Abu Dhabi’s secondary real estate market recorded a 53% year-on-year rise in transaction value during the first quarter of 2025, reaching Dhs 5.04 billion, according to data from Metropolitan Capital Real Estate (MCRE).
This marks a sharp increase from Dhs 3.3 billion in the same period last year and reflects 11.4% of the total market.
High demand for ready homes
The growth is driven largely by rising demand for ready-to-move-in properties, as both end-users and international investors look for stable, high-yield assets in the UAE.
“The performance of Abu Dhabi’s secondary real estate market in the first quarter of 2025 is truly exceptional, demonstrating the underlying strength and increasing maturity of the emirate’s property sector,” said Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of MCRE.
“The significant growth in transaction value and volume underscores the high demand for ready properties and Abu Dhabi’s continued attractiveness for international investors, drawn by favourable returns and the emirate’s appealing lifestyle.”
MCRE market performance
MCRE reported a 152% year-on-year increase in its sales value, capturing 21% of Abu Dhabi’s freehold residential secondary market. One notable deal was the Dhs 83 million sale of a seven-bedroom seafront villa on Saadiyat Island, closed by MCRE’s luxury property specialist Natalia Kushparenko.
Villa and townhouse trends
Villas and townhouses were key contributors to the market’s growth. Townhouse sales surged by 142% in value, reaching Dhs 76.89 million in Q1 2025, up from Dhs 31.71 million a year earlier. Villa sales rose 15% to Dhs 1.47 billion, while apartment sales grew by 7% to Dhs 899.33 million.
Buyer nationalities and top areas
UAE nationals led buyer activity with 21% of transactions, followed by Russian (10%), UK (9%), and Indian (8%) buyers. Yas Island recorded the highest number of deals (266 transactions worth Dhs 755 million), followed by Al Reem Island, Al Reef, and Saadiyat Island.
Outlook for 2025
MCRE expects continued strength in Abu Dhabi’s secondary market throughout the year, especially in premium communities like Saadiyat, Yas, and Al Reem Islands. The capital’s appeal as a stable investment hub is also expected to attract more international capital amid global uncertainties.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
