Real Estate

Dubai’s property market reached a new milestone in the third quarter of 2025, as off-plan sales surged to account for 75.3% of all property transactions, according to data released by Metropolitan Premium Properties (MPP). The record-breaking figures reflect the emirate’s continued appeal to investors and end-users alike, underpinned by flexible developer incentives and strong economic fundamentals.

Total off-plan (primary) transactions climbed to AED 96 billion, marking a 21.9% year-on-year increase, while the overall market — including both off-plan and resale — reached AED 134 billion in Q3 2025. This represents a 26.4% rise in off-plan activity compared to the same period in 2024, signaling the strength of Dubai’s developer-led property sector.

Apartments Lead, Lifestyle Locations Shine

Apartments dominated off-plan transactions, with Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Business Bay recording the highest activity levels. Premium waterfront destinations such as La Mer, Jumeirah, and Dubai Water Canal achieved the highest average prices, showcasing continued investor appetite for luxury, lifestyle-centric developments.

The surge in off-plan performance was supported by several developer initiatives — including limited-time discounts, flexible payment plans, and enhanced agent commissions — which collectively spurred investor momentum.

“Dubai’s off-plan sector continues to outperform expectations and remains a cornerstone of the city’s real estate momentum,” said Nikita Kuznetsov, CEO of Metropolitan Premium Properties.

“Developers are responding with innovative projects and flexible payment structures that appeal to both international investors and local end-users. The sustained demand for off-plan apartments highlights growing confidence in Dubai’s long-term market fundamentals and its role as a global real estate hub.”

Resale Market Reflects End-User Maturity

While the off-plan market drove most activity, the resale segment also reflected positive trends. In Q3 2025, 84% of resale transactions were for ready properties, compared to 16% for off-plan resales. Although resale volumes dropped 10.7% year-on-year, average prices rose 11.3% to AED 1,656 per sq. ft., indicating a shift toward a maturing, end-user-driven market.

Buyers are increasingly holding onto their homes longer, with demand rising for established communities and ready-to-move-in properties. Villas, in particular, continued to gain significant value:

• Palm Jumeirah: +18.7% resale price increase per sq. ft.

• Arabian Ranches 3: +20%

• The Springs: +17.4%

• Town Square apartments: +25.1%

• Dubai South apartments: +18.8%

In the villa market, 97% of resale transactions were for ready properties, underscoring the strong preference for immediate occupancy.

“We’re seeing clear market segmentation — off-plan continues to dominate new supply and investor activity, while ready villas and townhouses are becoming increasingly limited and valuable,” added Kuznetsov.

“This dual strength across segments reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient and diversified real estate markets.”

Rental Market: Sustained Growth, Longer Leases

Average rental rates in Dubai also rose by 8.8% year-on-year to AED 83 per sq. ft., even as total rental transactions declined slightly by 4.2%. The trend suggests longer lease durations and higher tenant retention, reflecting stability and confidence in Dubai’s rental market.

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