Dubai’s off-plan property sector continued to lead the city’s real estate market in the third quarter of 2025, with both transaction volumes and values reaching record levels, according to a new report by betterhomes.
The report, Shaping Skylines: Dubai Residential Real Estate Q3 2025, shows that off-plan transactions accounted for 70% of total sales volume, the highest share in three years, up from 65% in the previous three quarters. In terms of value, off-plan deals contributed 59%, exceeding the historical 50–58% range recorded since 2023.
Apartments drive growth
Apartments were the main growth driver, particularly in the off-plan segment. Off-plan apartment sales rose 35% quarter-on-quarter, with 37,980 units sold, marking the largest quarterly increase on record. Total apartment transactions reached 48,646 units, reflecting ongoing investor confidence in Dubai’s long-term residential market.
The increase was supported by a steady flow of new launches, flexible payment plans, and sustained demand from both local and international investors seeking capital growth and rental returns.
Dubai’s apartment market recorded a total transaction value of Dhs 93 billion in Q3, up 14% from the previous quarter. Off-plan apartments made up 81% of this value, while secondary market sales declined by 17%, indicating a clear preference for new developments.
“Dubai’s off-plan market has evolved from a trend into a defining pillar of the city’s real estate growth story,” said Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at betterhomes. “With off-plan transactions now accounting for 70% of total sales volume, the highest share the city has ever seen, the surge in apartment sales reflects a market that’s not only expanding but maturing. Developers are delivering products aligned with investors’ expectations for value, quality, and long-term returns. Record demand is being driven by both local confidence and global capital seeking to participate in Dubai’s next phase of urban growth.”
Villas and townhouses
The report noted a slowdown in Dubai’s villa and townhouse market in Q3, following strong performance in the first half of the year. Off-plan and secondary sales fell 28% and 30% respectively. Analysts attributed the slowdown to a temporary pause in new project launches and market adjustment after the record activity earlier in the year, rather than reduced demand.
With a strong pipeline of upcoming developments, off-plan apartments are expected to continue shaping Dubai’s residential market. As new communities emerge and established areas densify, the off-plan segment remains central to the city’s housing landscape, offering buyers a variety of options across budgets and delivery timelines.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
