Dubai’s Property Market Soars in April 2025 as Off-Plan Sector Drives Record Growth
Dubai, UAE – Friday, 2nd April 2025 – April proved to be another record-setting month for Dubai’s dynamic property market, fuelled by exceptional demand for off-plan developments. According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the total value of transactions reached AED 46 billion—a staggering 77% surge compared to April of last year, and a solid 23% increase from March 2025, underlining the market’s continued momentum.
A key factor in this upward trajectory is the off-plan segment, which saw a remarkable 47% increase in value and a 29% rise in volume year-on-year. These figures reflect Dubai’s growing appeal among international investors and end-users seeking innovative new residential projects. Allsopp & Allsopp reported an impressive performance, registering a 99% year-on-year increase in sales transaction volume, outpacing the wider market.
In April, off-plan deals made up 59% of all transactions by volume, while the secondary market continued to hold firm. The average price for properties in the secondary market climbed by 23% on a monthly basis, and total value rose by an impressive 41%. Compared to April last year, secondary market transactions experienced a 111% jump in value and a 68% growth in volume. At present, 57% of total transaction value comes from the secondary market, while off-plan contributes a significant 43%, maintaining a robust and well-balanced split.
Commenting on the surge, Lewis Allsopp, CEO of Allsopp & Allsopp, stated: “Whether you’re an investor or a homebuyer seeking portfolio diversity, the off-plan segment presents the most compelling opportunity right now. Developers are stepping up their game, offering cutting-edge amenities and lifestyle-focused communities that are captivating buyers and encouraging long-term engagement.”
Villas and townhouses continue to be highly sought-after, leading the way in price appreciation. Average values for these property types rose by 34% month-on-month, accompanied by a dramatic 110% rise in transaction volume compared to the previous year. This sustained demand, alongside tight supply, further highlights the importance of newly launched off-plan villa developments. Meanwhile, apartments also posted strong results, with average prices increasing by 32% compared to the same month last year.
“We’re seeing a clear shift toward homeownership across Dubai,” Lewis Allsopp added. “The city is increasingly viewed as a secure and attractive location for long-term investment. Buyers are now more inclined to purchase directly rather than rent first, thanks to the exceptional quality and appeal of new developments.”
Notably, the DLD also revealed a 24% decline in total rental transactions in April. This trend was mirrored by Allsopp & Allsopp, which recorded a 9% drop in leasing activity. The move toward property ownership signals changing buyer priorities. As the off-plan sector evolves with increasingly appealing products, landlords may need to rethink their strategies—potentially upgrading and modernising units to stay competitive in the changing market landscape.
This early look at Dubai’s April 2025 real estate performance underscores the city’s resilient market conditions and rising interest from investors, especially within the off-plan space. A comprehensive market report offering deeper insights will be released in the coming days.
Key Market Highlights:
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99% increase in year-on-year sales transaction volume (Allsopp & Allsopp)
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143% rise in year-on-year transaction value (Allsopp & Allsopp)
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47% growth in off-plan transaction value year-on-year (DLD)
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111% increase in secondary market sales transaction value (DLD)
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24% month-on-month decline in rental volume (DLD)
