If you thought Dubai’s real estate market might slow down in 2025 – think again. The city kicked off the year with a bang, recording AED 142.7 billion in total property sales in just the first three months. That’s the second-highest quarterly figure ever, just behind Q4 2024.
A Quick Snapshot
- Total sales in Q1 2025: AED 142.7 billion
- Total transactions: 45,485 deals
- Year-on-year growth: +30.3% in value, +22.8% in transactions
Yes — that’s a lot of properties changing hands. And the demand is coming from both local and international buyers.
Every Corner of the Market Is Growing
It’s not just one segment performing well – every sector is on the rise:
- Plots: Up a massive 193.8% in value (AED 35.5B from 2,926 transactions)
- Villas: +43.1% (AED 41.3B from 8,369 deals)
- Apartments: +12.6% (AED 62.3B from 32,884 transactions)
- Commercial: +25.2% (AED 3.6B from 1,212 deals)
This tells us that whether it’s land, homes, or business spaces — people are investing across the board.
Property Prices Keep Rising
Let’s talk about the price per square foot. In Q1 2025, the median price hit AED 1,563 — a big jump from AED 889 just four years ago (2021). That’s nearly double in a short time.
Here’s a quick look at how it’s gone up:
- 2021: AED 889
- 2022: AED 1,124
- 2023: AED 1,283
- 2024: AED 1,497
- 2025: AED 1,563
The trend? Clear and strong. Property in Dubai is becoming more valuable every year.
Where Are People Buying?
Some areas stood out in Q1 as the most popular:
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – 3,605 deals worth AED 4.56B
- Wadi Al Safa – 3,596 deals worth AED 7.64B
- Business Bay – AED 7.26B from 2,782 deals
- Dubai South – AED 8.74B from 2,676 deals
- Dubai Marina – AED 9.28B from 2,583 deals
Dubai Marina topped the charts in value, but JVC led in the number of deals – showing that people are still chasing lifestyle and affordability hand-in-hand.
The Big Spenders
The most expensive villa sold in Q1? A stunning AED 140 million property at Dubai Hills Estate. And the most expensive apartment? AED 116 million at The Rings 1, Jumeirah Second. So yes, the ultra-luxury market is alive and thriving.
What Are Buyers Spending?
- 31% of sales were in the AED 1–2 million range
- 26% were below AED 1 million
- 19% between AED 2–3 million
- 15% between AED 3–5 million
- 9% over AED 5 million
This mix shows that while Dubai continues to attract luxury buyers, there’s still a huge market for mid-range and affordable homes too.
Off-Plan Is King
Off-plan (direct from developers) sales made up 65% of all deals — that’s nearly two-thirds of the market. Buyers clearly have confidence in Dubai’s future and are ready to invest early.