Off-plan sales soar and family communities dominate as Dubai’s property market matures

Dubai: Dubai’s property boom shows no signs of slowing — but this time, it’s being driven by end-users, not just investors.

Both Espace Real Estate’s Q3 2025 Residential Market Overview and Property Finder’s October Community Insights reveal a clear shift: more UAE residents are buying homes to live in, not to flip or rent out.

Here’s what’s shaping Dubai’s real estate landscape right now:

1. Dh138b worth of homes sold in 3 months

Espace Real Estate reports Dh138 billion in residential transactions in Q3 2025 — up 18% year-on-year. That’s 55,280 deals, showing remarkable liquidity. The growth was powered by both off-plan (70%) and ready property (30%) markets, proving demand across all segments.

“The market continues to show strength and depth, supported by consistent demand across all buyer profiles,” said Espace Real Estate in its report.

Premium design, quality and value are reshaping buyer expectations, says DHG Founder-CEO

Dubai’s property market is constantly evolving, attracting global investors with its economic growth and lifestyle appeal. The off-plan sector, driven by launches in emerging districts, is playing a major role in maintaining the interest in real estate.

The city’s real estate sector has entered a new phase of maturity, setting a record in the third quarter of this year, with total sales for the first nine months reaching nearly half a trillion dirhams. Market data shows 158,200 transactions worth Dh498.8 billion between January and September – up 20.5 per cent in volume and 32.3 per cent in value compared with the same period in 2024. These results cement the city’s reputation as one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world.

“For international developers, this performance signals more than stability,” says Blagoje Antic, Founder and CEO of Swiss developer DHG Properties. “It reflects Dubai’s ability to embrace new approaches in shaping the future of residential living.”

This week, DHG Properties launched Helvetia Verde, a high-rise residential development in Meydan Horizon, a visionary live-work-play district now taking shape. Antic believes the highest construction standards and the principles of quality and precision that Switzerland is globally known for align with Dubai’s forward-looking vision and luxury design.

Driven | Forbes Global Properties has been appointed as the exclusive sales partner for the residences at Corinthia

Dubai, developed by Dubai General Properties. The twin towers on Sheikh Zayed Road will feature Dubai's first

Corinthia five-star, ultra-luxury hotel alongside branded and non-branded residences.

Abdullah Alajaji, Founder and CEO of Driven | Forbes Global Properties, said, "This project stands out for its clarity of

vision: an iconic address that pairs a five-star hospitality experience with a versatile residential offering. It's the kind

of development that creates long-term value for residents and investors alike. Our team is honoured to be leading

sales on such a unique, city-shaping project."

Jassim Al Ali, Managing Director, Dubai General Properties, added, "By bringing Corinthia Branded Residences

together with premium non-branded options in one destination, we're giving buyers genuine choice without

compromising on quality. Our ambition extends beyond constructing skyscrapers; we aim to create developments

that capture the global imagination and forge a lasting legacy in urban design."

Designed by AtkinsRealis, the twin towers are set to rise over 500 metres, featuring a distinct silhouette with a

cantilevered sky lobby suspended midway above ground. Art Deco-inspired, the towers combine modern elegance

with generous layouts offering uninterrupted views of Dubai's skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Selected residences will

include private pools, gyms, and indoor-outdoor entertainment areas, complemented by access to Corinthia

Wellness and hotel amenities.

Timothy Winstanley, Design Director and Lead Architect, said, "These towers reflect timeless perfection, standing as

an icon on Sheikh Zayed Road. Their crafted geometry scales the sky while gently stepping back, unveiling one-of-a-

kind residences with unparalleled vistas."

The interior concept, "Stillness in the Sky," draws inspiration from a blooming garden, with soft materials,

champagne-metal finishes, floral silhouettes, and abundant natural light creating serene, sensory spaces.

Spanning 330,000 square metres and scheduled for completion by 2030, Corinthia Dubai will combine state-of-the-

art architecture, exceptional hospitality, and modern comfort, establishing a global benchmark for luxury living in

Dubai's heart.

Dubai’s residential real estate market has continued to exhibit resilience and growth in the third quarter of 2025, as highlighted in the latest report from Espace Real Estate (Dubai Residential Market Overview – Q3 2025). Transaction volumes remained strong, bolstered by persistent demand across both off-plan and ready properties. This new report affirms the Emirate’s growth trajectory, with Dubai’s residential market showcasing strength and liquidity, sustained across all segments.

During the quarter, there were 55,280 residential transactions valued at AED138 billion ($37.6 billion), reflecting an 18 percent year-on-year increase from the same period in 2024. This performance underscores the market’s ongoing expansion and robust investor confidence in Dubai’s property sector.

“In Q3 2025, the Dubai residential market continued to demonstrate strength and depth, reflecting solid investor confidence and growing long-term demand,” stated John Lyons, Managing Director at Espace Real Estate. “While overall activity remains high, we are seeing a more mature market dynamic take shape, one that is increasingly driven by end-user demand.”

Off-plan transactions continued to lead market activity, accounting for 70 percent of total residential sales during the quarter, up from 59 percent in H1 2025. This trend reflects the sustained investor appetite to capitalize on Dubai’s population growth narrative and the ample liquidity supporting new project launches.

Amidst a real estate boom in their own city, many Bengalureans are looking at an option far beyond for investment — Dubai. Multiple real estate players are recording a big jump in investments in Dubai from Indians, especially from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru, primarily buoyed by the Golden Visa.

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreigners to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. “Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden visa,” says the UAE’s formal description. Among the benefits are an entry visa for six months with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance, a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for five or 10 years, not needing a sponsor, and the provision to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual period of six months to keep their residence visa valid.

Dubai’s real estate market continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most dynamic investment destinations, delivering exceptional returns alongside unmatched lifestyle benefits. As traditional hubs face headwinds, Dubai has emerged as a compelling choice for investors seeking both capital appreciation and holistic opportunities.

In today’s evolving global landscape, Dubai stands out as a center of growth and resilience. While the US grapples with market volatility and political uncertainty, and European markets contend with visa restrictions and economic challenges, Dubai offers something increasingly valuable: a thriving ecosystem supported by world-class infrastructure.

The UAE’s business-friendly policies, zero taxation, and progressive legal framework create fertile ground for investors to capitalize on opportunities underpinned by strong fundamentals. Beyond financial returns, Dubai also offers lifestyle benefits, making it attractive not only as an investment hub but also as a second home. The AED’s peg to the US dollar further boosts its appeal for Indian investors, particularly against rupee depreciation.

Dubai’s property market hit remarkable milestones in August 2025, with 18,678 transactions worth AED 51.1 billion – a 7.9% year-over-year rise in value and 15.4% growth in volume. The average price per square foot climbed 15.2% annually to AED 1,720, while rental yields continued to outperform global peers. Current rental returns of 10–12% far exceed those in the US or Europe.