Some residents have moved to nearby areas with easier road access, while others plan to look for new homes after returning from their summer holidays

Landlords in parts of Sharjah are reducing rents and offering a free month's stay this summer. Property agents attribute this to ongoing roadworks and the holiday season, which have temporarily reduced demand in certain neighborhoods.

Buildings near Al Taawun Roundabout and Al Khan have been affected, with some residents relocating to areas with better road access, according to agents.

A review of property listings shows that several apartments in Al Taawun and Al Khan are now advertised at lower rents compared to earlier this year. Agents confirm these units are available for immediate occupancy, with some landlords offering one month's rent free to attract tenants.

Property agents attribute the softer market to ongoing roadworks, which have limited access to some buildings, and the annual summer vacation, when many residents travel abroad.

"The buildings closest to Al Taawun Roundabout are seeing the biggest impact," said Asif K, a Sharjah-based real estate agent.

"Many people who enquire about apartments first ask about the roadworks and how long they are expected to continue. Some decide to postpone moving, while others choose nearby areas with easier road access. To avoid keeping apartments vacant, some landlords have become more flexible with rents and are even offering one month's rent free."

He said the demand has not disappeared but has temporarily shifted. "We are seeing residents who originally wanted to rent in Al Khan or Al Taawun choosing nearby neighbourhoods that offer easier access until the construction is completed. Once the roads reopen and connectivity improves, we expect many of them to return."

Agents said the timing of the infrastructure project has also helped reduce its impact. "In many ways, the works have started at the right time because a large number of residents are already outside the UAE for the summer holidays," said Mohammed D from Rukn al Nakheel Real Estate.

"If the same work had started after schools reopened, the disruption would have been much greater. We expect demand to improve once families return after the holidays."

Building security guards have also observed an increase in vacant apartments this summer.

One security guard reported that some families who traveled home have vacated their apartments and intend to look for new housing upon their return in September.

Others have chosen a different approach. "Some families don't want to move all their furniture because of the ongoing roadworks and the difficulty of bringing moving trucks into the area," said the security guard.

"Instead, four or five families who are relatives or close friends have kept all their belongings in one apartment. They are sharing the rent of that flat until they return. It is much cheaper than renting separate apartments or moving everything into storage."

Another security guard noted that this arrangement has become more common in recent weeks. "Some apartments are empty because tenants have shifted to nearby areas with better road access, while others are only being used to store furniture. Families have told us they will return after the summer holidays and then decide where they want to live depending on how the roadworks progress."