Dubai’s real estate market witnessed a notable rebound in November, supported by a sharp increase in capital inflows and a rise in activity following a period of relative stability in October. Total sales value across both the primary and secondary markets reached approximately AED 64.4 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 49%. This progress was driven by strong demand and the market’s continued attractiveness, particularly within the mid-range and luxury property segments.
The primary market was the main engine of this growth, recording a 105% increase compared to the same period last year, alongside steady performance in the secondary market, which saw a 9% rise in sales value. This reflects a healthy balance between investment demand and end-user activity.
Primary Market Leads the Momentum
The primary market delivered unprecedented performance in November, supported by a significant rise in sales of off-plan and ready units. Off-plan sales increased by 72% year-on-year, indicating growing confidence in new developments, while ready property sales surged by 220%, highlighting buyers’ preference for completed or near-completion assets that offer added value.
Transaction volumes also saw strong growth, with off-plan sales volumes rising by 68% and ready units by 63%. These figures point to higher average transaction values, particularly in premium developments. Areas such as Business Bay, Palm Deira, and Jebel Ali First continue to rank among the top destinations for primary market buyers.
Secondary Market Resilience Despite Lower Activity
Although transaction volumes in the secondary market declined by 4% year-on-year, the market maintained its strength in terms of value, achieving 9% growth. Ready units accounted for more than 80% of total sales value in this segment, underscoring sustained demand for move-in-ready homes or properties offering stable rental yields.
Apartments Dominate, Led by the Middle-Income Segment
Apartments remain the preferred choice across both rental and sales markets, driven largely by the middle-income segment. According to Property Finder data, apartments account for around 80% of rental searches, compared to just 20% for villas and townhouses. Demand has increased particularly for studios and one-bedroom units.
In the sales market, apartments represent approximately 58% of search activity, with interest concentrated on one- and two-bedroom units. This reflects a clear preference for mid-sized homes within well-connected urban communities.
Strong Mortgage Activity
Mortgage Finder data for November shows that borrowers with monthly incomes between AED 20,000 and AED 40,000 accounted for around 38% of total mortgage applications, up from 30% in October. Around 85% of applicants in this segment are seeking homes for personal use, while only 15% are pursuing investment opportunities.
The mortgage market recorded more than 4,400 transactions with a total value of approximately AED 8.03 billion, highlighting continued confidence in the market despite rising prices and challenging global financing conditions. Apartments continued to dominate mortgage activity, while the villa segment maintained solid performance supported by higher-income buyers.
Market Maturity and Growing Investment Appeal
Commenting on the strong performance, Sherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, stated that the slight slowdown seen in October represented a natural pause in market activity. He added that the middle-income segment continues to play an active role in supporting both residential demand and investment activity.
November data indicates that Dubai’s real estate market has reached a higher level of maturity, with property increasingly viewed not only as a housing solution but also as a leading vehicle for wealth creation and an enhanced lifestyle—supported by a flexible financing environment and sustained long-term demand.
