Apartments Drive Growth as Confidence in Dubai Real Estate Continues
Wednesday, 3rd September, Dubai, UAE - Dubai’s real estate market once again showcased its remarkable resilience in August, with apartments driving strong activity across both sales and rentals. Despite the perceived slower summer months, confidence in Dubai real estate remains strong, reflecting the city’s continued growth and appeal to investors, residents, and business owners.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) reported a total sales value of AED 40.45 billion for August. While this was a 22% decrease compared to July, the adjustment was anticipated with the warmer weather and seasonal travel. Importantly, sales still posted a 6% year-on-year increase, reinforcing the upward trajectory of Dubai’s wider economic market. This is further underpinned by the government’s announcement that the emirate’s population has now reached 4 million, a rise of 1.5 million over the last decade cementing demand across the city.
Apartments dominated the market in August, accounting for 89% of sales transactions by volume and 71% by value, overtaking villas and townhouses, which had claimed a larger market share in July. Compared to August 2024, DLD data recorded a 26% increase in apartment sales value, while Allsopp & Allsopp reported an even stronger 31% surge , highlighting a robust buyer appetite. These purchases are largely driven by new residents and savvy investors targeting rental and holiday home opportunities.
Price trends also supported apartment strength with DLD reporting an average apartment price of AED 1.9 million, while Allsopp & Allsopp recorded a higher average of AED 2.6 million. The market also saw a significant 25% month-on-month increase in transactions for apartments below AED 1 million, demonstrating a diverse and healthy buyer base actively seeking more accessible entry points into the market.
This trend, coupled with a growing number of international buyers from South Korea, South Africa, Australia and Canada, reinforces Dubai’s status as a secure and attractive global investment hub.
The rental sector echoed this momentum as Allsopp & Allsopp reported a 43% increase in total apartment rental value and a 48% rise in rental transactions month-on-month, proving that demand for apartments is equally strong on the leasing side. The most active rental areas were Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Town Square, and JLT, with the leasing team seeing a 34% increase in registrations. Encouragingly, nearly half of landlords (49%) are now accepting four or more cheques, a sign of growing flexibility and a tenant-friendly market.
Even in August, a month often associated with a lull in activities, Dubai’s apartment market has proven to be a cornerstone of the city’s real estate strength. With sales and rentals both performing strongly, and sustained population growth driving demand, confidence in Dubai remains unwavering. The apartment segment, in particular, is proving its resilience and broad appeal, further solidifying Dubai as one of the world’s most dynamic and reliable real estate markets.
Key insights:
28% increase in total apartment sales transaction volume year-on-year (DLD)
20% increase in total off-plan sales transaction volume year-on-year (DLD)
26% increase in the average apartment sale price year-on-year (A&A)
68% of the total sales transactions in August were apartments (A&A)
31% increase in total apartment sales transaction value year-on-year (A&A)
About Allsopp & Allsopp
Allsopp & Allsopp is Dubai’s highest-awarded independent real estate agency. Founded in 2008 by Lewis Allsopp (Chairman) and Carl Allsopp (CEO), the company is recognised for its innovative, transparent approach to real estate, using data-driven tools and expert insights to help clients make informed property decisions.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Emily Bates, PR & Communications Manager
e.bates@allsoppandallsopp.com
+971 58 598 6637