UAE locals increasing investments in restoring and enhancing their current real estate holdings.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the traditional narrative of expatriates viewing the country as a temporary base for work and wealth accumulation is gradually evolving. With long-term residency options, world-class education and healthcare, and freehold property available to expats, an increasing number of residents are choosing to settle and retire in the UAE.
As a result, there has been a noticeable rise in home renovation and refurbishment projects across the country. The UAE's construction renovation market is projected to reach $42.6 billion by 2030, driven by the growing demand for modernized and upgraded properties.
Mohamed Fiaz Khazi, Managing Director of Euro Systems, has observed a significant increase in enquiries from residents looking to revamp their older homes. Homeowners are investing in high-end solutions like acoustic ceilings, motorized shading, and water-resistant outdoor structures. The primary motivation behind these renovations is to maintain property value, improve comfort, and modernize living spaces without relocating.
Roshan Rohra, a homeowner in the Meadows Community, recently underwent a full-scale home renovation, aiming to redefine luxury living within his villa. Many residents, like Rohra, are planning to stay in the UAE for the long haul, making cost-effective renovations a preferable alternative to moving to a new property.
Not only are long-time homeowners driving the demand for refurbishments, but new buyers are also prioritizing bespoke design and upgrades from the outset. These buyers anticipate their homes to be "smart accessible," incorporating smart home automation features such as voice-activated systems, automated blinds, and smart climate control systems.
A study by Statista indicates that the revenue in the UAE smart home market is expected to hit $82.9 million by the end of 2025, growing at an annual rate of 9.37%. The surge in smart technology adoption, particularly post-pandemic, is in part due to the increasing amount of time spent at home.
Smart storage, bespoke architectural motorized glazing systems, sustainable materials, and integrated smart home systems are all becoming standard features in modern UAE residences. According to Mohamed Fiaz Khazi, there's been a significant shift in refurbishment trends, with a younger demographic working with interior consultants from the handover stage to ensure their properties incorporate not just aesthetically pleasing finishes but also intelligent functionality.
Heavy rainfall in the UAE last year has highlighted the importance of waterproofing in home renovation projects. In many villas and townhouses, weaknesses in drainage, sealing, and structural resistance were exposed, leading to a rise in waterproofing requests. Homeowners are increasingly seeking waterproofing solutions, drainage upgrades, and reinforced materials to ensure their properties remain protected against future weather-related damages.
The shifting narratives around homeownership and residence in the UAE are ushering in a new era of home renovation. A focus on smart automation, waterproofing, and luxury finishes characterizes the evolving landscape of UAE home renovation, promising comfort, modernization, and longevity for its residents.
- With the increasing number of residents choosing to settle and retire in the UAE, there has been a surge in home renovation and refurbishment projects, as evidenced by the growing demand for modernized and upgraded properties.
- In the UAE, homeowners are investing in high-end solutions like acoustic ceilings, motorized shading, and water-resistant outdoor structures as they seek to modernize their living spaces without relocating.
- Not only are long-time homeowners driving the demand for refurbishments, but new buyers are also prioritizing bespoke design and smart home upgrades from the outset, with the revenue in the UAE smart home market expected to hit $82.9 million by the end of 2025.
- Heavy rainfall in the UAE last year has highlighted the importance of waterproofing in home renovation projects, leading to a rise in waterproofing requests and the seeking of waterproofing solutions, drainage upgrades, and reinforced materials to ensure properties remain protected against future weather-related damages.
