The recent announcement from Etihad Rail, unveiling its first high-speed, all-electric passenger train, is set to significantly impact property values, with some areas projected to see increases of up to 15%. Real estate experts believe that proximity to the new rail stations will be a key factor in determining these changes.
Jeff Raju, CEO of Manifest Real Estate, expects areas around Etihad Rail stations to see rental and price hikes of 10 to 15%.
"The proximity to metro and Etihad Rail stations will likely be crucial in determining property value,"
he noted. Similarly, Svetlana Vasilieva, head of secondary sales at Metropolitan Premium Properties, anticipates price rises of 5 to 7% in areas like Al Jaddaf, with larger apartments near stations seeing increases of up to 10%.
However, experts like Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, caution that the full effects will unfold gradually.
"The immediate impact may be limited, but the long-term effects will be more pronounced as residents seek the convenience of faster commutes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi,"
he said.
The Etihad Rail network, which will allow travelers to journey between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just 30 minutes at speeds of up to 350 km/h, is expected to boost the UAE’s GDP by Dh145 billion over the next 50 years. Fibha Ahmed, VP of Property Sales at Bayut, highlights that the improved connectivity will drive demand for properties in areas along the rail route, reshaping residential choices and work opportunities.
Notable areas set to benefit include Al Jaddaf, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island, with significant price increases anticipated for developments near the stations.
News Source: Khaleej Times
