Dubai Leads Global Luxury Market in High-End Home Sales

In recent news that reinforces Dubai’s status as a bona fide leader in global luxury real estate, sales of homes in the city valued at $10 million and more almost doubled YoY during January to May 2025. 3105 deals for these homes were completed during the first five months of the year, as compared to 1607 in January to May 2024. 

At the same time, Dubai is also expected to welcome 140 branded residential projects by 2031 — the highest anywhere on the planet. This represents a staggering 160% growth in the segment over the last decade, far outstripping global luxury markets as diverse as London, Miami and Phuket. Just last year, the city sold over 13,000 branded units with transaction values totalling AED 60 billion and buyers reported to be paying 40-60% premiums on these homes, as compared to standard luxury residences. 

Brands from Bulgari and Bugatti to Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf-Astoria are debuting residences in the city that are at the forefront of high-end living worldwide, offering entire ecosystems of luxury rather than mere residences. Augmenting this are Dubai’s prices, which are far more attractive than global luxury markets, as well as higher-than-average ROIs. In 2024 alone, the city offered 6-8% in gross rental yields, far higher than New York’s 3-5%, London’s 2-3.5% and Singapore’s 2-3%. It is a robust trend that tallies well with other advantages of the city, which include no income tax, the lucrative Golden Visa programme and a highly cosmopolitan environment. 

Naturally, this is a real estate market that is drawing the wealthy more than ever before. Henley & Partners projects the U.A.E. will attract 9800 high-net-worth individuals this year — the highest globally and with most shifting to Dubai. For comparison, China is projected to lose 7800 HNWIs, and the U.K. a startling 16,500. 

With initial reports claiming Dubai has crossed AED 300 billion in transaction values during H1 2025, the market is set to continue its record-breaking, sustainable growth as a beacon of global luxury real estate.