Property Finder, the leading property portal in the MENA region, has unveiled its April 2025 real estate market highlights, revealing a record-breaking month for Dubai.
According to Dubai Land Department (DLD) data, Dubai recorded Dhs 62.1 billion in total property sales, the highest monthly figure ever for the emirate. This represents a 94% year-on-year increase in value compared to April 2024, and a 54% rise in transaction volume.
The remarkable growth underscores Dubai’s dynamic and resilient property sector, with significant gains across both primary (off-plan) and secondary (ready) markets.
Off-plan segment leads the way
The primary property market continues to lead the city’s real estate expansion.
Sales reached Dhs 34.2 billion, up 124% from April 2024.
Flagship developments such as Palm Jebel Ali and The Oasis by Emaar were key contributors.
These two projects accounted for 19% and 13% of total value respectively, while representing only a small share of total transaction volume—less than 2% and 4%.
This highlights strong investor confidence in branded, master-planned communities.
Ready market grows steadily
The secondary (resale) market also saw exceptional activity.
Achieving a record Dhs 28 billion in value from over 7,700 transactions, it marked a 67% increase in value and 66% growth in volume year-on-year.
A standout deal was the Dhs 1.45 billion land transaction in DMCC-EZ2 for Sobha Central in Jebel Ali.
Popular areas such as Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and Dubai Marina also played a key role in boosting resale performance.
Apartments dominate buyer and renter demand
Consumer preferences are shaping Dubai’s urban landscape, with apartments leading demand for both home seekers and renters.
Apartments accounted for 78% of rental searches and 59% of purchase interest in April 2025.
Studio apartments made up 21% of rental searches, but just 14% of buyer interest—highlighting a promising rental yield opportunity for investors.
Two-bedroom apartments remained a top choice, generating 35% of buyer interest and 31% of rental demand.
Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, emphasized the impact of bold urban planning and investor trust:
“Dubai’s real estate market continues to scale new heights, propelled by bold city planning, regulatory innovation, and investor trust. The sustained growth across both primary and secondary segments is resounding proof of its resilience and long-term appeal.”
Sleiman also praised DLD’s new AI-enabled governance of real estate advertising:
“The Dubai Land Department’s recent initiative of introducing AI-enabled governance of real estate advertising will enhance transparency and credibility in real estate advertisements across key marketing platforms, a focus that we have always aligned with.”
He added that strategic partnerships and smarter regulation are further elevating service standards:
“These far-sighted initiatives will contribute to Dubai’s growing status as one of the world’s most investor-friendly real estate markets. At Property Finder, we continue supporting this vision by empowering home seekers and investors with the data-led tools and insights they need to make confident, future-focused decisions.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
