Dubai Real Estate Market Sees AED66.8 Billion in Property Sales in May 2025
The Dubai real estate market recorded AED66.8 billion ($18.2 billion) in property sales during May 2025, spread across 18,700 transactions, according to data released by Property Finder.
This impressive performance represents a 44% year-over-year increase in value and a 6% rise in transaction volume, highlighting increased investor confidence and a consistent appetite for both ready and off-plan properties.
Dubai Real Estate Trends in May 2025
A notable driver of this growth was the surge in primary ready transactions, which skyrocketed in value—quadrupling year-over-year to reach AED17.9 billion ($4.88 billion) across 2,400 deals. This marks a 314% increase in value and a 145% rise in volume, compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, secondary ready sales also experienced historic highs, achieving AED24 billion ($6.55 billion) over 6,078 transactions. This equates to a 21% increase in value and an 8% rise in transaction volume, when compared to May 2024.
Market Highlights
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Primary Market Dominance: Combined off-plan and ready sales rose by 65% to AED37 billion ($10.1 billion)
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Secondary Market Strength: Transactions climbed to AED29 billion ($7.9 billion) across 8,471 deals, with a 23% value growth and 15% volume increase
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Business Bay emerged as a hub for premium investments, accounting for 5% of total transaction value despite making up just 3% of overall deals
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Al Barsha led in transaction volume, contributing 5% of total deals
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A single AED1.5 billion ($409 million) land transaction in Palm Deira underscored strong institutional confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory
Buyer and Renter Preferences
Consumer behavior continues to reflect a clear preference for apartments, both among renters and property buyers. According to Property Finder:
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78% of rental searches and 60% of buyer interest were directed towards apartments
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Studios drew 21% of rental interest, yet only 15% of purchase demand
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One-bedroom units saw the highest demand, attracting 38% of rental searches and 35% of buyer inquiries, suggesting a trend toward larger living spaces for long-term residence and better livability
Expert Commentary on Market Dynamics
Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, shared his insights:
“Just when we thought April was Dubai’s most significant month in terms of transaction value at AED62.1 billion, May eclipsed this with AED66.8 billion in transaction value. This underscores the sustainability of the trends driving current growth.”
He also highlighted the region’s first licensed tokenised property investment platform launched by the Dubai Land Department as a key innovation fueling market expansion.
Sleiman noted the rapid population growth, with Dubai welcoming nearly 1,000 new residents daily, doubling last year’s daily visitor arrivals. This demographic shift is expected to drive housing demand to record highs.
“Against this backdrop, the real estate market is enjoying positive momentum, fuelled by digital transformation, international investor appetite, and a surge in demand for premium living,” he added.
According to Sleiman, real estate leaders at Property Finder’s recent roundtable expressed confidence in continued transaction growth throughout 2025, citing:
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Unprecedented global investor interest
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Strong off-plan project performance
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Robust luxury resale activity
These factors reflect Dubai’s enduring global appeal and resilience, even amidst ongoing international economic uncertainty.
Conclusion:
Dubai’s real estate sector continues to outperform expectations, with record-breaking figures in May 2025 showcasing a vibrant, resilient, and innovation-driven market. As the city pushes forward with smart regulations and global investments, both residents and investors can expect a sustained period of opportunity and growth.
