Dubai’s real estate market has once again proven its global strength. In the third quarter of 2025, the city recorded its highest-ever quarterly transaction volume and the second-largest sales value on record. The numbers show a clear message: demand for Dubai property remains at an all-time high.

A Record-Breaking Quarter

In Q3 2025 alone, Dubai recorded 59,228 sales transactions worth AED 170.7 billion ($46.47 billion). This marks a 17.2% jump in volume and a 19.9% rise in value compared to the same quarter in 2024.

This surge helped push total sales for the first nine months of the year to AED 498.8 billion ($136.15 billion). According to DXBinteract, this represents a 32.33% increase in value and a 20.46% increase in volume compared with January to September 2024.

The growth is broad-based, covering apartments, plots and commercial assets. However, the strongest contribution is from apartments, supported by growing demand from both local buyers and international investors.

Apartment Market Leads the Way

Apartments continued to dominate Dubai’s property market in the third quarter of 2025.

• A total of 49,370 apartment sales were recorded, amounting to AED 94.3 billion.
• This represents a 25.9% year-over-year increase in volume.

Demand for affordable to mid-luxury units remains robust, but the premium market is also thriving. Properties priced above AED5 million accounted for 10% of all sales. On the other hand, nearly 38% of transactions fell within the AED 1–2 million range, indicating that Dubai is appealing to a diverse range of investors.

Plots and Commercial Properties See Strong Growth

Beyond apartments, the land and commercial segments also delivered impressive growth.

• Sales rose 25.7% in volume, reaching 1,214 transactions worth AED 36.1 billion.
• Commercial sales increased by 41.9% in volume to 1,565 transactions, valued at AED 4.2 billion.

These numbers highlight not just residential demand but also the expanding appetite for business and development opportunities.

Villas: Lower Volumes, Higher Value

While villa sales dropped by 23.3% in volume year-over-year to 7,078 transactions, the segment still generated AED 43.1 billion in value. Despite fewer deals, Dubai’s villas remain among the most desirable assets in the region, often attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

One striking example was the AED250 million villa in Jumeirah Second, the most expensive individual property sold in Q3. Luxury buyers also continued to invest in apartments, with the most expensive unit at Aman Residences Dubai – Tower 1 selling for AED174 million.

Prices Continue to Rise

Dubai’s property values have been on a steady upward trend. In Q3 2025, the median price per square foot reached AED 1,685, reflecting an 11.4% increase from the previous year.

To put this into perspective:

• In 2020, the median price per square foot was just AED 858.
• Over the last five years, values have nearly doubled, underscoring Dubai’s transformation into one of the most resilient and rewarding real estate markets worldwide.

Five-Year Q3 Growth Snapshot

Dubai’s third-quarter real estate sales increased year-on-year from 2020. This progress highlights the altitude of demand for off-plan and ready-to-move properties:

• 2020: AED17.9 billion (8,500 transactions)
• 2021: AED42.5 billion (16,000 transactions)
• 2022: AED69.1 billion (25,400 transactions)
• 2023: AED109.4 billion (36,700 transactions)
• 2024: AED142.3 billion (50,500 transactions)
• 2025: AED170.7 billion (59,228 transactions)

This data-insight shows that Dubai has not only recovered from the global slowdown of the early 2020s but has also reached new heights and oppertunity of investment in real estate sector.

Who Is Buying?

The breakdown of property sales by price segment gives insight into buyer preferences:

• Approximately 10% (5,991 transactions) were valued at over AED 5 million.
• 38% (22,785 transactions) were in the AED1–2 million range.
• 25% (15,065 transactions) were below AED1 million.
• 15% (9,128 transactions) were between AED2–3 million.
• 11% (6,258 transactions) were between AED3–5 million.

This mix showcases the diversity of market. it striks a balance between luxury demand and strong mid-range affordability.

Developers Dominate the Market

Off-plan and first sales from developers significantly outpaced re-sales:

• 73% of transactions came from first sales, compared to 27% from the secondary market.
• In terms of value, developers accounted for 66% of sales, versus 34% from resales.

This reinforces the appeal of Dubai’s new offplan projects, which often combine innovative designs, modern amenities and attractive payment plans.

Why Dubai Continues to Attract Global Investors

The Q3 figures reflect more than just raw numbers. They highlight Dubai’s long-term appeal:

• Strategic location: A global hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
• Strong infrastructure: World-class transport, healthcare and education.
• Investor-friendly policies: Visa reforms, freehold ownership and tax advantages.
• Resilient economy: Consistent GDP growth supported by tourism, trade, and finance.

A notable real estate expert ponit out: “The Q3 figures again underline the lasting strength of the market, and Dubai’s growing appeal to local, regional and global investors and buyers as one of the world’s prime real estate investment hubs.”

With sales nearing AED 500 billion in just nine months, Dubai is on track for another record-breaking year. The city continues to cement its position as a leading global real estate destination, attracting everyone from first-time buyers to international billionaires.

Whether you are an investor seeking steady returns, a buyer looking for a luxury home, or a developer planning the next big project, the numbers show one thing clearly: Dubai real estate is not slowing down.