Real Estate

Dubai's real estate market has once again shattered records, achieving a historic AED66.8 billion in property transactions during May 2025, according to new data released by Property Finder, the leading real estate portal in the MENA region. This record-setting month involved 18,700 deals, marking a 44% year-on-year increase in transaction value and a 6% rise in volume, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global real estate powerhouse.

Surge in Primary and Secondary Sales

The market’s performance was driven by robust activity in both primary (ready and off-plan) and secondary (resale) segments.

• Primary ready sales witnessed a 314% year-on-year increase in value, reaching AED17.9 billion across 2,400 transactions, a 145% growth in volume.

• Secondary ready sales peaked at 6,078 transactions worth AED24 billion, reflecting 8% growth in volume and 21% growth in value compared to May 2024.

When combining off-plan and ready sales, the primary market recorded AED 37 billion in sales, reflecting a 65% year-over-year surge. The secondary market, meanwhile, posted AED29 billion in value across 8,471 transactions, growing 23% in value and 15% in volume.

Investment Hotspots and Notable Transactions

Key investment locations saw significant activity:

• Business Bay stood out by accounting for 5% of the total primary transaction value, despite comprising only 3% of the volume, indicating a high proportion of high-value transactions.

• Al Barsha represented 5% of transaction volume and 2% of value, showcasing its wide market appeal.

• A major AED1.5 billion land transaction in Palm Deira signaled rising institutional confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth.

Consumer Trends and Preferences

Property Finder’s data highlights that apartments continue to dominate demand, representing:

• 78% of rental searches

• 60% of buyer interest

One-bedroom units were most popular among buyers (35%) and renters (38%). In contrast, studio apartments attracted 21% of renters but only 15% of buyer interest, suggesting that renters prioritize affordability, while buyers seek long-term livability and investment value.

Expert Insights

Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, noted:

“Just when we thought April was Dubai’s most significant month with AED62.1 billion in transactions, May has surpassed it. This growth underlines the sustainability of current trends and the city's resilience. Dubai’s innovation, such as the recent launch of the region’s first licensed tokenized property investment platform by the Dubai Land Department, sets a benchmark globally.”

He added that Dubai is currently welcoming nearly 1,000 new residents daily, double last year’s rate, placing increased demand on housing. This surge, coupled with digital transformation, international investor interest, and premium property demand, ensures that the market remains buoyant throughout 2025.

Real estate experts participating in Property Finder’s roundtable predicted continued growth, driven by:

• Strong off-plan sales

• Luxury resale activity

• Heightened international investor interest

Sleiman concluded, “As Dubai shapes the future of real estate, Property Finder is committed to equipping investors and buyers with real-time insights to navigate this dynamic landscape.”

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