An IMGW News Report
Dubai’s property market surged in the first half of 2025, with transaction volumes and values hitting record highs.
According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), 125,538 transactions were recorded – up 26 per cent from the same period last year. The total value reached Dh431 billion ($117 billion), marking a 25 percent annual increase. A key driver behind this growth is a sharp rise in new investors, particularly residents.
“Some 94,717 individuals made 118,132 investments worth Dh326 billion”
Some 94,717 individuals made 118,132 investments worth Dh326 billion. Among them, 59,075 were new investors – a 22 percent increase – who poured Dh157 billion into the market, up 40 percent year-on-year.
UAE residents accounted for 45 percent of these new entrants, reflecting government success in encouraging tenant-to-owner conversions.
The upswing is buoyed by reforms such as residency visas for retirees and remote workers, the expansion of the 10-year Golden Visa, and a growing economy driven by diversification.
A new initiative launched this month aims to further widen access by offering Emiratis and UAE residents who don’t yet own freehold property priority access to homes, developer discounts, and improved mortgage terms for properties up to Dh5 million.
Authorities expect 5,000 new investors to benefit from this scheme in 2025.Foreign investment remains significant. International buyers invested Dh228.35 billion in Dubai property in the first half of the year.
Arab investors contributed Dh28.4 billion, and those from the Gulf added Dh22.56 billion.In terms of volume, Al Barsha South Fourth led with 10,469 deals, followed by Al Yalayis 1 and Wadi Al Safa 5. By transaction value, Dubai Marina ranked top at Dh25.1 billion, ahead of Business Bay, Burj Khalifa, and Palm Jumeirah – highlighting the continued appeal of luxury locations.
Sales of homes priced over $10 million reached $2.6 billion in Q2 2025, up 37 per cent from the first quarter, according to Knight Frank. There were 143 ultra-luxury transactions in the quarter, including 22 exceeding $25 million.
Dubai’s property boom shows little sign of slowing, with local and international appetite fuelled by a mix of policy incentives, economic optimism, and lifestyle appeal.
