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Dubai’s real estate market has recorded a dramatic rise in value and transaction volume since 2021, underscoring its position as one of the world’s most resilient property sectors.
According to data compiled by fäm Properties and DXBinteract, the total value of real estate transactions between January and September 2025 reached AED 499.1 billion, up nearly 380% from AED 104 billion during the same period in 2021. The number of deals also grew sharply – from 43,200 to 158,400 – reflecting a 266.7% surge in transaction activity.
Industry analysts say the figures mark a defining shift in Dubai’s property cycle. Over the past year alone, transactions increased 20.6%, while total sales value climbed 32.4%, illustrating strong domestic and international investor confidence.
Apartment Sales Lead the Market
Apartments remain the dominant asset class in Dubai’s real estate sector, accounting for the largest share of deals. Between January and September 2025, apartment sales surged to AED 240.5 billion, a 451.7% increase from 2021 levels. The number of transactions rose from 28,100 to 123,400, representing a 339% gain.
Developers and brokers in communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay have reported consistent sales momentum. Local brokers say demand from European and Indian investors has remained particularly strong, driven by favorable long-term visa rules and tax-free yields.
“Property values have grown faster than the number of transactions across all segments, signaling robust market momentum,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “Rising prices are driving much of the growth, and the balance between apartments, villas, and plots shows the market’s maturity and resilience.”
Villa Market Strengthens on Lifestyle Shifts
Dubai’s villa market has mirrored this upward trajectory. From January to September, villa transactions rose 144% in volume to 27,600, while total value jumped 302% to AED 162 billion compared with the same period in 2021.
Analysts attribute the surge to a shift in buyer preferences following the pandemic, with residents favoring larger spaces and private outdoor areas. Popular villa communities such as Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, and Palm Jumeirah have seen record price appreciation, with prime waterfront properties continuing to attract global ultra-high-net-worth investors.
Commercial and Plot Sales Post Record Gains
Commercial and land sales have also advanced rapidly. Data shows that commercial real estate sales reached AED 11.3 billion, a 413% increase since 2021. The number of transactions rose 150% to 4,000 deals. Meanwhile, plot sales totaled AED 85.2 billion, up 379% from 2021, highlighting a renewed appetite for development land among institutional investors and developers planning long-term projects.
Market analysts say these figures reflect Dubai’s expanding pipeline of off-plan and mixed-use developments, driven by sustained economic diversification and the government’s investor-friendly policies.
Monthly Transaction Volumes Hit Record High
The city’s property market has maintained a consistent upward curve throughout 2025. The first nine months of this year averaged 17,600 monthly transactions, up from 14,600 in 2024. The total monthly value climbed from AED 41.89 billion to AED 55.46 billion, underscoring the sustained strength of buyer demand.
Data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) indicates that the emirate continues to attract a broad mix of investors, with notable interest from GCC, European, and South Asian buyers. Analysts note that many investors view Dubai’s market as a safe-haven alternative amid global economic uncertainty.
Outlook: Stability and Sustainable Growth
Industry experts believe the sharp increase in both value and volume points toward a stable, maturing market rather than speculative overheating. With continued government infrastructure spending, liberalized visa reforms, and expanding employment opportunities, demand for both residential and commercial properties is expected to remain strong.
“Dubai’s performance since 2021 reflects not only rising prices but also the city’s evolution into a truly global investment hub,” said one property strategist. “The diversity of buyers and asset classes involved suggests a market built on fundamentals rather than short-term cycles.”
CityNest Realty View:
Dubai’s property surge highlights investor confidence backed by solid fundamentals. While prices have escalated sharply, the market’s balance across sectors signals resilience rather than volatility.
Written by:
Real Estate Market Analyst, CityNest Realty
The surge stems from investor-friendly policies, strong economic recovery, and global demand for stable, tax-free property investments.
Apartments led the market with a 451% rise in total value, driven by both off-plan and ready-to-move sales across popular districts.
Experts believe so. Consistent buyer diversity, infrastructure expansion, and visa reforms point toward sustained, balanced market growth.
