Buying real estate in the UAE?

What are the high rental yields in Sharjah?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the United Arab Emirates Property Pack

buying property foreigner The United Arab Emirates

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Sharjah offers some of the UAE's highest rental yields, ranging from 6% to 9% as of September 2025.

The emirate's property market attracts investors seeking strong returns with lower entry prices compared to Dubai, while maintaining solid tenant demand driven by its proximity to major business hubs and affordable living costs.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in the United Arab Emirates, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At Sands of Wealth, we explore the UAE real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What are the current average rental yields in Sharjah across different property types like apartments, villas, and townhouses?

Sharjah's rental yields in September 2025 range from 6% to 9% depending on the property type and location.

Studio apartments deliver the highest yields at 6-8%, while one-bedroom apartments typically generate 6-7% returns. Two-bedroom apartments fall within the 5-7% range, offering a balance between yield and property value.

Villas in Sharjah produce slightly lower yields, averaging 5-7% in prime areas like Aljada, Muwaileh, and Al Tai. Three-bedroom villas specifically generate yields between 5-7%, while larger four-bedroom properties tend toward the lower end at 5-6%.

Townhouses perform similarly to villas, with yields ranging from 5-7% in established developments. Affordable housing units, including budget apartments and smaller properties, can achieve yields as high as 7-9%.

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Which areas or neighborhoods in Sharjah offer the highest rental yields right now, and how do they compare in percentage terms?

Aljada leads Sharjah's rental yield rankings with villas generating approximately 7.2% returns as of September 2025.

Muwaileh follows closely with yields ranging from 6-7% for both apartments and villas, making it one of the most consistent performers across property types. Al Nahda, benefiting from its proximity to Dubai, delivers around 5% yields for apartments.

Tilal City offers competitive returns of 5-6% for affordable housing units, while areas near the Dubai border like Hoshi and parts of Muwaileh outperform due to strong commuter demand. Al Majaz provides apartment yields between 5-7%, depending on the specific development and amenities.

Border areas consistently outperform interior neighborhoods due to their appeal to Dubai workers seeking affordable housing options. Properties within 15-20 minutes of Dubai typically command 0.5-1% higher yields than similar properties in central Sharjah.

If I invest in a one-bedroom apartment versus a three-bedroom villa in Sharjah, how does the expected rental yield differ in terms of annual income?

A one-bedroom apartment in Sharjah typically costs around AED 450,000 and generates annual rental income of AED 34,000-38,000, resulting in yields of 6-7%.

A three-bedroom villa requires an investment of approximately AED 1,500,000 and produces annual rental income between AED 85,000-130,000, depending on the neighborhood and property quality. This translates to yields of 5-7%.

While the villa generates significantly higher absolute income (AED 85,000-130,000 versus AED 34,000-38,000), the percentage yield is often lower due to the higher purchase price. The apartment offers better yield efficiency but lower total income.

Premium three-bedroom villas in top communities can reach rental incomes of AED 130,000+ annually, but these require investments of AED 1,800,000-2,500,000, which can reduce yields to the 5-6% range.

How much rental income can an investor expect monthly and yearly for properties in the top-yielding areas of Sharjah?

Property Type Monthly Income (AED) Annual Income (AED)
Studio Apartment 1,500 - 2,000 18,000 - 24,000
1-Bedroom Apartment 1,815 - 2,563 21,780 - 30,756
2-Bedroom Apartment 2,500 - 4,000 30,000 - 48,000
3-Bedroom Apartment 3,500 - 5,500 42,000 - 66,000
3-Bedroom Villa 4,197 - 5,218 50,364 - 62,616
4-Bedroom Villa 7,000 - 10,833 84,000 - 130,000
Luxury Villa (5+ BR) 10,000 - 15,000 120,000 - 180,000

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What are the biggest factors that make yields vary between neighborhoods in Sharjah—such as location, building age, or tenant demand?

Proximity to Dubai serves as the primary yield driver, with properties within 20 minutes of Dubai commanding 0.5-1% higher yields than similar properties in central Sharjah.

Building age significantly impacts both rental rates and vacancy periods, with properties built after 2018 achieving 10-15% higher rents than older developments. Modern amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and covered parking can increase yields by 0.5-1%.

Tenant demand varies dramatically by area, with family-friendly neighborhoods near schools and universities maintaining 90%+ occupancy rates. Areas with limited public transportation or distant from major employment centers experience higher vacancy rates and lower yields.

Unit size optimization matters significantly, as studios and one-bedroom apartments achieve higher percentage yields due to lower purchase prices, while larger properties generate higher absolute income but lower percentage returns.

Infrastructure development, including new road connections and public facilities, can boost yields by 0.5-1% as areas become more accessible and desirable to tenants.

How do service charges, maintenance costs, and property management fees affect net rental yields in Sharjah?

Service charges in Sharjah typically range from AED 5-15 per square foot annually, representing a significant expense that can reduce gross yields by 1-2%.

Property management fees commonly range from 5-8% of annual rental income, directly impacting net returns. For a property generating AED 50,000 annually, management fees alone can cost AED 2,500-4,000.

Maintenance costs vary widely between property types, with apartments requiring AED 10-30 per square foot yearly for upkeep, while villas can demand AED 20-50 per square foot annually due to larger spaces and additional systems.

Community fees and municipality charges add another layer of costs, with Sharjah imposing a 5% municipality housing fee on annual rental income, plus various community-specific charges that can total AED 3,000-8,000 yearly.

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Which types of expenses—like utilities, repairs, or community fees—tend to have the biggest impact on reducing actual yield?

Utilities represent the largest expense category for property owners in Sharjah, particularly for villas where air conditioning costs can reach AED 1,200-2,500 monthly during summer months.

Community service charges create the second-largest expense, with fees varying from AED 4,000-12,000 annually for apartments and AED 6,000-15,000 for villas, depending on development quality and amenities offered.

The municipality housing fee of 5% on annual rental income directly reduces net yields, representing AED 1,700-6,500 yearly for most rental properties. Property management fees follow closely, typically consuming 5-8% of gross rental income.

Repairs and maintenance costs tend to spike during years 5-10 of a property's life, with major items like HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical work potentially costing AED 10,000-30,000 for comprehensive updates.

Insurance, while mandatory, represents a smaller but consistent expense of AED 800-2,500 annually depending on property value and coverage level.

How do Sharjah's rental yields compare to those in neighboring markets like Dubai or Ajman in terms of percentages and average income?

Sharjah delivers rental yields of 6-9%, positioning it between Dubai's 5-6.8% and Ajman's 7-10% as of September 2025.

Dubai apartments average 6.8% yields while villas generate around 5%, but entry prices are significantly higher with one-bedroom apartments starting around AED 800,000 compared to Sharjah's AED 450,000. This higher entry cost limits accessibility for many investors.

Ajman offers the UAE's highest yields at 7-10%, but experiences lower tenant demand stability and less robust rental growth potential compared to Sharjah. Ajman properties may sit vacant longer between tenants.

Sharjah provides the optimal balance with competitive yields (6-9%), reasonable entry prices, and strong tenant demand driven by Dubai proximity. The emirate's rental market shows more stability than Ajman while offering better yields than Dubai.

Investment recovery periods typically span 11-17 years in Sharjah compared to 15-20 years in Dubai and 10-14 years in Ajman, making Sharjah attractive for medium-term investment strategies.

infographics rental yields citiesSharjah

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the UAE versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What trends in Sharjah's property market—such as new developments or changing demand—are currently pushing yields up or down?

New freehold developments launched in 2024-2025 are sustaining strong tenant demand while maintaining yield stability around 6-8% for most property types.

Infrastructure improvements, including the Dubai-Sharjah metro extension planning and road network enhancements, are driving rental demand up by 3-5% annually in affected areas. These improvements particularly benefit border communities.

The influx of Dubai workers seeking affordable housing continues to push rental rates higher, with year-over-year rental increases of 4-7% in popular commuter areas like Muwaileh and Al Nahda.

Supply increases from new project completions are being absorbed by growing demand, preventing yield compression that affects some other UAE markets. Occupancy rates remain above 90% in most established areas.

Government initiatives promoting Sharjah as a business hub are attracting more companies and employees, creating sustained rental demand that supports yield growth rather than decline.

How do occupancy rates and tenant turnover in Sharjah influence the stability and consistency of rental yields?

Sharjah maintains occupancy rates above 90% in most established neighborhoods, ensuring consistent rental income for property owners throughout the year.

Tenant turnover in prime areas averages 15-25% annually, which is relatively low compared to other UAE markets. Family-oriented communities experience even lower turnover rates of 10-20% as families prefer stability.

Areas near schools and universities show the most stable tenancy patterns, with many leases renewed for 2-3 consecutive years. This stability reduces void periods and marketing costs for property owners.

Border communities serving Dubai commuters experience slightly higher turnover (20-30%) but also command premium rents that offset the additional vacancy costs. Quick re-letting typically occurs within 2-4 weeks in these high-demand areas.

Seasonal fluctuations affect yields minimally, with most vacancy periods occurring during summer months (June-August) when some expatriate families travel, but overall impact remains under 1-2% of annual income.

What are the typical purchase price ranges for high-yield properties in Sharjah, and how do they translate into returns?

High-yield studio apartments range from AED 250,000-400,000, generating annual returns of AED 15,000-32,000 for yields of 6-8%.

One-bedroom apartments priced between AED 400,000-600,000 produce annual incomes of AED 24,000-42,000, resulting in 6-7% yields. These represent the sweet spot for many investors seeking steady returns.

Three-bedroom villas in the AED 1,200,000-1,850,000 range generate AED 60,000-130,000 annually, translating to 5-7% yields depending on location and property condition.

Affordable housing units under AED 450,000 can achieve the highest yields of 7-9%, though these properties may require more active management and face higher tenant turnover.

Premium properties above AED 2,000,000 typically yield 4-6% but offer better tenant stability and lower management intensity for investors preferring passive income streams.

It's something we develop in our UAE property pack.

If property values in Sharjah rise or fall by 5–10%, how does that shift the effective rental yield for an investor?

A 5% property value increase with stable rents reduces yields proportionally, turning an 8% yield into approximately 7.6% for the same annual income.

A 10% property value rise cuts yields more significantly, dropping an 8% yield to roughly 7.2% if rental rates remain constant. This scenario commonly occurs in rapidly appreciating markets.

Conversely, a 5% property value decline with stable rents improves yields from 6% to approximately 6.3%, making properties more attractive from a yield perspective despite paper losses.

A 10% property value decrease can boost yields from 6% to 6.7%, though investors must weigh improved cash flow against reduced capital appreciation potential.

Smart investors monitor both yield changes and capital growth trends, as Sharjah's property values have risen 3-7% annually in recent years while rents have grown 4-8%, generally maintaining or slightly improving yield stability.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Top Luxury Property - Sharjah Communities
  2. Manzilee - Property Investment Sharjah 2025
  3. Sands of Wealth - High Rental Yields Sharjah
  4. Inside Realty - Sharjah Location Guide
  5. Bayut - Annual Sharjah Market Report 2024
  6. Top Luxury Property - Property Investment in Sharjah for Foreigners
  7. Sands of Wealth - Best Areas Investment Sharjah
  8. The Luxury Playbook - Sharjah Real Estate Market
  9. Sands of Wealth - Sharjah Real Estate Market
  10. Everything Sharjah - 7 Key Statistics About Sharjah Real Estate Market 2025