Dubai’s real estate market continues to show unstoppable momentum in 2025, with international luxury agency Whitewill reporting over AED 114.1 billion in property transactions in just the first quarter of the year. Covering both off-plan and secondary markets, the Q1 report paints a clear picture of a city that remains a magnet for global investors and end-users alike.

Robust Demand Across Off-Plan and Secondary Segments

According to Whitewill’s in-depth market analysis, over 42,000 real estate transactions were recorded between January and March 2025. Nearly 25,000 off-plan deals accounted for AED 53.9 billion, while 17,500 resale transactions brought in AED 60.2 billion — showing balanced growth and investor confidence across the board.

“Dubai’s infrastructure, evolving skyline, and business-friendly environment continue to captivate both regional and international buyers,” said Olga Pankina, COO of Whitewill Dubai. “We’re seeing sustained interest in quality developments — especially in prime waterfront and branded locations — from both end-users and ultra-wealthy investors.”

Apartments Lead the Charge

The apartment segment remained red-hot in Q1, with 21,675 off-plan apartment deals driving steady monthly growth. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) led the way, clocking over 2,200 transactions in March alone. Business Bay and Dubai Residence Complex also ranked high on the list for active off-plan deals.

Mid-market units priced between AED 1 million and 1.5 million were the most in demand, though affordable options in the AED 500,000 to 1 million range also saw strong traction. Properties priced above AED 5 million made up less than 3% of off-plan apartment sales, indicating that most buyers continue to pursue high-liquidity, investment-friendly assets.

In the secondary apartment market, hotspots like JVC, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina saw continued demand, with one- and two-bedroom apartments leading transactions. The sweet spot for resale buyers was between AED 500,000 to AED 1.5 million, a price range that continues to deliver solid rental yields and capital appreciation potential.

Villas and Townhouses: The Family-Friendly Favorites

Villas and townhouses also had a strong Q1 showing, with 3,200+ off-plan units sold. Communities such as The Valley and Villanova saw particularly high activity. The Valley alone recorded 400 sales in February and another 300 in March, underscoring its popularity among growing families and long-term investors.

The most in-demand properties? Four-bedroom villas priced between AED 3M and 5M. These homes strike a balance between luxury and practicality — a winning formula in Dubai’s expanding suburban communities.

In the secondary villa market, DAMAC Islands, DAMAC Hills 2, and The Valley remained high performers. Homes with three to four bedrooms in the AED 2 million to AED 5 million bracket were especially appealing to both families and investors looking for rental income stability.

Top Performing Areas in Q1 2025

Here’s a quick snapshot of Dubai’s real estate hotspots this quarter:

• Top Apartment Area (Off-Plan): Jumeirah Village Circle – 903 transactions in March alone
• Top Apartment Area (Resale): Business Bay and Dubai Marina
• Top Villa/Townhouse Area (Off-Plan): The Valley – consistently strong monthly sales
• Top Villa/Townhouse Area (Resale): DAMAC Islands, followed by DAMAC Hills 2 and Palm Jumeirah

What’s Driving the Growth?

Dubai’s appeal is powered by:

• Continued infrastructure development
• A resilient economic outlook
• Investor-friendly regulations
• An ongoing influx of international buyers
• High rental returns and strong capital growth potential

As the emirate aligns with its Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, developments are no longer just about buildings — they’re about building communities, lifestyles, and future-ready living experiences.

Final Thought

With over AED 114.1 billion in Q1 real estate activity, Dubai continues to prove it’s not just growing — it’s thriving. Whether you’re eyeing an investment in a sleek JVC apartment or a family villa in The Valley, now may be the right time to ride the wave of the city’s most exciting real estate era yet.

Dubai is not just a market — it’s a movement.