From 2026, tenants in the United Arab Emirates will no longer have to pay the entire annual amount in one go. Thanks to a collaboration between Property Finder and technology company Keyper, monthly rental payments will become a standard option for selected properties. This marks the end of the traditional model where rent usually had to be paid in one to four cheques per year.
More Financial Flexibility for Tenants in Dubai and Beyond
The new system enables tenants to pay their monthly rent via credit card or direct debit. The feature will be rolled out in the first half of 2026 for specific listings on the Property Finder platform, with the intention of making it more widely available across the entire country later.
This represents significant financial relief, especially for new residents in the UAE. Large upfront payments often posed a barrier to finding suitable accommodation. With the monthly payment option, tenants can budget more easily, making a move to areas like Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai more accessible to a wider audience.
Keyper, which already processes over AED 2 billion (approx. €500 million / £425 million) in rental demand via its monthly payment platform, is fully integrating its technology into the Property Finder interface. This provides tenants with more flexibility, helps agents close deals faster, and allows landlords to benefit from secure and consistent digital payments.
Digital Innovation Permanently Changes the Rental Market
According to Michael Lahyani, founder and CEO of Property Finder, this development contributes to a more transparent and accessible housing market in the UAE. His colleague Omar Abu Innab, CEO of Keyper, emphasises that monthly rental payments are already the norm in major global cities, and the UAE is finally following this trend.
The expected benefits are significant: more choice for tenants, less vacancy for landlords, and an overall improvement in mobility within the housing market. The risk of default is also reduced through staggered payments. It is a logical step within the broader wave of digitalisation currently sweeping through Dubai’s real estate sector.
The monthly rental function will go live on Property Finder by mid-2026 at the latest. With this, the UAE is taking an important step towards a rental market that better aligns with international standards and the needs of modern residents.
Edward Clarke is a seasoned property expert with extensive experience in international real estate investment, with a particular focus on Dubai’s fast-growing property market. Drawing on both personal investment experience and years of client advisory work, he helps investors make informed, realistic decisions when purchasing apartments, villas or off-plan developments in Dubai. With a pragmatic mindset, a sharp focus on returns and a strong commitment to transparency, Edward is a trusted point of contact for anyone considering a property investment in Dubai.
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