Dubai’s real estate market rounded off 2025 with a decisive December surge, capping what has become one of the most remarkable years in the emirate’s property history. Annual sales touched an all-time high of 215,700 transactions valued at AED 686.8 billion, firmly establishing Dubai as one of the world’s most active and attractive real estate investment hubs.
The strong finish reflected sustained confidence among investors and end-users alike. December alone recorded property sales worth AED 63.1 billion, a 46.4% increase in value year-on-year, while transaction volumes rose 21.3% to 18,587 deals. This late-year momentum reinforced the narrative of a market that is not cooling, but consolidating its gains.
A landmark year for Dubai property
According to an in-depth market report released by fäm Properties, 2025 stands out as a defining year for Dubai’s property sector. The data points to broad-based growth across residential, commercial and land segments, supported by rising values, strong off-plan demand and a steady supply response from developers.
Figures from DXBInteract underline the scale of the expansion. Total transaction volumes rose 18.7% compared to 2024, while overall sales value jumped 30.9% year-on-year. Both the primary and secondary markets posted healthy gains, highlighting a market that is functioning smoothly across entry and exit points.
“These figures show that Dubai's real estate market has genuinely evolved – this isn't just another growth cycle,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.
“We're seeing several powerful trends come together: a much more diverse investor base with strong flows from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and a supply pipeline that's aligned with demand after years of disciplined development.”
Primary market leads, secondary follows
The primary market remained the dominant force in 2025. First-time sales accounted for 149,230 transactions, valued at AED 448.1 billion, reflecting a 33.6% year-on-year increase. The secondary market also delivered a solid performance, with 66,400 resale transactions worth AED 238.8 billion, up 26.2% from the previous year.
Overall, first sales from developers accounted for 69% of total transaction volume and 65% of transaction value, underscoring continued confidence in off-plan and newly launched projects.
Price trends reflected this demand. Average prices in the primary market rose to AED 1,700 per sq. ft, up 6.7%, while secondary market prices climbed faster, rising 11.2% to an average of AED 1,500 per sq. ft.
Supply keeps pace with demand
A key feature of 2025 was the market’s ability to absorb new supply. Developers delivered 42,784 residential units during the year, a sharp 45% increase from 29,392 units in 2024. At the same time, new launches rose 6.1% to 177,624 units, indicating a measured but confident response to demand.
“The jump in property deliveries shows developers are reading the market well, and the fact that both new launches and resale properties are performing strongly tells us investors are confident they can enter and exit positions when needed,” Al Msaddi added.
Over a five-year period, the transformation has been striking. Annual sales value has surged from AED 71.5 billion in 2020 to AED 686.8 billion in 2025, while transaction volumes have grown more than sixfold, from 34,700 to 215,700.
Strong growth across property segments
All major property categories recorded robust growth in 2025. Apartment sales rose 19.9% to 170,448 transactions valued at AED 332.9 billion. Villa sales also performed strongly, increasing 11.1% to 34,671 units worth AED 206.9 billion.
Commercial property transactions surged 41.1% to 6,086 units valued at AED 18.2 billion, while 4,446 plots were sold for AED 128.5 billion. Building sales, though smaller in volume, saw a dramatic rise of over 300%, reflecting renewed interest in redevelopment and income-generating assets.
Where the activity was concentrated
In terms of delivered supply, Jumeirah Village Circle led the market with 6,883 units completed in 2025. It was followed by Dubai Marina (3,819 units), Business Bay (3,103), Arjan (2,510) and Dubai Creek Harbour (1,919).
Emaar emerged as the leading developer by deliveries, accounting for 17% of the total with 7,321 units. Binghatti followed with 4,093 units, while Azizi delivered 2,633 units.
Jumeirah Village Circle also topped the list of best-performing areas by volume, recording 18,755 transactions worth AED 24.5 billion. Business Bay led by value at AED 39.9 billion from 13,844 transactions, highlighting its continued appeal as a mixed-use investment hub.
Record deals and standout projects
The year also saw landmark transactions at the very top of the market. The most expensive apartment sold for AED 550 million at Bugatti Residences by Binghatti in Business Bay, while the priciest villa changed hands for AED 425 million in Emirates Hills.
On the project front, DAMAC Riverside, Binghatti Skyrise and Sobha developments featured prominently among the best-selling apartment projects, while DAMAC Islands phases dominated villa sales, reflecting strong appetite for branded and master-planned communities.
Outlook remains positive
As Dubai heads into 2026, the data suggests a market that is no longer driven by speculation alone, but by depth, diversity and sustained demand. With global capital flows continuing and developers maintaining discipline, the emirate’s real estate sector appears well-positioned to build on the momentum of a truly landmark year.
