Dubai’s Residential Real Estate Market: A 2025 Overview
In 2025, the Dubai residential real estate market reached a new high, with transaction volumes surpassing 200,000—a significant 18% increase from the previous year. This marks the third consecutive year of unprecedented market activity, illustrating a thriving environment for real estate investment, as reported in Savills’ Dubai Residential Market Report.
Apartment Dominance and Market Trends
Apartments remained at the forefront of these transactions, making up an impressive 83% of the total. Meanwhile, the demand for villas and townhouses held steady, reflecting a balanced interest in various property types.
Rising Off-Plan Sales
Off-plan sales showcased notable growth in 2025, accounting for 72% of all residential transactions. This is an increase from 68% in 2024, indicating a growing appetite for properties under construction. Despite a slight moderation in absorption rates, high-quality developments from reputable developers continued to sell swiftly, emphasizing buyer preferences for well-located projects with attractive payment plans.
Key Themes Shaping the Market in 2025
Several important trends have emerged in Dubai’s residential real estate landscape:
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Sustained Demand: The market has benefitted from strong population growth and heightened investor confidence, consistently recording over 50,000 transactions each quarter for the third quarter in a row.
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Capital Value Growth: On average, apartment prices have stabilized around AED 1.9 million (approximately $517,000). In contrast, the average price for villas and townhouses has risen to above AED 6 million ($1.63 million), up from AED 5.4 million ($1.47 million) in 2024.
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Increased Investment Appetite: The share of transactions exceeding AED 5 million ($1.36 million) has grown to 9%, reflecting a shift in interest towards higher-value properties.
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Dynamic Market Segmentation: Transaction volumes for ready properties remained steady at about 15,000 per quarter, despite the growing supply of inventory. This stability indicates a strong preference for off-plan options by buyers.
Outlook for 2026: Stability and Growth
As Dubai’s residential market transitions into 2026, it does so from a strong foundation. Ongoing population growth and sustained interest from international investors have set the stage for continued resilience.
Market Performance and Expectations
Looking forward, Savills anticipates that market dynamics will vary by segment and location, with resilient demand for villas, prime residential properties, and well-positioned communities.
Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, highlights that Dubai is entering 2026 with remarkable market strength. The past year has shown the depth and maturity of the residential sector. The drivers of demand are no longer just volume-based but increasingly reflect quality, long-term confidence, and sophisticated buyer behavior.
Rachael Kennerley, Director of Research at Savills Middle East, notes that 2025 has been an exceptional year for real estate in Dubai, marked by robust demand that has driven transaction volumes to historical levels. As the market evolves, buyers are becoming more selective, prioritizing quality developments in well-established locations.
Projections of Market Dynamics
Savills predicts that 2026 will continue this trend of growth but with a more differentiated approach across various segments. The balance of supply and demand will play a crucial role, and while new properties will enter the market, the fundamentals that support demand remain intact. The evolution of infrastructure will also influence how different areas of the city develop.
As the market matures, emphasis will shift towards the selection of high-quality assets in strategic locations. This positions Dubai’s residential real estate market as one of the most resilient and attractive options globally, reinforcing its reputation as a thriving investment destination.
