Rental Yield Intl City 2026 — DLD Data

International City remains one of Dubai’s higher-yielding mass-market districts, with a gross rental yield of 8.8% in the July 2026 DLD data. The median property price is AED 410,000, while median annual rent stands at AED 36,000. A total of 2,998 transactions were recorded over 12 months, pointing to an active and liquid market. Median prices also rose by 7.2% year on year, adding a potential capital-growth component to the rental return.

Key metrics (июль 2026)

Source: DLD area_roi_summary, июль 2026. Weighted medians by sales volume. Individual unit may differ.

By unit type

Yield analysis

The 8.8% yield is primarily supported by an accessible entry price and steady demand for compact apartments. Studios account for 642 transactions at a median price of AED 362,000 and AED 783 per sq ft, while one-bedroom units recorded 780 transactions at a median AED 510,000 and AED 693 per sq ft. These two formats offer a broader pool of tenants and potential resale buyers. The median rises to AED 835,000 for two-bedroom units, with 129 transactions, and AED 1,362,000 for three-bedroom homes, with 85 transactions, so more capital is tied up in less liquid segments. Segment-level yields cannot be calculated reliably from the supplied data because the AED 36,000 median annual rent covers the district as a whole rather than each unit type. The net return will be lower than the gross figure after service charges, maintenance, vacancy and management costs. Short-term rentals may improve revenue only with consistent occupancy and where a building’s rules permit them; they should not be treated as a guaranteed yield premium.

Risks to account for

1. Building quality and management standards vary, so common-area condition, the actual service charge and likely future costs must be checked for the specific property. 2. The 8.8% yield is gross: vacancy, repairs, management and fees can materially reduce the net return, particularly with frequent tenant turnover or a short-term rental strategy. 3. Liquidity differs sharply by unit type: studios recorded 642 transactions and one-bedroom units 780, compared with 129 for two-bedroom and 85 for three-bedroom homes, so larger apartments may require more time and pricing flexibility to resell.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rental yield in International City in 2026?

The July 2026 DLD data shows a gross rental yield of 8.8%. This is before service charges, maintenance, management costs and possible vacancy.

What is the median property price in the area?

The median property price is AED 410,000, while the median price per square foot is AED 523.

Should an investor choose a studio or a one-bedroom unit?

Studios have a median price of AED 362,000 and recorded 642 transactions, while one-bedroom units stand at AED 510,000 with 780 transactions. Both are active segments, but the decision should reflect the property’s condition, costs and achievable rent.

Can yields be calculated separately for two- and three-bedroom units?

Not from the supplied data because rents are not provided by unit type. The known median prices are AED 835,000 for two-bedroom and AED 1,362,000 for three-bedroom units, so calculating separate yields would be misleading.

How liquid is the International City property market?

The district recorded 2,998 transactions over 12 months. One-bedroom units led with 780 transactions, followed by studios with 642, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom units recorded 129 and 85 respectively.