Buying real estate in the UAE?

How much for a property in Sharjah now?

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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

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our United Arab Emirates Property Pack

Sharjah's property market offers compelling opportunities for both investors and residents as of September 2025, with prices ranging from AED 400,000 for entry-level apartments to over AED 5.5 million for luxury villas.

The emirate delivers higher rental yields than Dubai while maintaining affordability, especially in master-planned communities like Masaar, Aljada, and Sharjah Sustainable City that are driving market growth.

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's your target property type in Sharjah—apartment, townhouse, villa, or plot—and are you leaning new build or resale?

Sharjah's residential market offers four main property types, each suited to different buyer profiles and budgets as of September 2025.

Apartments dominate central areas like Al Khan, Al Majaz, and Al Nahda, with built-up areas ranging from 400 to 2,200 square feet. Studios start around AED 400,000, while luxury 3-bedroom waterfront units can exceed AED 1.4 million. These work best for young professionals, couples, or investors seeking rental income.

Townhouses in developments like Masaar, Tilal City, and Al Zahia typically offer 2-4 bedrooms with 1,800-3,100 square feet of space, priced between AED 1.5-2.3 million. They appeal to growing families who want more space than apartments but aren't ready for villa-sized maintenance costs.

Villas range from 3-7 bedrooms with 2,000-7,000 square feet, starting at AED 1.9 million for basic units and reaching AED 5.5 million for luxury properties in premium locations. Large families and executives typically choose villas for privacy and prestige.

Plots for custom construction start from 5,000 square feet in areas like Al Zahia's Orchid Plots, allowing buyers to build exactly what they want but requiring significant time and project management skills.

Property Type New Build Advantages Resale Advantages
Apartments Modern amenities, energy efficiency, payment plans, 10-year warranty Immediate occupancy, established neighborhoods, lower price per sqft
Townhouses Latest designs, community facilities, green features Mature landscaping, proven build quality, negotiable prices
Villas Smart home tech, premium finishes, eco-friendly systems Character features, established gardens, move-in ready
Plots Prime locations, infrastructure ready, master plan benefits Flexible timing, potentially better value, existing approvals

Which neighborhoods are you considering, and do you want established areas or up-and-coming districts?

Sharjah's residential map divides into established prime areas and emerging growth districts, each offering distinct advantages for different buyer priorities.

Established areas like Al Majaz, Al Khan, and Al Nahda provide immediate access to schools, shopping, healthcare, and entertainment. Al Majaz waterfront commands premium prices around AED 10,500-12,500 per square meter due to its corniche views and central location. Al Nahda offers more affordable family housing with excellent connectivity to Dubai, making it popular with cross-border commuters.

Up-and-coming districts present better value and growth potential. Aljada spans 24 million square feet as a mixed-use development targeting young urban professionals with walkable design and entertainment venues. Masaar and Tilal City represent large-scale master-planned communities with extensive green spaces, schools, and retail facilities still under development.

Specialty areas like Maryam Island focus on luxury waterfront living with serviced apartments and premium amenities, while Sharjah Sustainable City emphasizes eco-friendly features and community farming for environmentally conscious buyers.

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

How many bedrooms and what built-up area do you need, plus any must-have amenities or parking?

Bedroom and space requirements directly impact your budget and neighborhood options in Sharjah's current market.

One-bedroom apartments typically offer 500-800 square feet and suit singles or couples, with prices from AED 400,000-700,000 depending on location and building quality. Two-bedroom units range from 900-1,400 square feet, accommodating small families or those needing a home office, priced AED 650,000-1,200,000.

Three-bedroom apartments provide 1,200-2,200 square feet for growing families, starting around AED 850,000 and reaching AED 1.4 million for premium waterfront units. Townhouses typically start with 2-bedroom configurations around 1,800 square feet, while 3-4 bedroom townhouses offer 2,200-3,100 square feet.

Villas begin with 3-bedroom layouts around 2,000 square feet (AED 1.9 million) and extend to 7-bedroom mansions exceeding 7,000 square feet (AED 5.5 million+). Each additional bedroom typically adds AED 200,000-400,000 to the purchase price depending on the development.

Most new developments include swimming pools, gyms, children's playgrounds, and covered parking as standard amenities. Premium communities add features like jogging tracks, tennis courts, retail centers, and 24/7 security. Parking typically includes one space for apartments and two spaces for townhouses and villas.

What's your all-in budget today, and what's the maximum monthly payment you're comfortable with?

Your total budget must account for purchase price, acquisition costs, and ongoing monthly expenses to avoid financial strain.

Entry-level buyers with AED 500,000-700,000 can access studio to 2-bedroom apartments in areas like Muwaileh or outer Al Nahda. Mid-range budgets of AED 1-2 million open townhouse options in Tilal City or older villas in established neighborhoods. Premium budgets above AED 3 million provide access to luxury villas in Masaar or waterfront properties.

Monthly payment capacity determines your mortgage size and property ceiling. With typical mortgage rates around 4.25-5.25% and 25-year terms, a AED 8,000 monthly payment supports roughly AED 1.4 million in financing. Combined with a 25% down payment, this enables purchase of a AED 1.9 million property.

Remember that monthly costs extend beyond mortgage payments. Service charges average AED 10-13 per square foot annually, so a 2,000 square foot villa incurs AED 20,000-26,000 yearly (AED 1,700-2,200 monthly). Add insurance, utilities, and maintenance reserves to your monthly budget planning.

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What is the total acquisition cost for each shortlisted property, including transfer fees, agency commission, registration, and ongoing taxes or service charges?

Total acquisition costs in Sharjah typically add 6-7% to your purchase price, and new regulations require these fees to be paid in cash alongside your down payment.

Registration and transfer fees vary by buyer nationality: UAE and GCC citizens pay 0.5%, developers often charge 0.5%, while other nationalities pay 2% of the property value. Real estate agent commissions range from 2-5%, though 2% is standard for most transactions. Administrative fees including Dubai Land Department registration typically total AED 1,000-5,000.

If you're using mortgage financing, expect an additional 0.25% of the loan amount for mortgage registration fees. Property valuation costs around AED 2,500-5,000, while legal review fees can reach AED 5,000-15,000 for complex transactions.

Annual ongoing costs include service charges averaging AED 10-13 per square foot, property insurance around AED 1,000-3,000 yearly, and municipality fees of 2% on rental income if you lease the property. Maintenance reserves should budget 1-2% of property value annually for major repairs and updates.

Cost Component Percentage/Amount Example (AED 2M property)
Registration Fee 0.5-2% of property value AED 10,000-40,000
Agent Commission 2-5% of property value AED 40,000-100,000
Administrative Fees AED 1,000-5,000 AED 3,000
Mortgage Registration 0.25% of loan amount AED 3,750 (on AED 1.5M loan)
Legal/Valuation AED 5,000-15,000 AED 10,000
Total Upfront Costs 5-8% of property value AED 66,750-156,750

If you'll use a mortgage, what down payment, interest rate, and term can you get, and how does that change your buying power?

UAE mortgage regulations allow maximum 75-80% loan-to-value ratios, meaning you need 20-25% as a down payment plus all acquisition costs in cash.

Current mortgage rates for qualified expats and UAE residents range from 4.25-5.25% for fixed-rate products, with variable rates starting slightly lower but carrying adjustment risk. Most lenders offer 25-year terms, though 30-year mortgages are available for larger loans. Your exact rate depends on salary, debt-to-income ratio, bank relationship, and property type.

A typical scenario: AED 2 million property requires AED 500,000 down payment (25%) plus AED 120,000 in fees, totaling AED 620,000 upfront cash. The AED 1.5 million mortgage at 5% over 25 years costs AED 8,775 monthly. Your gross salary should exceed AED 25,000 monthly to qualify comfortably.

Buying power calculation: If you can afford AED 10,000 monthly payments, you can borrow approximately AED 1.7 million at current rates. Combined with 25% down payment, this supports purchase of a AED 2.3 million property. However, remember that debt-to-income ratios typically cap housing costs at 40-50% of gross income.

Pre-approval from multiple lenders helps you understand your actual buying power and negotiate better rates through competition.

For each property type and area, what are current asking and recent closing prices, with concrete examples at low, median, and high tiers?

Sharjah property prices vary significantly by location and property type, with established areas commanding premiums over emerging districts.

Property Type & Area Low Tier Median Tier High Tier
1BR Apt - Al Nahda/Muwaileh AED 400,000 AED 550,000 AED 700,000
2BR Apt - Al Khan/Al Majaz AED 650,000 AED 850,000 AED 1,200,000
3BR Apt - Waterfront AED 900,000 AED 1,100,000 AED 1,400,000+
3BR Townhouse - Masaar/Tilal AED 1,500,000 AED 2,000,000 AED 2,300,000
4BR Villa - Al Zahia/Sustainable AED 1,900,000 AED 3,200,000 AED 4,500,000
5BR Villa - Masaar Premium AED 3,500,000 AED 4,800,000 AED 5,500,000+
Luxury Villa - Maryam Island AED 4,000,000 AED 6,500,000 AED 8,000,000+

Recent transaction examples include a 2-bedroom apartment in Al Khan selling for AED 875,000 (originally listed at AED 950,000), a 4-bedroom townhouse in Masaar closing at AED 2.1 million, and a luxury 5-bedroom villa in Sharjah Sustainable City reaching AED 4.3 million. Days on market have decreased from 47 to 39 days over the past year, indicating stronger demand.

Asking prices typically exceed closing prices by 5-10%, leaving room for negotiation, especially for resale properties or units that have been listed for over 60 days.

Which areas are the most expensive right now, which are best-value "budget friendly," and which are the most promising or upcoming—and why?

Sharjah's property market shows clear price stratification based on location, amenities, and development status as of September 2025.

Most expensive areas include Al Majaz waterfront (AED 10,500-12,500 per square meter), Al Khan corniche developments, and Maryam Island luxury properties. These command premiums for established infrastructure, waterfront access, and proximity to Dubai. Luxury villas in premium Masaar phases also reach top-tier pricing due to extensive amenities and forest settings.

Best-value areas offer strong fundamentals at lower entry costs. Outer districts like Al Suyoh, parts of Tilal City, and Muwaileh provide entry-level villas and townhouses under AED 6,000 per square meter while delivering higher rental yields. Al Nahda remains budget-friendly for apartments while offering excellent Dubai connectivity.

Most promising upcoming areas include Aljada (24 million square feet mixed-use development targeting young professionals), Masaar expansion phases (forest-themed community with extensive facilities), and Sharjah Sustainable City (eco-focused development with community farming). These benefit from government infrastructure investment, modern master planning, and demographic trends favoring family-oriented communities.

The value proposition stems from Sharjah's affordability compared to Dubai, government investment in infrastructure, and spillover demand from Dubai's higher prices driving families and investors to seek alternatives.

Are you buying to live, rent out short-term, rent out long-term, or flip, and what are the expected yields, occupancy, holding costs, and exit timelines for each path?

Your investment strategy determines property type selection, location priorities, and expected returns in Sharjah's current market.

Long-term rental strategy works best in Sharjah due to limited short-term rental regulations compared to Dubai. Family-oriented properties (2-4 bedroom apartments, townhouses, villas) in areas with good schools and amenities generate 6.5-8% annual yields. Annual rental ranges include AED 45,000-70,000 for 2-bedroom apartments and AED 70,000-130,000 for townhouses depending on size and location.

Short-term rental opportunities remain limited in Sharjah compared to Dubai, as regulations are stricter and tourist infrastructure is less developed. Focus on business travelers and extended-stay visitors rather than leisure tourism. Yields may reach 8-10% but require active management and higher vacancy risk.

Buy-and-hold for capital appreciation works well in emerging areas like Aljada, Masaar, and Sustainable City where infrastructure development should drive price growth over 3-7 year holding periods. Expect 4-8% annual capital appreciation based on recent trends and upcoming developments.

Property flipping requires careful timing and market knowledge. Focus on undervalued resale properties needing cosmetic renovation or off-plan properties in high-demand developments. Expect 6-18 month holding periods and target 15-25% gross returns to cover transaction costs and risks.

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

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.

Based on today's data, what are the smartest choices (property type + area) for your goal, and what trade-offs are you accepting?

Smart property investment in Sharjah requires matching your specific goals with optimal property type and location combinations.

For end-user family living, 3-4 bedroom townhouses or villas in Masaar, Sharjah Sustainable City, or Al Zahia provide the best value proposition. These areas offer modern amenities, green spaces, good schools, and family-friendly environments at prices 30-40% below equivalent Dubai properties. Trade-offs include longer commutes to Dubai business districts and fewer entertainment options compared to Dubai.

Pure rental yield investors should focus on 1-2 bedroom apartments in Tilal City, Muwaileh, or outer Al Nahda areas where yields reach 7-8%. These locations attract young professionals and families seeking affordable housing with decent amenities. Trade-offs include slower capital appreciation and potentially higher tenant turnover.

Capital appreciation seekers should consider plots or new villas in Al Zahia, expanding Masaar phases, or Aljada where infrastructure development and population growth drive price momentum. Trade-offs include construction risk, longer holding periods, and higher entry costs.

Premium lifestyle buyers focusing on luxury should target waterfront apartments in Al Majaz, villas in premium Masaar phases, or Maryam Island properties. These offer top-tier amenities, prestige locations, and high liquidity but command significant premiums and offer lower yields.

Each strategy accepts specific trade-offs between price, location, yield, appreciation potential, and lifestyle factors based on your priorities and risk tolerance.

How have prices and rents in those areas changed versus 1 year ago and 5 years ago, and what's driving the trend?

Sharjah property prices have shown steady upward momentum over recent periods, driven by affordability compared to Dubai and government infrastructure investment.

Past 12 months (September 2024 to September 2025) saw median property prices increase 6-8% across most segments. Transaction volumes remained robust with days on market decreasing from 47 to 39 days, indicating stronger demand. New developments like Masaar and Aljada drove premium segment growth, while established areas saw more modest 4-6% appreciation.

Five-year trend analysis shows cumulative price growth of 25-35% in prime areas, with new master-planned communities experiencing the strongest performance. Areas like Al Majaz and Al Khan saw steady 4-6% annual growth, while emerging districts posted higher but more volatile returns. Rental rates increased 20-30% over five years, supporting yield stability despite rising purchase prices.

Key market drivers include Dubai spillover effect as buyers seek affordability, government infrastructure investment in transportation and utilities, population growth from Dubai commuters, and improved amenities in new developments. Sharjah's focus on family-friendly communities and sustainable development attracts residents prioritizing quality of life over urban convenience.

Current momentum reflects continued economic diversification, infrastructure completion, and demographic shifts favoring suburban family living over urban apartment dwelling.

What's the outlook for the next 1, 5, and 10 years in Sharjah, and how do prices, yields, and quality compare with similar cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, or Manama?

Sharjah's property market outlook remains positive based on demographic trends, infrastructure investment, and regional positioning as an affordable alternative to premium emirates.

Next 12 months expect continued 4-6% price appreciation driven by completion of major infrastructure projects, population growth, and limited supply in prime areas. New development launches may moderate price growth in some segments while rental demand should remain strong supporting 7%+ yields.

Five-year outlook anticipates cumulative 25-35% price appreciation as master-planned communities mature, transportation connectivity improves, and Dubai's high prices drive continued spillover demand. Rental yields may compress slightly to 6-7% as purchase prices rise, but should remain attractive compared to regional alternatives.

Ten-year projection sees Sharjah developing into a major residential hub for the greater Dubai metropolitan area. Price convergence with outer Dubai areas is likely while maintaining 20-30% discount to prime Dubai locations. Infrastructure maturity and community development should support stable capital appreciation and rental demand.

City Price per sqm (USD) Rental Yield 5-Year Growth
Sharjah $1,600-3,400 6.5-7.5% 25-35%
Dubai $4,000-8,000+ 4.5-5.5% 40-60%
Abu Dhabi $3,500-6,500 5.0-6.0% 15-25%
Doha $2,200-4,500 4.5-5.5% 10-20%
Manama $1,800-3,500 5.0-6.5% 5-15%

Sharjah offers the best combination of affordability, yield, and growth potential among regional alternatives, making it attractive for both investors and end-users seeking value in the GCC property market.

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

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. Savills Sharjah
  2. Hayyan Sharjah Villa
  3. Tilal Properties
  4. Sharjah Sustainable City
  5. Maryam Island
  6. Top Luxury Property Blog
  7. Dubizzle Property Blog
  8. Bayut Sharjah Townhouses
  9. Property Finder UAE
  10. Gulf Business