Dubai Real Estate Market — Annual Data Review 2025
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Dubai’s real estate market entered a new phase of scale and maturity in 2025, supported by sustained transaction activity, broader investor participation, expanding rental registrations and continued development momentum. The year reinforced the sector’s role as a central pillar of Dubai’s economic growth, urban development and global investment positioning.
Market scale and transaction depth
Dubai recorded 270,328 real estate transactions in 2025, up 20% from 2024, while total transaction value increased 20% to AED 917 billion. Sales remained the largest category, with 217,889 transactions valued at AED 680 billion, followed by mortgage registrations at AED 180 billion and gift transactions at AED 57 billion.
Investor participation and market continuity
Unique investors rose to 193,100 from 156,149 in 2024, while total investment value reached AED 680 billion across 258,554 investments. New investors accounted for AED 348 billion, while repeat investors contributed AED 332 billion, indicating a market that continues to attract new capital while retaining existing participants.
Global investor reach
Dubai’s investor base remained geographically broad. Asia and Europe together contributed nearly AED 496 billion in investment value, while South Asia remained the largest source region, with 52,348 investors and AED 123.3 billion. Female participation also strengthened, with 63,577 female investors and AED 154 billion in investment value, up 31% year-on-year.
Off-plan, existing and land activity
Off-plan activity accounted for 63.3% of total investment activity in 2025, compared with 61.0% in 2024, reinforcing the role of new development in market growth. Existing properties and vacant land also recorded significant transaction values of AED 312.2 billion and AED 309.7 billion, respectively.
Price performance and rental market expansion
Price indicators continued to rise across major categories. Average residential unit prices reached AED 20,666 per sq.m, residential villa prices reached AED 16,791 per sq.m, commercial units reached AED 22,119 per sq.m and commercial villas reached AED 20,480 per sq.m. Rental contracts exceeded one million for the first time, with total annual rent value reaching AED 98.9 billion.
Market outlook
Overall, Dubai’s 2025 real estate performance points to a market supported by scale, liquidity, diversified investor participation and continued development momentum. The sector remains aligned with Dubai’s wider economic vision, underpinned by regulation, digital infrastructure, long-term residency reforms and investment in urban infrastructure. As Dubai strengthens its position as a global hub for investment, innovation and sustainable living, real estate remains central to the emirate’s long-term growth strategy and to DLD’s commitment to transparency, investor confidence and a world-class market ecosystem.
