Real estate trends in 2025: Dubai developers share insights

Dubai’s real estate sector is on track for another strong year in 2025, following an exceptional performance in 2024. The emirate demonstrated impressive resilience and growth, reaching record-breaking transaction volumes and values. This upward trajectory reflects a broader trend of increasing investor confidence, bolstered by initiatives aimed at improving market transparency and fostering trust.

Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate that the momentum will carry into 2025, driven by ongoing growth in Dubai’s off-plan market. The recent launch of innovative projects like the Smart Rental Index by the Dubai Land Department underscores the emirate’s commitment to creating a more transparent and dynamic real estate environment.

As the market continues to evolve, key trends and shifts in demand are expected to shape the landscape for both investors and developers in the year to come.

Here are some of the most important trends to watch in 2025 in Dubai’s real estate sector, according to these developers.

Satish Sanpal, chairman, ANAX Holding

Sustainability is reshaping the way we think about real estate. More developers are now prioritising energy-efficient designs, renewable energy integration, and climate-resilient construction.

At ANAX Holding, we’re already taking action — for example, in our upcoming Evora Residences project in Al Furjan, we’re integrating solar panels, which will be a significant step towards our long-term sustainability goals. We’re also seeing the UAE government’s push for solar energy accessibility through rooftop panels, which will only accelerate this shift.

This change is not only driven by environmental concerns but also by the growing demand from consumers and tightening regulations. As developers, embracing these innovations not only makes us more efficient but also strengthens our position as leaders in the market.

Imran Khan, CEO and founder, PIXL Group

Technology is at the heart of the real estate revolution. Over the past few years, it’s become clear that tech is not just improving efficiency; it’s creating new opportunities for businesses to scale up and innovate in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. In the post-pandemic world, we’ve seen how technology is streamlining operations, enhancing customer experiences, and reshaping market dynamics through data analytics.

At PIXL Group, we made a huge shift ourselves — we went from a lead generation business in 2019 to a full-stack tech partner, offering proptech services, CRM marketing, web services, and market intelligence. But here’s the thing: technology is only a tool. Its success depends on how quickly and effectively we integrate it into our business processes to deliver both lucrative returns and exceptional client satisfaction.

Ramjee Iyer, chairman and MD, Acube Developments

The UAE’s real estate market is thriving, and the growth we’ve seen in 2024 speaks for itself. In Dubai, sale and rental prices surged by 21 per cent, while in Abu Dhabi, we saw a 7 per cent increase in sale prices and a 4 per cent rise in rentals.

This growth can be attributed to several factors: the influx of foreign investors, government initiatives, and economic diversification. I’m also seeing a growing interest in sustainable and wellness-focused developments, with more people looking for eco-friendly homes and communities that prioritise health and well-being.

As the UAE becomes a global hub for innovation, I expect demand for tech-enabled homes and mixed-use developments — those that combine residential, commercial, and retail spaces — to continue to rise. There’s a lot of potential here, and I’m excited about the future.

In 2025, I see the market continuing its upward momentum. We’ll likely see even stronger demand for sustainable properties, especially as more developers embrace green building practices. There’s also increasing interest in smart homes and tech-driven solutions, which will create new opportunities for developers. We anticipate that 2025 will be a year of significant innovation in the sector, with more focus on developments that offer both lifestyle value and long-term investment potential.

Yogesh Bulchandani, CEO, Sunrise Capital

Dubai’s real estate market remains a powerhouse of opportunity, offering exceptional rental yields between 5 and 9 per cent, making it attractive for investors. Branded residences, a trend synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, are taking centre stage, reflecting the city’s appeal to a sophisticated clientele. Off-plan sales continue to thrive, fuelled by investor confidence and a promising market outlook.

Today’s clients are more discerning and well-informed than ever, prioritising quality and long-term value over short-term cost savings. This shift underscores a maturing market where superior craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and reputable developers are the cornerstones of investment decisions. Dubai is not just a market; it’s a benchmark for quality-driven real estate success.

Strategic investments, robust demand, and a diverse range of premium projects all paint a promising picture for Dubai’s real estate market in 2025.

The market outlook suggests a balance between supply and demand, bolstered by regulatory policies that foster a sustainable environment with ample opportunities. Property prices are expected to rise, particularly over the next six months, driven by the current surge in off-plan investments.

Humera Khan, general manager, Al Zarooni Developments

Affordable housing is going to be a key growth segment in 2025. There’s a massive gap in the market for well-designed, affordable properties, especially in areas like Dubai Sports City, Al Furjan, and Arjan. As demand outstrips supply, this segment presents a real opportunity for investors to achieve strong financial returns.

At Al Zarooni Developments, we’ve already launched All Seasons Residences in Dubai Sports City, focusing on this growing demand. We believe that this isn’t just a market opportunity — it’s about creating communities that bring meaningful impact and offer long-term financial success. It’s a chance for developers to lead the way in building socially conscious, future-focused developments.

Srishti Gaur, head of Marketing and Media Relations, Arista Properties

The luxury and ultra-luxury property segment is undoubtedly going to dominate Dubai’s market in 2025. In 2024 alone, we saw a remarkable 35 per cent year-on-year increase in transaction volume, underscoring the resilience and enduring appeal of high-end real estate.

As demand continues to surge, Dubai is becoming a global hub for luxury living, attracting investors from Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Locations like Dubai Marina, Meydan, MBR City, and Palm Jumeirah remain the most sought-after areas, and we’re tapping into this demand with our Wadi Villas project, which offers ultra-luxury villas blending exclusivity, world-class amenities, and architectural excellence.

For UHNWIs, these properties aren’t just about prestige; they’re about creating homes that stand out — assets that offer both status and substantial returns.