Dubai’s property market is showing a notable shift in buyer engagement, with new enquiries in January jumping more than 25% compared with December 2025, according to Property Finder.
The data suggests that the city’s mid-to-high-income segment is actively driving early-year property demand.
Buyer demographics
Analysis of enquiries shows that over two-thirds of interested buyers earn more than Dhs40,000 per month, indicating strong confidence among affluent residents.
This group shows a clear preference for villas and townhouses, which offer larger living spaces and investment potential.
By contrast, buyers earning less than Dhs40,000 per month are increasingly focusing on apartments, reflecting the continued role of mid-sized units as the main entry point into Dubai’s property market.
Mortgage trends
Mortgage data reinforces this trend, with more than 80% of financed transactions secured against apartments. This demonstrates that apartment ownership remains the most accessible pathway for residents entering the market, while higher-income buyers pursue villas and townhouses without necessarily relying on financing.
Market insight
The surge in enquiries across income brackets highlights a resilient, segmented market, where different property types appeal to distinct buyer groups.
Analysts suggest that this early-year momentum is a signal of sustained end-user demand, with buyers seeking both immediate occupancy and long-term investment opportunities.
Property Finder’s data underscores that Dubai’s market is not only growing in value but also maturing in structure, with buyer behavior becoming increasingly nuanced. Affluent residents are targeting lifestyle-driven, larger properties, while apartments continue to support market accessibility and rental yield opportunities for mid-income buyers.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
