214,912 transactions. AED 682.5 billion in sales. The most comprehensive analysis of Dubai's record-breaking 2025 real estate market, powered by verified data from the Dubai Land Department, Property Monitor, Bayut, and Cavendish Maxwell.
Dubai's property sector broke every record in 2025. Data from DLD, DXB Interact, Cavendish Maxwell, Property Monitor DPI, REIDIN Index, and Knight Frank.
Monthly DPI data from Property Monitor showing sustained appreciation across the year. The current cycle has lasted 56+ months — the longest in Dubai's history.
| Month | Avg Price (AED/sqft) | MoM Change | vs 2014 Peak | Monthly Transactions | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | AED 1,484 | -0.57% | +20.3% | 14,389 | First MoM dip since Jul 2022 |
| Feb 2025 | AED 1,505 | +1.41% | +22.0% | 16,148 | Strong rebound |
| Mar 2025 | AED 1,534 | +1.88% | +24.3% | 15,223 | Strongest March on record |
| Apr 2025 | AED 1,565 | +1.97% | +26.8% | 18,010 | New April record; +55.1% YoY |
| May 2025 | AED 1,581 | +1.02% | +28.1% | 18,560 | 18K+ for 2nd month running |
| Jun 2025 | AED 1,609 | +1.71% | +30.4% | 16,584 | Volume dip but price surge |
| Jul 2025 | AED 1,625 | +0.99% | +31.7% | 20,116 | 20K+ first time; record month |
| Oct 2025 | AED 1,683 | +0.13% | +36.3% | ~19,800 | 2x the Oct 2020 low |
Source: Property Monitor DPI. Data for Aug-Sep interpolated from trend. Current cycle: 56+ months of net positive growth averaging +1.19% monthly.
Where the capital flowed. Based on DLD data compiled by Gulf News and Emarat Al Youm (Jan 2026).
Sourced from Bayut H1 2025 Sales Report, Knight Frank Q1 2025 benchmarks, and Property Monitor DPI. Apartments unless specified.
Data from DLD Rental Index, Bayut H1 2025, and Cavendish Maxwell. Citywide average gross yield: ~6.8%. Rents in H1'25 rose 9.9% YoY overall but dipped 0.6% vs H2'24.
| Area | 1-Bed (AED/yr) | 2-Bed (AED/yr) | Gross Yield | YoY Rent | Investor Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina | 95K – 130K | 140K – 200K | 6.0 – 6.5% | ↓ 2-5% | Premium tenants, high liquidity |
| Downtown Dubai | 100K – 145K | 160K – 220K | 5.0 – 5.5% | Flat | Capital appreciation focus |
| Business Bay | 80K – 110K | 120K – 165K | 6.5 – 7.0% | ↑ 5-8% | Metro proximity; strong demand |
| JVC | 50K – 70K | 80K – 110K | 7.0 – 8.0% | ↑ 8-12% | Top transaction volume area |
| Dubai Hills Estate | 75K – 100K | 110K – 150K | 6.0 – 6.5% | ↑ 6-10% | Family demand; Emaar quality |
| Al Furjan | 55K – 75K | 85K – 120K | 6.5 – 7.0% | ↑ 5-7% | Metro boost; villa/apt mix |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | 40K – 55K | 60K – 85K | 7.5 – 8.5% | ↑ 10-15% | Blue Line Metro catalyst |
| Dubai South | 35K – 50K | 55K – 75K | 8.0 – 9.0% | ↑ 12-18% | Expo legacy; Al Maktoum Airport |
| International City | 28K – 40K | 45K – 65K | 9.0 – 10.0% | ↑ 15-21% | Highest yields citywide |
| Arjan | 45K – 60K | 70K – 95K | 7.0 – 8.0% | ↑ 8-12% | New supply; strong uptake |
The forces behind 2025's performance and what they mean for 2026.
Off-plan sales comprised 65-72% of residential transactions. Flexible 60/40 and 70/30 payment plans from Emaar, Sobha, DAMAC, Azizi drew first-time global buyers. 131,504 units launched by October via 228 developers — vs 163 in 2024.
72% of salesDLD reported 94,700 investors in H1 2025 (↑26%). Of these, 59,000 were new investors (↑22%). UAE residents accounted for 45% of new entries. European and UK buyers showed significant increases driven by Golden Visa and lifestyle appeal.
59K new investorsQ4 2025 was the strongest quarter ever: Oct AED 58.4B, Nov AED 64.2B, Dec AED 64.8B. December surged 52% vs Dec 2024 with 19,220 transactions. Quarterly value hit AED 187.5B (↑26.86% YoY).
AED 187.5B Q417,200 units delivered in H1 2025 (42% in JVC, Sobha Hartland, MBR City). Over 61,800 under construction. By October, 532 projects had launched totaling 131,504 units — apartments dominate at 91.2%.
131K units launched50,974 mortgage deals in 2025 (↑22.5%). Q3 alone: 11,500 transactions worth AED 22.5B. Average LTV: 73.7%. Lower rates and strong incomes fuel home financing. Bulk mortgages by developers also surged after rate cuts.
50,974 mortgagesEmirates Hills villa: AED 425M (USD 116M) — year's most expensive residential sale. Branded residences from Armani, Mercedes, Bugatti command 30-50% premiums. Rosewood Residences Dubai Peninsula villa sold for AED 250M in July alone.
AED 425M recordREIDIN index: +12.88% YoY (Dec 2025). Villas +15.16%, Apts +12.52%. Knight Frank projects 3% prime growth in 2026; Cushman & Wakefield Core expects 5-8%. Market transitioning from rapid acceleration to sustainable stability.
12.88% REIDIN YoY158,000+ Golden Visas issued in Dubai by end 2023, accelerating through 2024-25. 2025 update: down-payment requirement removed. Off-plan now qualifies from RERA-approved developers. The visa programme is the #1 driver of international capital flow into Dubai property.
AED 2M = 10yr visaThe 10-year renewable Golden Visa is the world's most attractive residency-by-investment programme. 158,000+ issued by 2023 with accelerating uptake.
Invest AED 2M+ in freehold property — single or multiple units. Ready, off-plan, and mortgaged all qualify via DLD registration.
Secure Title Deed or Oqood. If mortgaged, obtain NOC from bank showing AED 2M equity/valuation.
Apply via DLD investor portal or GDRFA. Passport, property docs, Emirates ID, medical exam, IBAN.
Processing: 5-10 business days post-biometrics. Electronic visa issued. Family sponsorship simultaneous. Total cost: ~AED 4,710.
Practical scenarios based on current pricing. Data from Knight Frank, Bayut, and DLD records.
| Budget (AED) | ~ USD | Property Type | Best Areas | Visa Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350K – 750K | $95K – $204K | Studio – 1 bed (400-600 sqft) | International City, Dubai South, DSO | — |
| 750K – 1.5M | $204K – $408K | 1-2 bed apartment (600-900 sqft) | JVC, Arjan, Al Furjan, DAMAC Hills 2 | 2yr Taskeen (≥750K) |
| 1.5M – 2.5M | $408K – $680K | 2 bed luxury apt or townhouse | Business Bay, Dubai Hills, JLT, Marina | ✅ Golden Visa (≥2M) |
| 2.5M – 5M | $680K – $1.36M | 3-bed penthouse or 3-4 bed villa | Downtown, Marina, Arabian Ranches 3 | ✅ Golden Visa |
| 5M – 10M | $1.36M – $2.7M | Premium villa or branded residence | Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, Tilal Al Ghaf | ✅ Golden Visa |
| 10M+ | $2.7M+ | Mansion, waterfront, ultra-luxury | Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Bay Island, Palm | ✅ Golden Visa |
Note: Additional costs of 6-7% apply (4% DLD fee, 2% agency, trustee/admin). Cash buyers represent 87% of Dubai transactions in 2025.
Key forecasts from Knight Frank, Cushman & Wakefield Core, and industry leaders.
Faisal Durrani expects around 3% growth in prime segments and ~1% mainstream by end 2026. Market transitioning to sustainable phase.
Prathyusha Gurrapu forecasts price appreciation moderating to mid-single-digit levels of 5-8% in 2026, a deceleration from 2024-25 gains.
Multiple Dubai CEOs forecast 10-15% transaction growth in 2026, supported by foreign investment, Golden Visa, D33 strategy targeting AED 1T annual transactions.
72-page PDF: detailed area analysis, developer rankings, payment plan comparisons, price forecasts, and exclusive advisory insights.
Our UK-based advisory team provides end-to-end guidance on Dubai property investment, Golden Visa processing, and portfolio strategy.
The complete investment case: 0% tax comparison, global yield benchmarks, 10 structural pillars, growth timeline, and after-tax effective yield analysis.
Data Sources & Methodology: Market data sourced from Dubai Land Department (DLD) official records, compiled by DXB Interact and Emarat Al Youm (Jan 2026). Property Monitor Dynamic Price Index (DPI) for monthly price tracking. Bayut H1 2025 Sales Market Report for area pricing and rental yields. Knight Frank Dubai Residential Market Review Q1 2025 for price-per-sqft benchmarks. Cavendish Maxwell H1 2025 Residential Report for transaction analysis and rental data. REIDIN Residential Market Sales Price Index (Dec 2025) for annual growth metrics. Gulf News and Zawya for transaction volumes and value data (Jan 2026). DLD Rental Index for rental rates. Golden Visa requirements verified via DLD official portal (dubailand.gov.ae) and GDRFA guidelines. All rental yield calculations are gross estimates. This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Professional consultation is recommended before any investment decision. © 2026 Roya International LTD. Company Registration: 14283252.