Off-Plan Dominates as Dubai Records AED 541.5 Billion in Property Transactions in 2025

2025 was a remarkable year for Dubai’s real estate market, with the total property transaction value reaching AED 541 billion, a record-breaking level outpacing 2024 by 27%. This exceptional performance was underpinned by a surge in off-plan activity and longstanding confidence in the city as a global destination for living, investment, and business.

Off-plan transactions accounted for 79% of sales in 2025, reflecting strong buyer appetite for modern homes with flexible payment structures. In 2025, the city’s population surpassed 4M residents for the first time, reinforcing long-term housing demand and solidifying its position as a hub for international relocation.

Government data shows that around 250,000 new companies were established in the UAE in 2025, bringing the total number of registered businesses to more than 1.4 M - a reflection of the country’s business friendly environment and strong economic momentum. This surge in business formation is directly contributing to real estate market growth, as increased corporate activity drives demand for commercial space and housing. At Allsopp & Allsopp, we expect this trend to continue into 2026.

Off-plan developments continued to be a standout segment, attracting both end-users and investors. Developers focused on spacious layouts, world-class amenities, contemporary design, and efficient delivery timelines, making offerings exceptionally appealing, especially as rental costs continued to rise. The emphasis on apartment launches, in particular, has driven strong transactional demand while also creating increased market pressure in the villa and townhouse segments. This has resulted in upward price pressures in these categories and strong resale performance across key family-oriented communities.

In the secondary market, buyer confidence remained robust throughout 2025, with resale transactions continuing to perform strongly alongside primary market growth. According to Dubai Land Department data, the secondary market recorded 64,277 resale transactions representing a year-on-year increase of more than 26% in volume - a clear sign that demand isn’t limited to new developments. At the same time, average prices in the resale segment rose by more than 13%, reflecting sustained interest in ready to move in properties.

Rental market activity also grew moderately, with renewals and new contracts both increasing by 2%, as more residents, particularly families, are now choosing long term residency and property ownership over leasing. Looking forward to 2026, we expect this momentum to continue. Dubai’s global appeal, strong economic fundamentals, expanding population, and vibrant business ecosystem will continue to support growth across all real estate segments.

At Allsopp & Allsopp, we are also excited to expand into a new emirate this year, further extending our footprint and responding to sustained demand across the UAE.

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.

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