- April 20, 2026
- 3
- News&Media
Investors favor plots for higher ROI (15–25%). Dubai Marina topped sales with AED 2.52M average price. Dubai Hills Estate villas rent averaging AED 549K/year. Proptech sector is growing at a 20% CAGR.
New real estate trend: Foreign investors in Dubai shift focus from apartments to plots
Dubai’s plot market is booming, with record transactions over AED 500B in 2023. Investors favor plots for higher ROI (15–25%), flexibility, and tax benefits. Key areas include Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills, and JVC. Strong growth is expected through 2030 due to major infrastructure projects.
Key trends driving Dubai’s real estate surge in Q1 2025: Report
Dubai’s real estate market thrived in Q1 2025, led by strong investor confidence, tourism, and policy support. Dubai Marina topped sales with AED 2.52M average price and 84% ROI. Palm Jumeirah villas hit AED 47.48M with 63% ROI. Rental demand surged, with villas in Dubai Hills Estate averaging AED 549K/year.
Dubai’s Emergence as a Global Proptech Leader
Dubai is emerging as a global proptech hub, with property prices set to rise 5–8% and rental yields nearing 7%. The local proptech sector is growing at a 20% CAGR (2022–2028), driven by AI, blockchain, and government initiatives.
Sharjah real estate 2025: Why investors are eyeing the UAE’s emerging property market
Sharjah is emerging as a strategic real estate hub, driven by business-friendly policies, cultural richness, and stable growth. Alef Group leads with 35% market share, pioneering sustainable, walkable communities like Al Mamsha and Hayyan. Recent laws allowing full foreign ownership and rising demand for smart, eco-friendly homes further boost investment appeal.
Dubai’s off-plan sales dip but dominate market activity in March
Dubai’s off-plan property sales rose 19.3% YoY in March 2025, making up nearly 70% of residential deals despite a 7.4% monthly dip. JVC led off-plan activity. Villa prices surged 30.3% YoY, while apartments rose 21.4%. The market shows signs of moderating, with slower monthly growth at 1.6%.
Dubai realty continues to ride a wave of resilience
Dubai’s property market soared in Q1 2025, fueled by strong investor confidence, tourism, and high rental yields. Off-plan sales made up 70% of transactions. Villa prices rose 30.3% YoY, led by Dubai Hills Estate and Palm Jumeirah. Mid-tier areas like JVC and Al Furjan also saw strong ROI, up to 12.16%.
Shamal awards Main Works Contractor for Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai
Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai is a new ultra-luxury, mixed-use development comprising two crystalline-inspired tiered towers in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
Dubai ranks among top 20 cities for millionaires globally in 2025: Report
Dubai now ranks 18th globally for millionaires, with 81,200 resident millionaires, 237 centimillionaires, and 20 billionaires — a 102% rise since 2014. It’s the fastest climber in Henley & Partners’ 2025 Wealth Report. Alongside Abu Dhabi, it’s projected to double its centimillionaire population over the next decade.
Middle East buyers’ share of UK property demand grows
Middle Eastern buyers now make up 14% of international interest in UK property—up from 8% in 2008—despite overall foreign demand falling to a record low of 1%. High taxes and Brexit have deterred European buyers, while Middle Easterners increasingly seek permanent homes, with 81% aiming to relocate.
Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Transaction Tax is a game-changer
Saudi Arabia’s updated Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT), effective April 9, imposes a 5% flat tax on most property deals but includes key exemptions. First-time Saudi homebuyers are tax-exempt up to SR1 million, and family-related or charitable transfers are also excluded. The reform aims to boost ownership and market transparency.
Top 14 project launches in March 2025: Armani Residences Diriyah, The Acres, Eywa and more
March 2025 witnessed a diverse mix of project launches across the Middle East, featuring luxury residential developments, entertainment destinations, and more.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi make it to Top 5 IMD Smart City Index
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have entered the top five of IMD’s 2025 Smart City Index for the first time, ranking 4th and 5th globally. Riyadh, Doha, and Manama also made the top 50, highlighting rapid urban innovation in the Middle East. The Index assesses 146 cities based on tech, infrastructure, and quality of life.
