The betterhomes report “Shaping Skylines: Dubai Residential Real Estate Q3 2025” reveals that off-plan deals contributed 59 per cent in value of real estate sales, surpassing the historic 50–58 per cent range observed since 2023. The total number of apartment transactions reached 48,646 units, underscoring sustained investor confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory.
Dubai’s apartment market reached AED93 billion (US$25.32 billion) in total transaction value during Q3, a 14 per cent increase from the previous quarter. Off-plan apartment sales accounted for 81 per cent of that figure, marking a new record high. Off-plan values jumped 25 per cent quarter-on-quarter, while the secondary market recorded a 17 per cent decline as buyers increasingly shifted toward new project opportunities.
Apartment appeal among investors
Apartments remain the preferred asset class for investors due to their relative affordability, high liquidity, and sustained end-user demand. The surge was driven by a steady pipeline of new launches, attractive payment plans, and continued demand from both local and international investors seeking strong capital appreciation and rental yields.
Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at betterhomes, commented on the market evolution:
“Dubai’s off-plan market has evolved from a trend into a defining pillar of the city’s real estate growth story. With off-plan transactions now accounting for 70 per cent 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.”
These figures align with broader momentum in Dubai’s real estate sector, where commercial property sales reached AED 30.4 billion in Q3 2025, reflecting resilience across asset classes.
Villa market shows natural cooldown
Following an exceptionally strong first half of 2025, Dubai’s villa and townhouse market experienced a natural cooldown in Q3. Sales volumes dropped 30 per cent in the secondary market and 28 per cent in off-plan transactions. The slowdown was largely attributed to a temporary pause in new project launches and the market’s adjustment after extraordinary H1 performance, rather than any sign of weakening demand.
With a substantial pipeline carrying through the next several years, off-plan’s depth and diversity continue to broaden buyer choice across budgets and handover timelines. Real estate experts have projected stable growth for the UAE property market, citing robust government initiatives and steady foreign investment flows as key drivers.
The record Q3 performance underscores Dubai’s position as a premier investment destination, with the emirate’s transport infrastructure contributing significantly to property value appreciation and broader economic resilience supporting the real estate sector.
