Real Estate

Dubai’s real estate market ended 2025 on a historic high, recording its strongest-ever quarterly property sales, according to new data released by Property Finder, the MENA region’s leading property portal.

Total property sales in the fourth quarter of 2025 reached AED 187.47 billion, making it the highest-performing quarter on record. December alone contributed AED 64 billion in transactions, matching November’s total and building on October’s AED 59 billion, capping a record-breaking year for both sales value and volume.

The strong close to the year reflects a healthy and resilient market, with value growth outpacing transaction volumes. Property Finder data shows that median prices per square foot rose by 8.4 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024, indicating sustained demand and confidence across the sector as Dubai enters 2026.

Prime and mid-market communities drive performance

High-value transactions continued to be concentrated in Dubai’s most sought-after locations. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai accounted for a significant share of total transaction value, supported by premium pricing, limited supply and continued interest from international buyers.

At the same time, well-planned mixed-use and family-oriented communities played a key role in maintaining market balance. Business Bay remained a strong performer among investors due to its central location and range of amenities, while Dubai Hills Estate attracted steady demand across both apartments and villas within a mature master-planned environment.

Mid-market areas such as Jumeirah Village Circle also saw strong buyer interest, particularly in the off-plan segment, as affordability and long-term value remained key considerations for many purchasers.

Apartment demand dominates sales and rentals

Apartments continued to outperform villas in both sales and rental demand. Property Finder data shows that 80 per cent of rental searches in December were for apartments, compared to 20 per cent for townhouses and villas. Studios and one-bedroom units saw increased interest year-on-year, reflecting a shift towards more compact and affordable living options amid rising rents.

Sales searches followed a similar pattern, with 61 per cent focused on apartments and 39 per cent on villas. Within the apartment segment, 85 per cent of searches were for studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, underlining strong demand for practical, budget-friendly homes.

Outlook for 2026

Commenting on the results, Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, said the strong December performance confirmed the structural strength of Dubai’s property market.

“Q4 marked a powerful end to an exceptional year, driven by genuine demand rather than short-term speculation,” Sleiman said. “With rising prices per square foot and broad participation across communities, Dubai enters 2026 with solid momentum, depth and diversity, offering opportunities for buyers, sellers and investors alike.”

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