In an exhilarating turn of events, Dubai’s real estate sector has reached impressive new heights, with total sales transactions soaring to AED62.1 billion (approximately $16.91 billion) last month. This remarkable figure not only marks the highest monthly total for the emirate but also represents a staggering 94 percent increase in value compared to April 2024, alongside a 54 percent rise in transaction volume, as reported by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
This record-setting performance illustrates the robust health of Dubai’s real estate market, where both primary and secondary segments demonstrated significant growth. Cherif Sleiman, the Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, stated, “Dubai’s real estate market continues to scale new heights, propelled by bold city planning, regulatory innovation, and investor trust.” This sentiment reaffirms the market’s resilience and long-term appeal in attracting both local and international investors.
Primary Segment Drives Surge
The standout performer last month was undoubtedly the primary property segment, which saw sales reach AED34.2 billion, a jaw-dropping 124 percent increase compared to April 2024. This robust demand was largely fueled by high-profile transactions in sought-after locations such as Palm Jebel Ali and The Oasis by Emaar. Notably, these locations accounted for 19 percent and 13 percent of the total value, respectively, despite representing less than 2 percent and 4 percent of the total transaction volume. This trend underscores a growing appetite among investors for premium, future-oriented branded communities.
Secondary Segment Posts Record AED28 Billion
Not to be outdone, the secondary property segment also marked a stellar performance, amassing AED28 billion in sales value across more than 7,700 transactions. This represents a remarkable 67 percent increase in value and a 66 percent jump in transaction volume compared to April 2024. A key highlight was a landmark AED1.45 billion land transaction in DMCC-EZ2, earmarked for the upcoming Sobha Central development in Jebel Ali. Moreover, strong resale activity in popular areas such as Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and Dubai Marina significantly contributed to the overall transaction value.
“The Dubai Land Department’s recent initiative of introducing AI-enabled governance for real estate advertising represents a move toward greater transparency and credibility in the market,” Sleiman added. “These far-sighted initiatives are essential as they enhance Dubai’s growing reputation as one of the world’s most investor-friendly real estate markets.”
Apartments Dominate Home Searches
A closer look at consumer preferences reveals a continued strong interest in apartment living. According to Property Finder, apartments accounted for nearly 78 percent of rental searches and 59 percent of purchase interest in April 2025. Specifically, studio apartments made up 21 percent of all rental searches on the platform, indicating strong yield potential for investors. Interestingly, studio units attracted only 14 percent of buyer interest, signaling a disparity that could present opportunities in smaller units. In contrast, two-bedroom apartments were favored in 35 percent of buyer searches and 31 percent of rental demand, indicating a balanced market.
Read: Sharjah real estate market hits $234.6 million in Q1 2025, up 159.2 percent year-over-year
Dubai Real Estate Transactions Hit AED142.7 Billion in Q1
This positive momentum suggests a robust market, as the Q1 performance surpassed both the quarterly average transactions for volume and value observed in 2024. The transaction value was notably 9 percent higher than the average quarterly value recorded last year, underlining ongoing investor confidence and market strength.
The off-plan property sector also stood out, recording its highest first-quarter performance in over a decade. Off-plan sales accounted for a substantial 56 percent of total transaction volume, increasing to 25,440 from 20,557 in Q1 2024—a 24 percent year-on-year rise. In terms of value, off-plan transactions saw a remarkable growth of 24 percent, reaching AED55.2 billion, which represents 39 percent of the total transaction value in Q1 2025. This growth trajectory emphasizes the sustained allure of Dubai’s future development pipeline, further solidifying its status as a global real estate capital.
