ZāZEN Credits Off-Plan Sector For Dubai’s Overall Growth

COO Madhav Dhar sheds light on the off-plan sector factors that are appealing to savvy investors

ZāZEN Properties, a homegrown sustainable property developer in the UAE, cites that Dubai’s off-plan real estate sector will continue to bolster the overall market’s growth; this segment has grown for four consecutive years and despite the completion of over 60,000 units, demand continues to exceed supply with the cosmopolitan city’s population rapidly growing to rank among the fastest globally. Madhav Dhar, COO and founding member of ZaÌ„ZEN Properties sheds light on off-plan sector factors that are appealing to savvy investors and residents who are making purchases as end-users.

Collectively, the off-plan property segments of Dubai and Abu Dhabi propelled the UAE’s overall real estate market, enabling the country to surpass AED 455.7 billion ($124 billion) in sales last year. The emirate was a particularly notable bright spot, benefitting from a flourishing tourism sector that increased home demand and witnessed a sales value of AED 160.46 billion; 72.3% growth when compared to the AED 93 billion sales value seen in 2022. Furthermore, 68,783 off-plan sales transactions were logged in 2023, reflecting a 59.4% increase from 43,151 in 2022, and the greatest yearly performance for this segment to date.

Key Highlights

• The UAE’s off-plan sector propelled the overall market to surpass AED 455.7 billion in sales in 2023
• Dubai’s off-plan sector has grown for four consecutive years and 60,000 units were completed last year
• 68,783 off-plan sales transactions were logged in 2023, reflecting a 59.4% increase from 43,151 in 2022

With recent news reporting that the UAE has removed the AED 1 million ($272,294) minimum down payment requirement to qualify for a Golden Visa through real estate investment, this will open the door for thousands of investors to more easily access the country’s popular Golden Visa programme. Not only will this incentive benefit the nation’s economy but also play an instrumental role in boosting the UAE’s real estate sector value and likely see developers ramp up their already unprecedented pace as it relates to the construction of new projects.

The UAE's visionary decision to eliminate the AED 1 million down payment requirement for the golden visa program will strengthen Dubai’s real estate landscape. This bold move not only enhances accessibility for current and new investors by enabling them to cement Dubai as their secondary home or primary base but it also injects fresh vitality into the market by allowing them to take advantage of world-class infrastructure and global connectivity.

Madhav Dhar, COO and Founding Member, ZāZEN Properties

He further adds, “By facilitating easier entry for investors and stimulating demand, the UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in fostering a resilient and competitive real estate sector. This forward-looking policy underscores the country's dedication to innovation and growth and we anticipate this change to have a profound and positive impact on the industry, paving the way for a new era of opportunities and sustainable development.”