Some homeowners in Sharjah neighborhoods have started lowering rent and offering one month of free accommodation this summer. This is happening amid ongoing roadworks and the holiday season, which has temporarily softened demand in several residential areas, according to real estate agents.
The most noticeable impact is observed in buildings located near the Al Taawun ring interchange and in the neighboring Al Khan area. Agents note that some residents prefer to move to areas with easier road access.
A check of property listing platforms showed that apartments in Al Taawun and near Al Khan have appeared with lower asking prices compared to the beginning of this year. Contact with agents managing these listings confirmed that the apartments are ready for immediate occupancy, and some landlords are offering one month rent waiver to attract tenants.
According to agents, the decrease in market demand is due to two main factors: current construction work, which has complicated access to some buildings, and the annual summer vacation, during which thousands of residents travel back to their home countries.
Asif K, a real estate agent from Sharjah, noted that buildings closest to the Al Taawun ring interchange are experiencing the greatest impact. He reported that many potential renters first inquire about the roadworks and their completion timelines. Some decide to postpone their move, while others choose neighboring areas with better transport accessibility. To avoid apartment vacancies, some homeowners have become more flexible with rentals and are even offering one month free.
He added that demand has not disappeared, but merely shifted temporarily. 'We see residents who initially planned to rent in Al Khan or Al Taawun choosing neighboring quarters that offer easier access until construction is finished. We expect many of them to return once the roads are open and connectivity improves.'
Agents also emphasized that the timing of the infrastructure project helped minimize negative consequences. Mohammed D from Rukn al Nakheel Real Estate stated: 'To a large extent, the work started at a suitable time because a large number of residents were already outside the UAE for summer holidays.' He continued that if the work had started after the resumption of the school term, the disruptions would have been much more serious. Demand is expected to recover after families return from vacation.
Building security guards have also noticed an unusually high number of vacant apartments this summer. One guard mentioned that families who went home vacated their apartments and plan to look for new housing upon their return around September. Others found an alternative solution: 'Some families do not want to move all their furniture due to ongoing roadworks and difficulties with truck access to the area.'
This guard explained that instead, four or five relatives or close friends decided to store all their belongings in one apartment, sharing the rent until their return. This proved significantly cheaper than renting separate apartments or storing items in a warehouse. Another guard confirmed that such arrangements have become more common in recent weeks. He concluded that some apartments are empty because tenants moved to neighboring areas with better access, while others are only being used for furniture storage. Families informed them they would return after the summer holidays and then decide on their residence based on the progress of the roadworks.
The Ruler of Sharjah presented plans for two residential complexes where houses will be built directly in the sea, marking one of the emirate's most unique coastal construction ventures.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, announced these projects during the 'Direct Line' program on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. He specified that they are part of the larger master plan for the city of Khor Kalba, which has been under development for several years.
According to information released by the Ruler's office and the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, both complexes are being built behind the University of Kalba and extend towards the sea. Although architectural and technical details have not yet been disclosed, Sheikh Sultan described them as residential projects with a unique design, situated 'in the sea.' This statement comes amid the ongoing long-term transformation of Sharjah's eastern coast, where Kalba is attracting significant investment in tourism, infrastructure, heritage restoration, and housing.
The Ruler noted that the Khor Kalba City project has been in development for about seven years and aims to preserve the city's archaeological and historical identity while creating a new tourist and recreational zone.
The floating homes are part of a series of projects expected to open in December. These also include new road networks, promenade development, compensatory housing, Al Hayar Lake with a recreation area, Wadi Al Helo roads, and additional tourist attractions throughout the city of Khor Kalba.
No further information has been provided regarding the cost of the projects, the number of houses, construction timelines, or whether these residences are intended for citizens, tourism, or private investment. This latest announcement continues the long-term work in Kalba, where Sharjah has already implemented projects for heritage restoration, creation of public spaces, improvement of promenades, and tourist attractions within the overall concept of changing the city's appearance while protecting its natural environment.
