Dubai Real Estate Market Update: Feb 2025 Property Trends & Insights

Dubai’s real estate market has been on an impressive upward trajectory, with February 2025 marking a significant milestone. The emirate recorded approximately 16,099 property transactions, a 35% increase compared to February 2024, totaling AED 51.1 billion (approximately $13.9 billion), reflecting a remarkable 55% growth in value during the same period.
Breakdown of Property Preferences
Among potential buyers and investors, one-bedroom apartments were highly sought after, accounting for 34% of searches. Two-bedroom units attracted 37% of interest, while studio apartments were sought by 13%. For villas and townhouses, interest leaned towards larger properties, with 39% of searches focused on three-bedroom options and 47% on four-bedroom units or larger.

Top Areas for Apartment Purchases
The preferred areas for purchasing apartments in Dubai included:
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Village Circle
- Downtown Dubai
- Business Bay
- Palm Jumeirah
Leading Locations for Villa Purchases
When it comes to villa ownership, the top searched locations were:

Off-Plan vs. Ready Property Transactions
The ready property market showed a significant rise in transactions, reaching 6,997 deals, up from 5,522 in February 2024. This indicates a 27% increase in volume and a 53% rise in value compared to last year. Notably, Burj Khalifa led transaction volumes with AED 3.1 billion (approximately $844.2 million) across 334 deals, while Al Yelayiss 1 experienced a substantial increase with AED 2.4 billion (approximately $653.5 million), up from AED 96 million (around $26.1 million).
The off-plan sector demonstrated remarkable resilience, with a 57% increase in transaction value, reaching AED 20.5 billion (approximately $5.6 billion), compared to AED 13 billion ($3.5 billion) in February 2024. Leading the off-plan activity, Wadi Al Safa 5 recorded transactions worth AED 2.2 billion (approximately $600 million) across 1,073 deals. Additionally, Al Al Yufrah 1 surged to AED 1.4 billion (approximately $381.3 million), growing from AED 184 million (around $50.1 million).
Insights from Real Estate Experts
Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, praised Dubai’s real estate market for its significant growth, which is attracting international interest. He noted the correlation between real estate expansion and Dubai’s efforts to attract top-tier talent and entrepreneurs from across the globe. Sleiman emphasized the ongoing commitment to innovation and long-term development, which is instrumental in reinforcing the
Rental Market Trends
In the rental segment, around 64% of tenants preferred furnished apartments, while 34% opted for unfurnished options. Among tenants looking for apartments, preferences showed a diverse interest with 36% seeking one-bedroom units, 32% targeting two-bedroom apartments, and 20% searching for studios. Demand for villas and townhouses revealed a preference shift, with 58% of tenants seeking unfurnished units and 42% favoring furnished properties. The interests in villa rental preferences demonstrated a need for spacious accommodation, as 41% of tenants sought three-bedroom villas, while 39% searched for properties with four bedrooms or more.
Sought-After Areas for Rental Properties
The top areas for rental apartments included:
- Jumeirah Village Circle
- Dubai Marina
- Downtown Dubai
- Business Bay
- Deira
For villas and townhouses, the preferred rental areas were:
- Jumeirah
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Damac Hills 2
- Dubai Land
- Al Furjan
Why Invest or Live in Dubai?
Dubai’s real estate market offers numerous advantages for both investors and residents:
- Robust Economic Growth: Dubai’s economy has shown resilience, with sectors like tourism, finance, and trade contributing to sustained growth.
- Strategic Location: Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Dubai serves as a global hub for business and travel.
- Tax Benefits: The absence of property tax and personal income tax makes Dubai an attractive destination for investors and professionals.
- World-Class Infrastructure: From state-of-the-art transportation systems to modern healthcare and educational facilities, Dubai offers a high standard of living.
- Cultural Diversity: Home to a multicultural population, Dubai provides a rich cultural experience with a blend of traditions and modernity.
In conclusion, Dubai’s real estate market continues to thrive, offering lucrative opportunities for investors and a vibrant lifestyle for residents.