Dubai’s property market held firm in October, as sales values continued to rise and leasing activity remained steady despite a slight dip in transaction volumes, according to new data from betterhomes.
The city logged 18,339 sales transactions worth Dhs 46.47 billion in October. While sales volumes slipped 1.7% month-on-month, total sales value increased 4.2%, indicating stronger activity at higher price points.
Off-plan property market
Off-plan deals made up 69% of all transactions, with secondary market sales accounting for the remaining 31%. Binghatti led off-plan sales by value at Dhs 3 billion, followed by Meeras, DAMAC Properties and EMAAR. In title-deed sales, EMAAR recorded Dhs 4.99 billion, keeping its lead in the secondary market.
Buyer leads at betterhomes rose 1% from September. Villa interest jumped 11%, though townhouse demand fell 16%. Betterhomes reported an average villa selling price of Dhs 14.8 million, higher than the Dubai Land Department’s market average of Dhs 12.43 million.
“October’s data reaffirms Dubai’s strong fundamentals,” said Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at betterhomes.
“Transaction values grew over 4% MoM, showing that confidence remains high. Buyers are targeting quality developments with strong long-term ROI, particularly in communities like Dubai Hills Estate, JVC, and Business Bay. With 58% investors and 42% end-users, Dubai maintains a healthy balance between investment appeal and livability.”
Rental trends
Leasing demand remained stable, with tenant leads at betterhomes rising 1% month-on-month. Apartment rentals grew 5%, while interest in townhouses and villas declined by 7% and 11% respectively.
Dubai recorded 48,656 leasing transactions in October. New contracts made up 43% of all leases, up from 40% in September, reflecting continued movement from new residents and relocations.
Average rents recorded by the Dubai Land Department stood at Dhs 76,500 for apartments, Dhs 173,000 for townhouses and Dhs 272,500 for villas. Betterhomes’ portfolio showed higher averages at Dhs 130,500, Dhs 218,000 and Dhs 450,000. Jumeirah Village Triangle posted the strongest monthly growth in apartment rents at 3.7%, while Nad Al Sheba led villa growth at 5.3%. Four-cheque payment plans were most common at 34%.
“The rental market continues to show strong momentum, particularly in apartments where demand for flexible payment options and well-located units remains high,” said Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes.
“With over half of lease renewals retained, tenants are showing confidence in staying within Dubai’s rental ecosystem.”
Betterhomes expects the market’s steady performance to continue into the final quarter of 2025, supported by stable economic conditions, strong investor interest and ongoing international demand for Dubai property.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
