Robust transaction activity powers Dubai's residential market in Q1 2025

Dubai’s residential market started the year on a strong note, amid sustained demand by a growing population and heightened investor interest.

According to Emirates NBD research, demand was up 19 per cent month on month and by more than 55 per cent year on year. This is the highest monthly transaction recorded so far this year and reverses some of the quarterly dip in activity which was observed in Q1 2025.

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Business Bay were the two most active markets for overall (including off-plan and ready) apartment demand in April.

Most of the transaction activity across the villa/townhouse segment was observed across the off-plan segment. Close to 75 per cent of the 3,500 villa/townhouse units sold in April were under-construction.

So far this year, 15,171 new units have been handed over, compared to 6,700 units completed in 2024 for the same time period.

According to the Savills Q1 2025 Dubai Residential Market in Minutes report, the first quarter of the year recorded a robust 23 per cent year-on-year increase in transaction volumes, underscoring the emirate’s ability to hit a sweet spot between investment potential and quality of life.

Rachael Kennerley, director – research at Savills, said: “In Q1 2025, off-plan sales continued as the cornerstone of transaction activity, representing 69 per cent of all deals. The residential market witnessed robust supply, with more than 30,000 units launched during the quarter, most of which were apartments. This figure is more than double the volume recorded in the same period last year, as developers capitalised on strong market demand.”

The ready market — comprising transactions in completed and handed-over projects – made up the remaining 31 per cent of transactions. Apartment sales accounted for the majority of transactions at 81 per cent in this segment, reflecting its dominance in Dubai’s housing stock.

Looking at the market overall, apartments dominated sales activity, accounting for 76 per cent of all transactions. However, the villa and townhouse segment witnessed a notable resurgence, with transactions rising from 18 per cent in the previous quarter to 24 per cent in Q1 2025. 

Prominent micro-markets located along the Al Khail corridor, including JVC, Dubailand, Damac Hills 2, The Valley, and Damac Lagoons, accounted for 55 per cent of total transaction volumes and 56 per cent of all newly launched residential units - land saturation and limited affordability in the city’s core residential locations have pushed development toward peripheral areas. 

Dubai’s prime residential market continues to perform well, underpinned by Dubai’s sustained appeal for HNWIs. Demand was driven by the strong quality of life proposition, a low tax environment, easy business set up costs and the strength of the Golden Visa programme. Over 1,300 units were transacted at values exceeding the AED 10 million mark in Q1 2025 — marking a 31 per cent y-o-y increase. Contrary to the wider market, villas dominated prime transactions with 73 per cent of market share, recording a 52 per cent y-o-y rise and a 4 per cent quarter-on-quarter uptick.

New project

Chris Fade, Alec Monopoli, Zorair Malik and City Developers CCO at the launch event.

As new projects are coming onstream, City Developers has unveiled ARYA, a new residential project on Dubai Islands.The developer has commissioned renowned international artist Alec Monopoly to create an exclusive collection of artworks that add a distinctive visual dimension to key spaces within the tower.

Zorair Malik, CEO of City Developers, says, “ARYA is a quiet departure from the norm. We wanted spaces to come alive—not with noise, but with energy. Alec’s work conveys this feeling—a touch of boldness within a framework of sophistication and discipline.”

Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency at Savills, said: “Demand across the prime residential segment in Dubai has not simply sustained but strengthened. Amid tariff wars, geopolitical uncertainties and unpredictable tax environments, the world’s wealthy increasingly recognise Dubai’s appeal, and developers are rising to the occasion. Villas in coveted locations, space and privacy are the preferred choice but supply remains restricted for the time being.” 

Looking ahead, the outlook for Dubai’s residential sector remains optimistic. Savills anticipates that amid global macroeconomic and political uncertainties, the emirate’s political stability, competitive regulatory landscape, and business friendly ecosystem are expected to support ongoing population and investment inflows. The development pipeline is however significant and necessitates a balanced approach to supply and demand.