Ajman Retains Status as UAE’s Most Affordable Real-Estate Market

Photo: Economy Middle East

In the UAE’s smallest emirate — Ajman — the real-estate market recorded a notable surge in the third quarter of 2025. According to the Department of Lands and Real Estate, the total number of registered transactions jumped by 47% to 5,048 deals. The combined value of these transactions reached AED 8.12 billion (around US$2.21 billion).

Located just 25 minutes from Dubai and 15 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, Ajman spans roughly 260 km². Of the 5,048 deals, 4,102 were sales transactions, amounting to AED 5.22 billion (≈ US$1.42 billion). The most expensive sub-district was Al Rumaila 3, with sales volume reaching AED 300 million (≈ US$81.7 million).

At the development level, Emirates City led in activity, outperforming residential complexes such as City Towers and Ajman One. Among neighbourhoods, the most dynamic zones were Al Helio 2, Al Helio 1 and Al Yasmeen — increasingly seen as emerging hubs for both ready housing and plot-based investment. The mortgage segment also reported strength: in Q3 there were 633 loans totalling AED 1.19 billion (≈ US$324 million). A major portion was accounted for in the industrial zone Industrial Area 2, with loan volume at AED 110 million (≈ US$30 million).

These developments continued the strong trend from earlier months: July 2025 alone posted AED 3.25 billion (≈ US$885 million), up 62.5% year-on-year. In the same month, Al Helio 1 showed the highest sales value and Industrial Area 2 led mortgage activity with AED 432 million (≈ US$118 million). For the first half of 2025, Ajman’s total volume rose 37% to AED 12.4 billion (≈ US$3.38 billion). The Director of the Land & Real-Estate Department, Omar bin Umair Al-Muheiri, attributed the momentum to stable demand, a mix of residential/commercial/industrial projects and the combination of affordability plus yield potential.

In comparison with Dubai, Ajman remains significantly cheaper — residential and commercial unit pricing is estimated to be 30–50% lower. In Ajman, studio apartments range between AED 350,000–450,000 (US$95,000–122,000) — approximately US$1,040–1,335 per m². Three-bedroom units typically sell in the AED 700,000–1.1 million range (≈ US$190,000–299,000). Commercial property averages around AED 5,380 (US$1,465) per m² (≈ AED 500 per ft²).

In the short-let rental segment, data show modest activity: average daily rate (ADR) about US$95, occupancy around 40%, with annual owner income average at US$7,344, and typical monthly yield around US$830, though top assets achieve above US$2,100 per month. According to Global Property Guide, gross rental yields for apartments reach roughly 4.99% — lower than headline figures of 7–8% often cited in marketing.

Foreign buyers in Ajman, as in much of the UAE, can acquire freehold property only in designated zones. Meanwhile credit-rating agencies such as Moody’s warn of property-price pressure from 2026 onward — citing risks of a correction. Analysts point to emerging alternatives: for instance, destinations like Batumi (Georgia) are attracting investor interest by offering higher yields and lower entry costs.