Property owners in various parts of Sharjah are lowering rents and offering one month of free occupancy to attract tenants, as infrastructure projects continue and seasonal summer demand drops.

Real estate consultants state that buildings near Al Taawun Roundabout and the Al Khan area are the most affected by recent road construction. Some residents have relocated to nearby neighborhoods with better accessibility due to commuting challenges.

A review of property listings indicates that rental rates for certain apartments in Al Taawun and Al Khan have declined since the start of the year. Many units are available for immediate occupancy, with some landlords including a rent-free month to make their offers more competitive.

Market experts attribute the temporary dip in demand in these areas to roadwork restrictions and the fact that many UAE residents are away on summer vacation.

Asif K, a Sharjah-based real estate consultant, said: "Buildings near Al Taawun Roundabout have been most impacted by the construction. Many prospective tenants inquire about the status and completion timeline of the roadworks before committing. Some choose to delay their move, while others opt for nearby areas with easier access. Consequently, some landlords are being more flexible with rents and offering one month of free rent to prevent vacancies."

He noted that demand has not vanished but has temporarily shifted to adjacent areas, with expectations that tenants will return once the projects are completed and roads fully reopen.

Consultants also believe the timing of the infrastructure work has helped lessen the impact. Mohammed D from Rukn Al Nakheel Real Estate said: "Many residents are currently out of the country for summer break. Had these projects started after the school season began, the disruption would have been far greater. We anticipate demand will rise again once families return."

Building watchmen have also noted an increase in vacant units over recent weeks. They reported that some families vacated their apartments before their summer travels, planning to decide on new housing upon their return in September.

To cut costs, some families are storing their furniture in shared apartments. One watchman mentioned that four or five families with close ties have moved their belongings into a single unit, splitting the rent until the end of the holidays and the improvement of road access, at which point they will make final relocation decisions.