December 2025 recorded exceptional results, marking the culmination of a series of remarkable monthly achievements during the final quarter of the previous year. It stood out as a key driver behind Dubai achieving a record-breaking year in terms of both sales value and transaction volume.
With sales values rising at a pace faster than the increase in the number of transactions, the real estate sector enters 2026 with confidence, supported by a market built on genuine demand factors and sustainable activity. This outstanding performance is attributed to the rise in price per square foot, with median prices registering an 8.4% increase compared to levels seen in 2024.
Fourth-quarter sales reached a record high of AED 187.47 billion, while December alone recorded sales worth AED 64 billion, continuing the upward trajectory that began in November (AED 64 billion) and October (AED 59 billion). This exceptional performance contributed to achieving the highest quarterly sales levels ever and closing the year with unprecedented figures.
Dubai’s prime residential areas played a major role in driving sales momentum in December. Districts such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai accounted for a significant share of total transaction value, supported by high prices, limited supply, and strong demand from international buyers. Professionally planned developments across the emirate also contribute to reinforcing a market that offers real value to a wide range of buyers.
For example, Business Bay represents a major investment hub due to its mixed-use design, integrated facilities, large scale, and ideal central location. Similarly, Dubai Hills Estate continues to boost demand for villas and apartments thanks to its integrated environment and its maturity in planning and development.
As for mid-priced residential communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), they maintain their appeal to buyers seeking budget-friendly options, particularly within the increasingly competitive off-plan market.
Regarding rental and sales demand, data clearly shows that apartments dominate. Around 80% of rental searches are focused on apartments, compared to only 20% for townhouses and villas. Data analysis also indicates a year-on-year increase in searches for smaller apartments such as studios and one-bedroom units, reflecting the shift of individuals and small families toward more affordable options in response to rising rents during 2025.
On the sales side, Property Finder data shows that apartments account for 61% of total searches, compared to 39% for villas. Buyer preferences demonstrate a strong focus on small- and mid-sized units, such as studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments, which together represent up to 85% of all searches. This trend reflects buyers’ desire to secure reasonably priced homes that meet their needs within the limits of available budgets.
