Dubai’s residential real estate market recorded over 42,000 transactions worth Dhs 114.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to a new report by international real estate agency Whitewill.
The data includes both off-plan and secondary market sales across apartments, villas, and townhouses.
Off-plan sales lead growth
Off-plan sales contributed nearly Dhs 53.9 billion through around 25,000 transactions in Q1, with March emerging as the busiest month. One-bedroom apartments were the top choice in this segment, with high interest in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Business Bay, and Dubai Residence Complex. Apartments priced between Dhs 1 million and 1.5 million were the most in demand.
Resale market remains active
The secondary market generated Dhs 60.2 billion across 17,500 deals, with demand strongest in established districts such as JVC, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay. Most resale apartment transactions occurred in the Dhs 500,000 to 1.5 million range, with one- and two-bedroom layouts proving most popular.
Villa and townhouse trends
Over 3,200 off-plan villas and townhouses were sold during the quarter, with The Valley and Villanova among the top-performing communities. Most off-plan villa transactions were for four-bedroom homes priced between Dhs 3 million and 5 million. In the resale market, demand was steady in DAMAC Islands, DAMAC Hills 2, and The Valley, with buyers favouring three- to four-bedroom homes in the Dhs 2 million to 5 million range.
Top-performing areas
Jumeirah Village Circle led off-plan apartment sales with over 900 deals in March alone. For villas, The Valley remained a consistent performer throughout Q1. In the secondary segment, DAMAC Islands led villa sales, while Business Bay and Dubai Marina remained popular for apartment resales.
Luxury market highlights
Dubai’s high-end property sector saw notable transactions, including a Dhs 116 million apartment sale on Dubai Water Canal and a Dhs 115 million villa deal on Palm Jumeirah. These transactions highlight continued interest from ultra-high-net-worth buyers in waterfront and branded developments.
Developer outlook
“Dubai’s real estate market continues to show strength across both off-plan and secondary segments,” said Olga Pankina, Chief Operations Officer at Whitewill Dubai.
“The city’s infrastructure, business environment, and lifestyle offering continue to attract a global audience. At the same time, the city’s luxury properties are increasingly drawing the attention of ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking flagship assets in prime waterfront and branded locations. We expect this positive trajectory to continue into the next quarter.”
