Dubai Real Estate Market Review 14-May-2025

Dubai Real Estate Court ordered a developer to refund Dhs1.27 m to two buyers. Dubai Holding plans to raise up to AED 1.79 billion via IPO. Abu Dhabi’s Q1 2025 residential prices up 2.1% QoQ and 7.2% YoY.

Top 10 Real Estate Brokers in Dubai for 2025

Dubai’s real estate market moves at breakneck speed, making the right broker essential. This guide covers five selection criteria—local knowledge, RERA licensing, specialization, clear communication, and post-sale support—and profiles the top 10 Dubai brokers of 2025, highlighting each firm’s standout expertise.

Sheikh Hamdan witnesses launch of Barwa’ initiative for senior citizens and People of Determination

Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan witnessed the launch of ‘Barwa’, a pioneering initiative by Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority to empower senior citizens and People of Determination with tailored digital, advisory and on-site property services. It fosters social inclusion and supports Dubai’s 2033 social and real estate strategies.

Dubai court obliges real estate firm to return Dhs1.267m to plot purchasers

Dubai Real Estate Court ordered a developer to refund Dhs1,267,000 to two buyers after failing to deliver their purchased villa plot. Claims against a second company were dismissed, as it proved it had already returned the funds it received.

EFL star quits football aged 31 to begin new life with real estate career in Dubai

Former Crewe Alexandra defender George Ray, who enjoyed a 15-year EFL career — debuting with a Wembley trophy win and playing for Tranmere, Exeter, Leyton Orient, and Barrow — has retired and joined Dubai’s Haus & Haus to begin a new career in Real Estate.

Dubai real estate forecast for 2025 positive as world’s wealthy lured by Golden visas, low tax and lifestyle

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

Dubai Holding aims to raise up to $487 million from IPO of residential REIT

Dubai Holding plans to raise up to AED 1.79 billion via IPO of its residential REIT, offering a 12.5% stake at AED 1.07–1.10 per unit (valued at up to $3.9 billion). The first IPO since Talabat, it is expected to distribute AED 1.1 billion in 2025 dividends.

Vision Developments launches “REEM” and “SOUL” in Dubai

Vision Developments has launched two new Dubai residential projects—REEM in Liwan (198 units, near Silicon Oasis) and SOUL in Production City (176 units). Both offer amenities like infinity pools, gyms, play areas and are due for handover in Q4 2026, with 20/80 payment plans.

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market records strongest capital gains in three years: ValuStrat

Abu Dhabi’s Q1 2025 ValuStrat report shows residential prices up 2.1% QoQ and 7.2% YoY (villa prices +9.7%, apartments +4.5%), with rents rising 9%. Limited supply hit only 2% of the pipeline. Off-plan sales plunged, ready home values climbed, office rents jumped 31.8%, and retail and hospitality stayed strong.

AI Guides New Generation Of Dubai Property Buyers

A fäm Properties report reveals Dubai buyer ages fell to 44 (off-plan) and 42 (resale) in 2025, with 36–45-year-olds dominating transactions, while 21–25-year-olds saw the biggest purchase growth.

New MOU between Shory and Dubai Land Department brings seamless home insurance to Dubai residents

Shory signed an MOU with the Dubai Land Department to deliver digital home insurance solutions for residents and real estate professionals, aligning with Dubai’s Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and enhancing service innovation and accessibility.

Aldar completes sale of Mamsha Gardens residential building to Gaw Capital partners for AED586mln

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties sold a Mamsha Gardens residential building (71 units, 16,000 sqm) to GAW Capital Partners for AED 586 million—GAW’s first UAE deal—highlighting surging Asia-based investor interest and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a global real estate hub.

Dubai property sees demand rising from investors seeking accessible entry points

Central Asian developer Deniz, with Mimar and Seeniun Properties, launched 08 Life Residences in Al Warsan 4’s International City Phase 2. The modern residential project drew 100+ agencies and media, offering accessible, thoughtfully designed homes for end-users and investors.

Infill development: The key to Dubai’s next phase of urban growth

Infill development revitalizes underused urban sites in Dubai’s core—modernizing buildings and vacant plots to unlock value, meet rising demand, and support sustainability. Projects like Affini Residences and Expo City Dubai demonstrate faster ROI, exclusivity, and efficient resource use, aligning with the city’s maturity and ESG goals.

Peak Summit Development launches Phase 3 of The Orchard Place in JVC

Peak Summit Development launched Phase 3 of The Orchard Place in Jumeirah Village Circle, offering luxury one- to two-bedroom apartments and penthouses with private pools, European-inspired interiors, and panoramic city views. Following a sold-out Phase 1 and ahead-of-schedule Phase 2, it emphasizes connectivity, sustainability, and timely completion.

Dubai rents: Tenants show strong preference for professionally managed units

Survey by Betterhomes shows 75% of Dubai tenants live in professionally managed properties; 83% expect maintenance within 24 hours and 54% reject unmanaged homes. Managed portfolios boast 96% occupancy, with 72% reporting improved experiences and 69% having considered leaving due to poor landlord responsiveness.

Discover why Serenia District at Jumeirah Islands is Dubai’s most compelling investment yet

Palma Development’s Serenia District at Jumeirah Islands builds on Serenia Living’s success, featuring six waterfront towers with wellness amenities, Japanese-inspired design, and prime connectivity. Poised for robust capital appreciation, it offers a legacy of high returns and exclusive lifestyle in Dubai’s coveted Jumeirah Islands.

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

Savills Q1 2025 report: Dubai residential transactions rose 23% y-o-y with off-plan sales at 69% (30,000+ units launched); ready market 31%; villa share up to 24%; Al Khail corridor accounted for 55% of deals; prime segment saw 1,300+ trades over AED 10 m, villas dominating.

Dubai Real Estate Transactions as Reported on the 13th of May 2025

Total transaction value reached AED 1,721.4 million on 13 May 2025, with off-plan deals accounting for 59.6 % (AED 1,025.7 m) and ready properties 40.4 % (AED 695.7 m) of the total.

Off-Plan Market Performance

The off-plan segment reached AED 1.025 billion, driven overwhelmingly by residential flats:

• Flats: AED 946.4 m (92.3 % of off-plan)
• Villas: AED 67.9 m (6.6 %)
• Hotel Apartments & Rooms: AED 11.5 m (1.1 %)
• Commercial: No transactions were recorded.

Ready Market Performance

Ready properties totalled AED 695.7 million, led by apartments but with a more diversified mix:

• Flats: AED 471.7 m (67.8 % of ready)
• Villas: AED AED 170.9 m (24.6 %)
• Hotel Apartments & Rooms: AED 20.4 m (2.9 %)
• Commercial: AED 87.9 m (12.6 %)

On The Micro Level

Market Insights & Outlook

Flats dominate both segments, underpinning strong apartment demand. Villas play a larger role in the ready market (24.6 %), reflecting end-user appetite for larger homes. The absence of off-plan commercial activity suggests developers’ focus remains on residential supply. With off-plan at nearly 60 % of volume and ready stock buoyed by diversified offerings, Dubai’s mid-May market shows balanced growth—maintaining momentum for apartments while opening villa pathways for investors and homeowners.