Dubai rents may finally be giving some tenants a break. New Cavendish Maxwell figures show 21.4% of Q3 rental transactions recorded a rent reduction, up from just 4.8% in Q1. Another 38.7% saw no increase, Khaleej Times reports. Rents aren't falling everywhere, but tenants appear to have more room to negotiate.

The details

More Dubai rental transactions are recording price reductions as new housing supply gives tenants greater negotiating power.

According to research by property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell, reported by Khaleej Times on 2 November, 21.4% of rental transactions in the third quarter of 2026 recorded a lower rent than the previous contract.

That compares with just 4.8% in the first quarter.

A further 38.7% of transactions recorded no change in rent, while approximately 40% involved an increase.

In the first quarter, 59.4% had recorded increases.

The shift suggests that the balance between landlords and tenants is beginning to change in parts of Dubai's residential property market.

An increasing number of completed homes is giving renters more options, particularly when they are considering whether to renew an existing tenancy or move elsewhere.

However, the wider market is not necessarily becoming cheaper. Average rents remain above their levels a year earlier, and individual neighbourhoods continue to experience different market conditions.

The figures reflect rental transactions, not a claim that 21.4% of all Dubai residents have received rent reductions.

For tenants approaching renewal, the research provides a useful reason to compare current advertised rents, review the RERA rental index where applicable and negotiate based on comparable properties.