April 2025 marked an extraordinary chapter in Dubai’s real estate narrative. With the city achieving a phenomenal milestone in property transactions, the data released by Property Finder signals a period of unprecedented growth. The key figures reveal a staggering AED 62.1 billion in total sales transactions, representing a 94% increase in value year-on-year and a 54% rise in transaction volume compared to the same month last year.
The details indicate that both the secondary and primary markets contributed significantly to this surge. The secondary market alone reached an impressive AED 28 billion across over 7,700 transactions, showcasing a solid 67% growth in value and 66% in volume from April 2024. Meanwhile, the primary sales segment reached AED 34.2 billion, marking a 124% increase from the previous year, driven by lucrative developments like Palm Jebel Ali and The Oasis by Emaar.
Primary Market Highlights
The primary property market continues to dominate the scene, with AED 34.2 billion in sales recorded in April. This remarkable figure reflects an ongoing trend of investor interest in off-plan properties, particularly in high-profile developments. Palm Jebel Ali and The Oasis accounted for notable portions of the overall value, earmarking them as hot spots for investment. Although they represent a small fraction of the total transaction volume, their significance in terms of value depicts a keen appetite for well-branded and innovative communities.
Secondary Market Performance
The secondary property segment is not to be overshadowed, achieving a record AED 28 billion in sales. This was largely driven by robust resale activity in sought-after areas such as Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and Dubai Marina. A standout transaction in this segment involved a landmark AED 1.45 billion land sale in the DMCC-EZ2 district, earmarked for the upcoming Sobha Central project in Jebel Ali. This underscores the vibrant appetite for established properties in prime locations.
Consumer Preferences in Property Searches
A closer look at consumer behavior reveals a clear preference for apartment living. In April 2025, apartments accounted for nearly 78% of rental searches and 59% of purchase interest, indicating a strong demand for this segment. Interestingly, studio apartments formed 21% of all rental inquiries, while they attracted only 14% of buyer interest—highlighting a gap that presents lucrative opportunities for investors. On the other hand, two-bedroom apartments generated the highest interest, capturing 35% of buyer searches and 31% of rental demand.
Expert Insights
Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, shared his insights on the current landscape. He highlighted that the relentless growth in Dubai’s real estate sector is bolstered by strategic city planning and innovative regulations that enhance investor confidence. Additionally, the Dubai Land Department’s initiatives, such as the introduction of AI-driven governance for real estate advertising, aim to increase transparency and credibility across marketing platforms. These efforts align with the goal of fostering a more investor-friendly environment for real estate.
Sleiman emphasized that such forward-thinking initiatives not only solidify Dubai’s standing as a powerhouse in global real estate but also empower home seekers and investors with invaluable data-driven insights, enabling informed decision-making in a rapidly evolving market.
