Whitewill: Dubai Real Estate Hits AED 114.1 Billion in Q1 2025
Q1 overview reveals steady growth across off-plan and secondary segments, with continued investor interest across the Emirates
Whitewill, a global luxury real estate agency active in the UK, USA, and UAE, has unveiled its Q1 2025 Dubai Real Estate Market Overview. The report delivers a detailed look at both off-plan and secondary residential sales trends from January to March 2025. According to Whitewill’s findings, Dubai recorded over 42,000 residential transactions during the quarter, reaching a total value of AED 114.1 billion—a clear indicator of the market’s overall health across new developments and resales.
Strong Momentum in Off-Plan and Resale Segments
Dubai’s real estate market showed strong performance throughout the first quarter. The off-plan segment accounted for nearly 25,000 transactions, bringing in AED 53.9 billion. March stood out with over 8,766 off-plan sales, the highest monthly figure in Q1.
At the same time, the secondary market held firm with around 17,500 resale transactions, totalling AED 60.2 billion. Demand remained especially high in well-established communities and premium developments. Across both market segments, one-bedroom apartments and three- to four-bedroom villas and townhouses were the most preferred property types, indicating buyers’ focus on functional layouts and investment value.
Olga Pankina, Chief Operations Officer at Whitewill Dubai, said: “Dubai’s real estate market continues to show strength across both off-plan and secondary segments. At Whitewill, we’re witnessing consistent demand from end-users and investors for quality projects across the emirate. The city's infrastructure, business environment, and lifestyle offering continue to attract a global audience. At the same time, the city’s luxury properties are increasingly drawing the attention of ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking flagship assets in prime waterfront and branded locations. We expect this positive trajectory to continue into the next quarter.”
Apartment Sales: Off-Plan Activity Led by JVC
The report notes a strong increase in off-plan apartment activity, with 21,675 units sold in Q1. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) led the segment, recording over 2,200 sales in March alone. Other high-performing districts included Business Bay and Dubai Residence Complex.
Apartments priced between AED 1 million and 1.5 million were the most sought after, followed by those in the AED 500,000 to 1 million range. Units priced above AED 5 million made up less than 3% of transactions, showing a clear tilt toward more affordable investments in the off-plan market.
Apartment Resales: Central Locations Drive Demand
On the resale front, JVC, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina saw high activity. Buyers predominantly targeted one- and two-bedroom apartments, particularly those priced between AED 500,000 and 1.5 million. These units continue to appeal to both investors and end-users due to their rental yield potential and liquidity.
Villas and Townhouses: Mid-Market Strength
In the off-plan segment, over 3,200 villas and townhouses were sold in Q1. Communities such as The Valley and Villanova saw particularly robust activity. For instance, The Valley recorded 400 transactions in February and over 300 in March. Four-bedroom homes priced between AED 3 million and 5 million attracted the largest share of buyers.
Resale Demand for Family-Oriented Villas
The secondary market for villas and townhouses was also strong, with DAMAC Islands, DAMAC Hills 2, and The Valley emerging as top-performing communities. Family-sized homes with three to four bedrooms were the most popular. Most transactions fell within the AED 2 million to 5 million price range, underscoring the appeal of spacious yet affordable homes among long-term residents and investors alike.
Top Performing Areas: JVC, The Valley, and DAMAC Projects
Among apartments, JVC maintained its position as the top district for off-plan buyers, with 903 transactions recorded in March alone. For villas and townhouses, The Valley led performance across all three months, while Villanova, Emaar South, and Reportage Village also posted solid figures.
In the resale space, DAMAC Islands consistently led villa transactions throughout the quarter, followed by DAMAC Hills 2 and Palm Jumeirah. For apartment resales, Business Bay and Dubai Marina remained hotspots due to their strategic locations and high rental yields.
Buyer Trends: Value vs. Prestige
Apartment buyer behaviour shows a clear split: value-driven buyers are targeting communities like JVC, Town Square, and Al Furjan, while luxury buyers continue to prefer high-end waterfront destinations such as Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Harbour, where price-per-square-foot figures remain the highest.
A notable ultra-luxury transaction occurred in February, with the AED 116 million sale of a seven-bedroom apartment on the Dubai Water Canal, reflecting Dubai’s ongoing attraction for ultra-wealthy investors.
Villa and Townhouse Market: Mid-Range Popularity and High-End Highlights
The villa and townhouse market continues to serve family buyers looking for space and privacy in well-planned communities. The Valley, Villanova, and DAMAC Hills 2 offered affordability and infrastructure, making them top choices in the mid-market range.
Meanwhile, Dubai’s luxury segment remains active, highlighted by a villa sale worth AED 115 million on Palm Jumeirah. This underlines the city’s ability to cater to both high-net-worth individuals and everyday residents seeking long-term value.
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