Guide to buy Property in Sharjah
Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, has become a very attractive market for anybody looking to buy property. From families wanting a peaceful, community focused lifestyle to real estate investors seeking stable rental yields, buying property in Sharjah offers affordable prices, quality developments, long term upside, and, most importantly, an opportunity to create a new home.
The Sharjah property market has grown considerably due to the introduction of freehold zones for non GCC nationals and a rising interest from expats. This Sharjah Real Estate Guide has been designed to provide a clear blueprint to successfully follow the property buying process in Sharjah. In this guide, we will walk you through the property buying process and provide actionable steps from buying to planning your budget and all that follows.
Understanding Sharjahโs Real Estate Market
Over the last five years, Sharjah has seen a significant transformation in its real estate sector. The introduction of landmark projects such as Aljada and Sharjah Waterfront City now allows the emirate to compete with Dubai and Abu Dhabi for premium lifestyle communities, but at better prices.
Market Highlights
- Free zone ownership governed by total freehold
- Lower entry costs versus Dubai but similar infrastructure and lifestyle
- Higher rental yields near universities, business parks, and free zones
- Branded eco friendly developments like Sharjah Sustainable City that garnered global interest
Key real estate communities like Hayyan by Alef Group and Maryam Island are a mix of luxury, sustainability, and location characteristics that appeal to both end users and investors.
Setting Your Budget and Financial Planning
Before starting to look at properties, you need to set a realistic and sustainable budget. Donโt forget when buying property you are looking at more than the cost of the property.
Considerations include:
- Down Payment: 10 to 20% of purchase value
- Registration Fees: 2% at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD)
- Agency Commission: 2% of the purchase price
- Ongoing Costs: service charges, maintenance, insurance and connections for utilities
- Mortgage Options: both residents and non residents are eligible but rates, terms and down payment vary.
If you are going to finance your purchase, securing mortgage pre approval with a UAE bank helps clarify your position and supports your negotiations.
Choosing the Right Location in Sharjah
When it comes to Real Estate, Location is everything. Sharjah has potential neighbourhoods with multiple opportunities for many different lifestyles, investment goals and budgets. The communities that have shown growth in 2025 are mentioned below to assist you in making a more informed decision, below is a comparison of the opportunities for Real estate investment in Sharjah.
Comparison Table: Best Places to Buy Property in Sharjah (2025)
| Community Name | Property Types | Starting Price Range (AED) | Investment Potential | Key Features | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aljada | Studios, Apartments, Townhouses, Villas | 3.5M | High demand for rental property, urban lifestyle | Smart City approach, centres of education, parks, shopping. | Professionals and families. |
| Sharjah Waterfront City | Apartments, Villas, Townhouses | 6M | Luxury beachfront living | surrounds views, resorts, marina, smart homes. | Investors, holiday homeowners. |
| Hayyan by Alef Group | Villas, Townhouses | 3.5M | Premium gated community | Lagoon, urban farms, green spaces, wellness facilities. | Families, end users. |
| Maryam Island | Studios, Apartments | 1.5M | offer waterfront rental opportunities | beach access, cafes and promenades with shopping. | Investors, short term rentals buyers. |
For good rental returns: Aljada and Maryam Island will offer a solid ROI based on location and demand from tenants.
For premium: Sharjah Waterfront City and Hayyan by Alef have excellent standards of living and exclusivity.
Exploring Property Types and Options
The Buying property in Sharjah is rich, diverse, and accommodates a range of lifestyles and budgets.
Property Types
- Studios and 1BHK Apartments: Inexpensive and in constant rental demand
- 2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments: Smart for small families or mid size investors
- Townhouses and Villas: Development by Hayyan and in Al Zahia gated communities
- Penthouse and Waterfront Units: Obtained selectively in various locations, upscale areas, Maryam Island, etc.
- Plots: Buy land and build your home in master planned areas.
- Freehold vs. Leasehold: The good news for foreign investors in Sharjah is that foreigners can now buy freehold apartments in selected developments, but also, leasehold properties (up to 100 years) are available throughout Sharjah.
Legal Requirements for Property Purchase
Understanding the legal process is essential to ensure your experience is straightforward. The government of Sharjah is transparent and has a secure process where buyers know exactly what is required from them if they wish to own property in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Basic Requirements
- For Residents: Valid UAE Emirates ID, visa, and passport
- For Foreign Investors: Passport, entry visa (and possibly a No Objection Certificate NOC)
Required Contracts
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
For all real estate transactions, the sale and purchase contract must be registered with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD) to receive and document your title deed.
Finding a Reliable Real Estate Agent
An agent can be a great help in the search and the negotiation and the legal process. Make sure the agent:
- Is registered with SRERD
- Has practical experience with the type of property youโre looking for
- Will work with established and reputable developers
- Will assist you with the paperwork, viewings as well as follow ups
Be careful not to engage with unlicensed brokers or unverified listings deals especially when the Property buying process in Sharjah is taking place in an off plan project.
Navigating the Property Viewing Process
Involving yourself in property viewing is more than just viewing interiors, it is a process where you assess lifestyle, location and surroundings. Hereโs all what need to be considered:
- Natural Light and Ventilation
- Community Recreation Facilities: Pools, gyms, parks, schools
- Noise Levels and Traffic nearby to potential property
- Developer Reputation and construction quality
- Location and proximity to essential services: Schools, hospitals, supermarkets
Be sure to always request a viewing of a mock up or completed unit especially with off plan.
Making an Offer and Negotiating Terms
After you have found the property you want to buy, you can then make an offer. Offers can either be made directly or through your agent.
Points to negotiate
- Price: This will depend on the current market climate, and where people are in the process of the project.
- Payment Plan: Developers may offer a list of post handover plans or interest free installments.
- Furniture and Appliances: Some units will be fully or semi furnished.
- Handover Date: Particularly important with under construction properties.
When agreed, the parties will sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
Completing the Purchase: Documentation and Fees
The final step is registering the property under your name and paying the relevant fees. The time frame can be broken down into these steps.
- Sign the SPA
- Transfer the payment to the developer/seller account
- Provide documents to the SRERD
- Pay fees:
- 2% Registration Fee
- 2% Agent Commission*
- Developer administration or NOC fees (if any)
You will then receive the title deed, proving your ownership.
Post Purchase Steps: Utilities and Moving In
Once the purchase is finalized, your focus is on setting up your home.
Post Purchase Checklist
- Connect to Utilities: Register with SEWA for water, electricity, and gas
- Home Insurance: Optional but highly recommended
- Internet and TV: Check Etisalat and du as the main providers
- Furnishing and Decor: Most communities will have showrooms and furniture stores nearby
- Engage with the Community: Go to resident meetings, get community apps, and get a subscription to maintenance
Conclusion
How to buy property in Sharjah should be a relatively easy question to answer. With easy to navigate regulations, growing infrastructure, and first class new developments, the emirate of Sharjah has become one of the best priced and most competitively priced emirates for property investments. Whether it is to buy a home to live in, or diversify your portfolio with investment, congratulations, you are going to have an excellent investment opportunity in Sharjah in 2025. From finding the right community and financing the purchase to the legal process, this guide has included an extensive road map on how to make a safe and grateful property investment.
