Dubai’s real estate market has achieved a new benchmark, closing Q1 2025 with 45,474 property transactions totaling AED 142.7 billion, according to Property Finder’s latest Q1 Insights report. This marks a 22 percent year-on-year increase in transaction volume and a 30 percent rise in total sales value compared to the same period in 2024, reinforcing the city’s status as a global real estate hotspot.
Ready Properties Post Record-Breaking Performance
The ready property segment recorded its highest-ever quarterly performance, with 20,034 transactions valued at AED 87.5 billion. These figures represent a 21 percent growth in volume and an impressive 34 percent increase in value year-on-year. The data reflects a rising preference for completed homes among both end-users and investors, especially those seeking immediate occupancy and capital preservation amid shifting global markets.
Off-Plan Sales Remain a Key Growth Driver
Off-plan properties continued to dominate transaction activity, making up 56 percent of all Dubai sales. A total of 25,440 off-plan transactions were registered, accounting for AED 55.2 billion in value—a 24 percent increase in deal volume compared to Q1 2024. This continued strength in new project sales underscores investor confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth, supported by an active pipeline of developer launches and attractive payment plans.
Abu Dhabi Sees Strong Growth in Ready Property Market
While Dubai continues to lead in volume and value, Abu Dhabi’s market showed a significant shift toward high-quality, ready properties. The capital recorded 2,496 total transactions valued at AED 9.6 billion, with 88 percent of deals involving completed units. This translates to a 9 percent increase in transaction volume and a remarkable 75 percent jump in value year-on-year, largely driven by end-user demand and rising rental yields.
Broader Market Trends: Investor Confidence and Global Appeal
Commenting on the results, Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, noted that investor confidence remains strong in Dubai, while Abu Dhabi is witnessing a growing preference for high-quality, ready-to-occupy homes. He also highlighted the impact of global monetary trends—particularly dollar depreciation—as a catalyst for increasing international investor interest in UAE real estate.
Sleiman further emphasized that initiatives such as the Dubai Real Estate Alliance and the Dubai Land Department’s collaboration with VARA are helping to build a more advanced and investor-friendly regulatory framework.
From Renting to Owning: A Market in Transition
The sharp increase in ready home transactions indicates a meaningful shift in buyer behavior—from renting to owning. With rising rental prices across the UAE, more residents and investors are prioritizing ownership as a hedge against inflation and future uncertainty. In Abu Dhabi, ready properties accounted for 60 percent of market value, highlighting consistent demand for move-in-ready inventory.
As Q2 2025 unfolds, Dubai and Abu Dhabi both appear well-positioned to maintain momentum. With a robust pipeline of projects, attractive financing options, and continued government support, the UAE real estate market remains one of the most dynamic and resilient globally.
At Casabella Property Broker, we offer clients expert guidance across both ready and off-plan sectors. Whether you’re looking to invest, relocate, or secure a premium residence, our team is here to help you take advantage of this historic market upswing.
Contact us today to explore your options in Dubai’s thriving property market.
Share with:
