By Staff Reporter
Dubai’s real estate market continues to defy global slowdowns, driven by population growth, foreign investment, off-plan sales, and a reshaped post-pandemic lifestyle.
According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the city attracted approximately 94,700 investors in the first half of 2025, a 26% increase from the same period last year. Of these, 59,000 were new investors (+22% YoY), with UAE residents making up 45% of this new cohort, underscoring strong domestic appetite.
In H1 2025, the residential sector recorded transactions worth AED 262.1 billion, which is 36.4% in value compared to H1 2024. Against this backdrop, Amaal’s research identified trends that are shaping Dubai’s property landscape in 2025.
Beneath the headline figures lie nuanced shifts in how and where people want to live, and what developers are prioritizing. Here are six key trends currently booming across Dubai’s real estate landscape, supported by data and market observations from H1 2025.
1. Off-plan sales are dominating the market
Off-plan transactions have surged to represent more than 70% of all property sales in H1 2025. Buyers are betting on future growth, flexible payment plans, and price appreciation, particularly in areas like Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Dubai South, and Dubai Hills Estate.
This marks a decisive shift from the resale-driven market of previous years and indicates trust in long-term development and infrastructure expansion.
2. Suburban living is on the rise
Increasing rent prices in core areas like Downtown, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina are pushing residents outward. Zones such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai South are gaining popularity for their affordability, villa communities, and access to new schools, malls, and highways.
Dubai’s population, now over 3 million, is rapidly spilling beyond the traditional business zones, turning former “commuter areas” into lifestyle hubs.
3. Wellness amenities are a must-have, not a bonus
Developers are going beyond gyms and pools. There’s a visible uptick in demand for wellness-focused features such as meditation decks, green walking paths, co-working lounges, hydrotherapy pools, and even pet parks.
With more residents working from home or hybrid setups, these features are now considered essential to buyer and tenant decisions, especially in mid- to premium-tier housing.
4. Sustainability is a deal-maker
Green building certifications like LEED, solar integration, and energy-efficient materials are making their way from luxury projects to mid-market offerings. According to recent analysis from Amaal, sustainability credentials are now influencing buyer decisions in new transactions, especially among international buyers and ESG-conscious investors.
Even in rental markets, developments with smart cooling and utility optimization are seeing faster take-up and lower churn.
5. Mixed-use developments are reshaping urban life
People want to live, work, shop, and socialize without leaving their neighborhood. As a result, developers are designing vertical villages, buildings or blocks that combine residences with coworking zones, supermarkets, cafes, childcare, and wellness hubs. These mixed-use residential towers aim to offer a holistic lifestyle with accessible public spaces, retail, and entertainment.
6. Tech-driven property search and investment
From AI-enabled real estate platforms to tokenized property investment, PropTech is reshaping how people buy, rent, and manage homes in Dubai. Smart platforms now offer predictive pricing, AR/VR home tours, and blockchain-based transaction systems.
International buyers, particularly from Europe and Asia, are leveraging tech platforms to remotely shortlist, negotiate, and purchase Dubai properties, driving global liquidity into the city.
The market is evolving toward community, livability, digital convenience, and environmental value. Buyers, tenants, and investors are understanding the trends to stay ahead of this dynamic real estate landscape.
News Source: Sherpa Communications
