H1 2025 Breaks Dubai Real Estate Records

The Dubai real estate market enjoyed a historic first half of 2025, with approximately 99,000 sales transactions totalling AED 328.8 billion — a 23.7% rise in volume and 41% rise in value from H1 2024. 

This is now the most successful half-year in the history of Dubai real estate.

The Numbers 

Ready residences enjoyed a 35% rise in value and 15.6% rise in volume from H1 2024 on the back of a shift in buyer preferences that saw Dubai become a far more viable option for individuals looking to settle down long-term. 

However, mirroring its performance throughout the whole of last year, off-plan dominated the market in H1 2025, with approximately 64,000 transactions totalling AED 209 billion. This is a staggering rise of 43.2% in value and 26.5% in volume from H1 2024. 

Branded residences continued to drive the off-plan sector, with the city expected to welcome 140 branded residential projects by 2031, which is the highest anywhere on the planet. This represents a remarkable 160% growth in the segment over the last decade, outstripping luxury markets like London, Miami and Phuket.

The Trends 

An Emirates Hills villa acquired for AED 425 million was the city’s most expensive residence in H1 2025, highlighting a trend that saw a 62.7% YoY rise in ultra-prime (AED 10 million and above) homes sold during this time and a 47% YoY rise in transaction activity for properties above AED 20 million. 

Dig deeper and a slight divide appears. A significant increase in buyers looking for large, family- friendly residences meant a 65% rise in value and 55% rise in volume for villa sales from H1 2024, with popular areas being Emirates Hills, Arabian Ranches and Al Barari. 

On the other hand, investors and younger buyers preferred apartments — an easier entry point into the real estate market but still with high ROIs. This resulted in apartments recording a 16% YoY increase in transactions and 21% YoY increase in values, with popular areas including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Emaar Beachfront.

The Future 

We expect Dubai to enjoy average price rises of anywhere between 5% and 10% in H2 2025. The luxury market in particular should see price growth of between 8% and 10%. 

A recent Henley & Partners report projects 9800 millionaires to move to the U.A.E. this year — the highest globally and with most to Dubai. This is on the back of high ROIs, favourable tax laws and the Golden Visa. 

Other external factors could also benefit Dubai. In a global environment that includes changes to the U.K.’s “non-dom” laws and prolonged global conflicts, Dubai should continue to be a stable, lucrative and conflict-proof real estate market.