The truth about summer as a Dubai short term landlord

Suspiciously low morning traffic, the terrace in your favourite restaurant closing temporarily and the sweaty two minute walks from your car to the office – these are all clear indicators of Dubai's sizzling summer.

But for short term landlords, perhaps the biggest sign comes in the shape of decreased occupancy and slower activity. This is partly due to a significant peak in overseas travel, with July being a particularly busy period at UAE airports according to a report by The National.

Transitioning from a bustling winter period to the quieter summer months can bring doubts and concerns to mind – but does this leave a lasting impact on the market?

We sat down with our Short Term Leasing Director, Emma Campbell, to discuss trends in holiday rentals and how landlords can use the hot months to their advantage.

Summer is slower for holiday rentals – should I be worried about this as a landlord?

While occupancy may dip during the summer, causing some landlords to reconsider their approach to renting, understanding the trends in holiday rentals during summer months can offer reassurance. Activity typically picks up again around September, and even during quieter months, there remains steady demand from relocating individuals, local residents, and business travellers seeking short term stays.

Does this mean there is something wrong with the market?

Not at all. The seasonal nature of holiday rentals trends is completely normal. Dubai's slower summer is simply due to more people travelling abroad, fewer holidaymakers coming to the city, and of course a significant increase in temperature. This will not affect winters either – we still see millions of passengers make their way to Dubai every year.

A real estate agency has guaranteed to increase my occupancy during the summer. Can they do that?

Not quite. When summer comes and short term activity decreases, landlords often think that the agency is the problem and go with a different one that 'guarantees' occupancy. As agents, we will always go above and beyond to help keep your property occupied, but there is no guarantee of this during the slower months. Be careful who you trust and remember that natural market dynamics cannot be changed by any agency, regardless of what they have promised.

Can I benefit from this quieter period?

Absolutely. Summer is a good time to catch up on property maintenance without worrying about bothering your guests. Adding a fresh lick of paint, maintaining the AC, or even a slight redecoration can help preserve the value of your investment and prepare it for the next guests. Not to mention, you can also use the property and enjoy it yourself!

Get in touch with the haus & haus team

Whether you need help with property management, short term leasing, or home maintenance, we offer a range of services to ensure your property is always in top condition. Find out more about our services below:

If you have any more questions or want to speak to one of our experts directly, get in touch with our team and we'll be happy to guide you.

Frequently asked questions about summer trends in holiday rentals

During the summer months, the trends in holiday rentals shift, with a noticeable decrease in leisure tourists and an increase in business and relocation visitors. These types of guests are often looking for longer stays, which can provide short term landlords an opportunity to maintain occupancy even when vacation rentals slow down.

Yes, adjusting your pricing can help you attract longer stays or business travellers. Offering reduced rates or special packages is a good strategy to meet the changing demands during the quieter summer months, helping you maintain steady occupancy despite the seasonal downturn.

To attract guests during slower months, maintaining a high standard of comfort and convenience is key. Ensure that your property is well-equipped with cooling systems and offer added amenities for business travellers. Additionally, focusing on longer term stays can align with trends in holiday rentals, especially in summer when short stays decline.

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