Dubai’s property market witnessed more than 42,000 real estate transactions worth AED 114.1 billion during the first quarter of 2025, according to a new research from Whitewill, the international luxury real estate brokerage.
The Dubai Real Estate Market Overview for Q1 2025 shows that off-plan sales accounted for approximately 25,000 transactions valued at AED 53.9 billion, and the secondary market contributed almost 17,500 resale deals for AED 60.2 billion.
March had 8,766 off-plan deals completed, making it the strongest month of the quarter. From January to March 2025, the study monitors activity in townhouses, villas, and apartments.
Dubai real estate boom
Olga Pankina, Chief Operations Officer at Whitewill Dubai, said: “Dubai’s real estate market continues to show strength across both off-plan and secondary segments. At Whitewill, we’re witnessing consistent demand from end-users and investors for quality projects across the emirate. The city’s infrastructure, business environment, and lifestyle offering continue to attract a global audience. At the same time, the city’s luxury properties are increasingly drawing the attention of ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking flagship assets in prime waterfront and branded locations. We expect this positive trajectory to continue into the next quarter.”
21,675 off-plan flat transactions were recorded in Q1, according to the data, with monthly volumes rising over the quarter.
In March alone, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) sold more than 2,200 apartments, more than any other region. High transaction volumes were also recorded at Dubai Residence Complex and Business Bay.
In the off-plan segment, apartments priced between AED 1 million and AED 1.5 million were the most popular, followed by those priced between AED 500,000 and AED 1 million. Less than 3% of all off-plan apartment transactions were premium units costing more over AED 5 million.
JVC, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina were the busiest districts in the secondary market. The majority of resale transactions took place in the AED 500,000 to AED 1.5 million price range, with one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats being the most popular choices among buyers.
Strong villa sales momentum
During the first quarter of 2025, the villa and townhouse market sold more than 3,200 off-plan properties. The Valley and Villanova continued great sales momentum, with The Valley posting 400 agreements in February and more than 300 in March.
Villas and townhouses priced between AED 3 million and AED 5 million drew the most buyers, with four-bedroom layouts being the most popular.
The secondary market for villas and townhouses saw a rise of interest in DAMAC Islands, DAMAC Hills 2, and The Valley. Family homes with three to four bedrooms accounted for the vast majority of transactions during the quarter. Most purchasers preferred properties priced between AED 2 million and AED 5 million, with little activity in the AED 5 million to AED 10 million bracket.
Jumeirah Village Circle remained the biggest location for apartment buyers, with 903 off-plan apartment transactions in March alone. The location blends accessibility, affordability, and contemporary living standards.
The Valley was a consistent performer in the villas and townhouses category over the course of three months. Villanova led the segment in January with 220 transactions, with Emaar South and Reportage Village also seeing significant activity.
In the resale market, DAMAC Islands had the most villa transactions each month, followed by DAMAC Hills 2 and Palm Jumeirah. Business Bay and Dubai Marina remained popular among investors due to their prominent locations and rental performance.
The flat market is divided into two separate segments: value and prestige. JVC, Town Square, and Al Furjan remain popular among purchasers looking for value, while coastal locations like as Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Harbour typically command the highest costs per square foot.
In February, the luxury market grabbed headlines when a seven-bedroom flat on the Dubai Water Canal sold for AED 116 million, demonstrating Dubai’s appeal to global elites.
In the villa and townhouse market, mid-market residences in The Valley and Villanova appeal to families looking for room and community amenities. World Islands had the largest square footage values, while DAMAC Hills 2 and The Valley dominated the cheap sector.
The ultra-luxury market continues to attract high-net-worth investors, as seen by an AED 115 million property purchase on the Palm Jumeirah this quarter.