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh260%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Favourite book: ‘The Art of Learning’ by Josh Waitzkin
Favourite film: Marvel movies
Favourite parkour spot in Dubai: Residence towers in Jumeirah Beach Residence
'Champions'
Director: Manuel Calvo
Stars: Yassir Al Saggaf and Fatima Al Banawi
Rating: 2/5
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
Francesco Totti's bio
Born September 27, 1976
Position Attacking midifelder
Clubs played for (1) - Roma
Total seasons 24
First season 1992/93
Last season 2016/17
Appearances 786
Goals 307
Titles (5) - Serie A 1; Italian Cup 2; Italian Supercup 2
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20Killer
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Apple%20Mac%20through%20the%20years
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The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Power: 575bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh554,000
On sale: now
Allardyce's management career
Clubs (10) - Limerick (1991-1992), Perston North End (1992), Blackpool (1994-1996), Notts County (1997-1999), Bolton Wanderers (1999-2007), Newcastle United (2007-2008), Blackburn Rovers (2008-2010), West Ham United (2011-2015), Sunderland (2016), Crystal Palace (2016-2017)
Countries (1) - England (2016)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKinetic%207%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rick%20Parish%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clean%20cooking%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY
Starting at 10am:
Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang
Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)
Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)
Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera
Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas
Terminator: Dark Fate
Director: Tim Miller
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis
Rating: 3/5
The biog
Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research."
Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell
Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married."
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
