By Andrei Charapenak, CEO of Major Developers
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE; 19 August 2025: Waterfront properties captivate homeowners and investors around the world. From Miami to Sydney and Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, these homes consistently command a lasting premium. Their enduring value stems not merely from picturesque views but from structural scarcity, lifestyle appeal and market resilience.
Around the globe waterfront homes typically trade at a 40 to 50 percent premium over inland equivalents. In markets such as Sydney that premium can exceed 118 percent. Knight Frank’s research shows that beachfront homes globally enjoy a 76 percent uplift. Even harbourside residences routinely outpace similar inland properties by 60 percent or more.
In the UAE, the same pattern is evident. Prime waterfront areas such as Al Marjan Island deliver significant capital growth and rental yields outperforming many interior developments. This combination of rising rents and limited frontage supports sustained capital value.
Scarcity is a foundational advantage. Waterfront land is inherently limited and any new supply is constrained by planning zones and environmental protections. That means even as inland areas expand, frontline sea‑facing addresses remain rare and highly sought after. Investors who secure these rare assets benefit from a steady, structural uplift in value. This is why waterfront prices have proven more resilient during downturns and recover faster when markets rebound.
Beyond scarcity, lifestyle plays a central role. Waterfront living offers health benefits, natural light and unmatched views. These lifestyle attributes translate into consistent demand from residents and short‑term tenants. In global destinations like Monaco, Auckland and the Bahamas, waterfront homes outshine inland counterparts in resale price and time on market because purchasers value access to water and leisure experiences.
In Ras Al Khaimah waterfront developments such as Al Marjan Island are leading investment growth backed with integrated amenities, tourism links and branded residences. As the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort opens by 2027, waterfront neighbourhoods in the emirate will benefit further from tourism demand and increased visibility.
For investors the logic is simple. A waterfront residence is not merely a lifestyle choice. It is a strategic asset class: scarce, desirable, resilient. It offers capital appreciation with strong rental performance and hedge potential against broader market volatility.
Those who invest in waterfront communities today are not only buying a view but investing in enduring value. For investors seeking stability, yield and long-term growth, waterfront living continues to offer one of the most compelling real estate opportunities.
