To meet the growing demand, leading developers are currently prioritising launching strategic off-plan projects that promise quality and accessibility
Dubai’s residential real estate market is predicted to see a massive demand spike for mid-income housing, with buyer demand expected to hit all-time high levels in the next few quarters, driven by population growth and an influx of international talent, sector experts said.
To meet the growing demand, leading developers are currently prioritising launching strategic off-plan projects that promise quality and accessibility.
Key developments like Bayz 102 by Danube, Ibiza, and Binghatti are among a slew of projects which have been either launched or in the offing in the mid-income property segment, industry insiders said.
With prices starting at AED 1.26 million, these projects are aimed to cater to young professionals, families, and investors seeking a vibrant, high-end lifestyle close to Dubai’s commercial and leisure hubs.
“Middle-income housing is emerging as an anchor in Dubai’s real estate landscape,” Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties, told Arabian Business.
“This segment not only meets the city’s evolving demographic needs, but also stabilises growth, ensuring the market remains robust and adaptable,” he said.
Syed said the focus on balanced growth benefits not only residents but also investors, making Dubai’s market a model of resilience and inclusivity.
Surging population, expat influx drive demand for mid-income housing
Industry players said the current rapid switch to build up a growing pipeline of mid-income housing projects by some of the leading developers is mainly driven by the surging population growth, besides an influx of international talent into the emirate.
According to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the city’s population is expected to grow from 3.3 million to 7.8 million by 2040, underscoring the need for expanded housing options, they said.
Sector experts also pointed out that Dubai’s renowned real estate market, celebrated for luxury and record-breaking sales, is also rapidly adapting to meet the needs of a broader population by quickly prioritising project launches in the mid-income housing segment.
They said while high-net-worth buyers continue to drive demand, mid-income residents are increasingly seeking quality, accessible housing.
“This shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the sector, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to foster sustainable, inclusive growth,” a senior executive with a Dubai-based real estate consultancy said.
Syed said Dubai’s growth story in the residential real estate sector is backed by solid numbers.
“With a 69 per cent year-on-year increase in transaction volume in October [2024] alone, the real estate market reflects the city’s robust economic momentum,” he said.
The Springfield Properties’ top executive, however, said the projected population growth poses a major challenge to industry players as it reinforces the need for strategic, accessible housing options to support this expansion.
The city’s population is estimated to have risen nearly 20 per cent over the past five years, fuelled by an emphasis on sectors like healthcare, education, and technology.
Slew of affordable lined up in Dubai’s affordable segment
Industry insiders said Dubai is set to see the launch of a slew of projects in the mid-income housing segment, with developers currently finalising projects on the drawing board, promising to offer both quality and accessibility.
Among these, Bayz 102 by Danube is to come up in a prime location in Business Bay, offering easy access to Dubai Mall, Business Bay Metro, and Dubai International Airport.
With prices starting at AED 1.26 million, Bayz 102 will target young professionals, families, and investors seeking a vibrant, high-end lifestyle close to Dubai’s commercial and leisure hubs.
Ibiza by Samana, situated in Dubailand, on the other hand, will be eyeing mid-income buyers by making the project appealing to those seeking luxury with flexible financing.
The development offers studios, one and two-bedroom apartments starting from AED 782,222 with convenient access to major roads connecting to Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.
Electra by Acube, another project in the segment located in Jumeirah Village Circle, will woo buyers with fully-furnished studios to three-bedroom apartments, with prices learnt to begin at AED 762,000.
The project is designed for professionals, families, and investors looking for ample amenities and easy access to city attractions like Palm Jumeirah.
Azizi’s Venice Project in Dubai, another residential project lined up in the city’s affordable housing landscape, is anticipated to attract a diverse demographic, benefiting from its proximity to major infrastructure projects and the Expo 2020 site, while Skyrise by Binghatti, located in Business Bay, offers waterfront living near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
With studio to three-bedroom apartments, the Binghatti project is said to have a price tag starting from AED 975,000 to make it appealing to buyers seeking luxury in a prime location.
Syed said a well-anchored middle-income segment is essential for a sustainable real estate ecosystem.
“As Dubai’s real estate market matures, middle-income housing offers a strategic anchor for investors seeking long-term stability.
“This segment brings resilience to the market, reinforcing a balanced growth model that aligns with the city’s forward-looking vision,” he said.
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