Discover Sharjah's Thriving Real Estate at 'ACRES' Expo - Coming January

Sharjah is slashing property transaction fees during its upcoming real estate expo to attract more investors and boost sales. The emirate's executive council approved reduced rates that will apply to all deals made during the four-day event from January 21-24, with fees dropping to as low as 0.5% for developers.

The Sharjah Real Estate Expo (ACRES) will take place at Sharjah Expo Centre under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The event brings together top property developers, investment firms, banks, and real estate brokers from across the UAE and region.

Here's how the new fee structure works: developers pay just 0.5% on sales, UAE and GCC nationals pay 1% on purchases, other nationalities pay 2% for freehold ownership and 1% for usufruct rights. These rates represent significant savings compared to standard transaction fees.

The timing makes sense. Sharjah's property market has been gaining momentum, and officials want to capitalize on growing investor interest. The 2025 edition generated 4.3 billion dirhams in property deals - a 207% jump from the previous year. Over 110 exhibitors participated, showing strong industry confidence.

Abdul Aziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, director general of Sharjah's Real Estate Registration Department, said the reduced fees will boost trading activity and increase sales volumes. The move reflects Sharjah's push to compete with Dubai and other regional property hubs by making itself more attractive to international investors.

For developers, this creates an opportunity to offer more competitive deals during the expo. Lower transaction costs mean they can adjust their pricing strategies to attract buyers who might otherwise look elsewhere. It's a direct incentive that could lead to more launches of new projects during the event.

The expo spans over 10,000 square meters and expects strong attendance from property professionals and investors of various nationalities. Several new projects will be unveiled for the first time at this year's event, taking advantage of the favorable fee environment.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi from Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that the decision supports the emirate's goal of becoming a major destination for sustainable real estate investment. The chamber has been working to position Sharjah as a viable alternative to more expensive markets in the region.

Nawaf Mohammed Obaid, CEO of the Sharjah Real Estate Expo, said the fee reduction provides direct support to companies looking to expand their presence and accelerate sales processes. The entire exhibition space was booked two months before the event, indicating strong market confidence.

This strategy reflects broader competition among UAE emirates to attract property investment. While Dubai dominates headlines, Sharjah offers more affordable entry points and has been developing its infrastructure and regulatory framework to appeal to cost-conscious investors and end-users looking for value.