GCC Real Estate Market Set for Growth in Student Accommodation and Senior Living
The GCC real estate market could see growing opportunities in alternative living concepts over the next decade, with student accommodation and senior living among the sectors highlighted by property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell.
In a news release dated 30 September 2026, the consultancy said changing economic and demographic conditions are creating opportunities for professionally managed residential developments. Other concepts identified include serviced living, co-living, private clubs and shared ownership. Cavendish Maxwell also expects branded residences to remain an important part of the Middle East property sector, although it said the market is likely to become broader.
Zacky Sajjad MRICS, Director of Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “For much of the past decade, the GCC’s residential and hospitality story has been dominated by luxury, with branded residences, five-star hotels and increasingly ambitious mixed use developments helping cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh stake their claim on the global investment map. The next 10 years are likely to see a shift towards co-living across several concepts, with market fundamentals underscoring the demand.”
New opportunities in the GCC real estate market
Cavendish Maxwell said governments across the region are seeking to attract international talent, expand tourism and universities, increase home ownership and diversify their economies. According to Sajjad, these changes are influencing what residents expect from accommodation.
“Increasingly, people are not simply buying or renting four walls; they want convenience, flexibility, community, services and experiences,” he said.
Senior living is one area the consultancy believes could develop further, particularly in the UAE. Cavendish Maxwell said internationally mobile retirees may consider the UAE because of its quality of life, safety, connectivity, healthcare and hospitality-led services. It suggested that future developments could combine independent living with wellness, healthcare, hospitality and community facilities rather than simply following traditional retirement-home models.
Student accommodation is another area of interest. Cavendish Maxwell pointed to the UAE’s expanding higher education sector and ambitions to attract students from the Middle East, Africa, Asia and other regions. Purpose-built accommodation could incorporate facilities and services designed around student requirements.
Co-living was also highlighted, particularly in Dubai. The consultancy said residential rents have begun to moderate after sharp increases since the pandemic but can remain unaffordable for some residents, including young professionals and people newly arriving in the city.
Sajjad said: “Data and market intelligence is critical in identifying genuine gaps in demand rather than following the latest property trends.”
Source: Rebecomms
