How UAE visa reforms are fuelling a property investment boom

Property investment | 07.10.2025 | Benham and Reeves UAE

Buyers and Investors, we have some news for you! You might have always been awestruck by the glimmering beauty of Dubai and might have also thought of owning a property here, but the visa reforms might have been a hurdle for you. However, let us inform you that the UAE visa reforms are now opening doors for global investors without any hassle. With the Golden Visa being more accessible than ever and 100% foreign business ownership initially on the table, the demand for property across the Emirates is already on the rise.

As you go through this guide, you'll find out how these game-changing policies are driving demand for new homes in UAE while also explaining what it could mean for your investment strategy in 2025.

How key visa reforms are driving UAE real estate momentum

Golden visa & investdr residency

The Dubai Golden Visa remains one of the strongest draws for long-term foreign investors. You not only get stability but buyers are also encouraged to plan roots rather than just passing it through.

Here's how the tiers break down:

• 10-Year Renewable Visa: For property investments of AED 2 million or more.
• 5-Year Investor Visa: Available with a property purchase of at least AED 1 million.
• 2-Year Investor Visa: Accessible with a property worth AED 750,000.

These options have opened the doors to a broader pool of investors, ranging from high-net-worth individuals to mid-tier buyers, who now play a significantly larger role in the market.

Full foreign ownership accelerates investment

With Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, foreign investors gained the right to fully own onshore companies and properties in designated freehold zones, thereby ending the old sponsorship rules. By 2025, this reform had already made a significant impact: ValuStrat reported a surge in foreign direct investment, greater transparency, and stronger trust from global buyers.

The numbers tell you the real story;

• In the first half of 2025, real estate transactions in the UAE crossed a staggering AED 400 billion
• With prices projected to rise between 8%-12%, Prime areas are expectedto see a higherrise
• For investors, the yields could range from a solid 8% on short-term lets to an exceptional 13% on long-term rentals.

Booming growth across all property segments

Luxury Homes: Affluent buyers are now shifting their focus to villas, waterfront properties, and branded residences, with purchases of AED 2 million or more entitling them to a 10-year Golden Visa.



Mid-range & Off-plan: Lower visa entry points are contributing to make property investment accessible than ever before, causing an increase in demand. The introductory plans being, AED 750K for a two-year visa and AED 1m for a 5-year visa. In fact, the off-plan sales shows 60% of all transactions in 2024.

Short-term Rentals: The New Visa options have led to short-term stays becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads and remote workers. These homes are showing a good demand from renters and buyers across, while serving the purpose of offering good long-term growth.

Market snapshot: The numbers behind the boom

The UAE real estate market is already showing some massive positive changes. For instance, in Q3 alone, the sales for residential properties crossed AED 120 billion (about USD 32.7 billion). Top-class buyers are active than ever now, contributing 76% more than they did last year.

Over the past five years, prices have increased by 147%, underscoring just how strong and steady demand has become.

By early 2025, the average price per square foot reached AED 1,750 (about USD 476). That's 75% higher than in early 2021 and above the highs seen before the 2008 market boom, marking an uninterrupted 50-month streak of growth.

Now adding to the momentum, companies based in Dubai's free zones are allowed to buy and own property directly, thanks to the Landmark policy. This has resulted in markets opening a new pool of corporate buyers, leading to an acceleration in demand.

Your next move in the UAE property market



With significant and attractive Visa reforms, full ownership rights, and a host of investor-friendly policies, the UAE has definitely positioned itself as a dynamic, world-class property hub. Presently, Dubai attracts a diverse mix of buyers, ranging from those seeking affordable off-plan homes to high-net-worth investors drawn by the Golden Visa and the allure of luxury villas.

While factors like increased supply and higher mortgage costs may influence the market ahead, Dubai real estate remains one of the strongest global performers.

At Benham and Reeves UAE, we specialise in helping investors identify and secure high-yield properties that align with these new regulations.

Ready to capitalise on the UAE's property boom? Speak to our Dubai property specialists today for a personalised consultation.