Dubai: Property sales hit Dhs44.4bn in Jan

Dubai’s real estate market has kicked off 2025 with a strong start, marking a significant year-on-year rise in property sales.

In January, total sales reached Dhs 44.4 bn, representing a 24.1 per cent increase in value compared to the same month last year, according to a recent market update released by fäm Properties.

The total number of transactions surged to 14,236, a 23.2 per cent rise in volume over January 2024, as demand for residential and commercial properties remained strong.

Key highlights in January: In numbers

Total sales: Dhs44.4 bn (24.1 per cent increase from January 2024)

Total transactions: 14,236 (23.2 per cent increase from January 2024)

Land sales: Dhs8.6 bn from 811 plots (151.9 per cent month-on-month increase)

Villa sales: Dhs16.4 bn (89.6 per cent increase in volume, 3,117 units sold)

Apartment sales: Dhs18.2 bn (7.1 per cent increase in volume, 9,945 units sold)

Commercial sales: Dhs 1.2bn from 363 transactions (17.9 per cent increase in volume)

Average price per square feet: Dhs 1,550 (4 per cent decrease from last year but an 81.2 per cent increase over five years)

Strong performance across key segments

Land sales saw the most significant growth in January, with a 151.9 per cent month-on-month increase in volume.

A total of 811 land plots sold for Dhs 8.6 bn, demonstrating strong investor interest in both residential and commercial properties.

Data from DXBinteract showed that villa sales were also particularly notable, totaling Dhs16.4 bn, a sharp 89.6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Apartment sales remained steady, with Dhs18.2 bn in transactions, marking a 7.1 per cent increase in volume.

Commercial properties also saw a notable uptick, with 363 transactions worth Dhs1.2 bn, a 17.9 per cent rise in volume. While the average price per square foot for commercial properties dipped slightly by 4 per cent, it remains a significant 81.2 per cent higher than five years ago.

Investor confidence reflects long-term growth

Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, emphasised that the January figures further highlight the ongoing strength and stability of Dubai’s real estate market, which has consistently shown robust growth. “This underlines Dubai’s status as a secure destination for real estate investment, continuing to build investor confidence and attract interest from local, regional, and international markets,” Al Msaddi said.

Rising market value over five years

The market’s growth trajectory over the past five years is particularly striking. Property sales have surged by 822 per cent in value since 2020, when total sales for January amounted to just Dhs 4.8 bn across 2,700 transactions. Since then, sales have consistently increased, reaching Dhs 35.8 bn in January 2024.

This upward trend reflects the long-term value of Dubai’s real estate sector, which continues to evolve and expand as a global investment destination.

Notable high-end transactions

Among the highest-profile sales in January, a luxury villa at Dubai Hills Estate fetched Dhs 140 million, making it the most expensive property sold during the month. Meanwhile, the most expensive apartment sold was at Ava At Palm Jumeirah By Omniyat, which went for Dhs57m.

These transactions highlight the continued demand for high-end properties in Dubai’s prime locations.

Off-plan and ready properties in high demand

The sales figures for off-plan properties outpaced resales in January. Off-plan apartments made up 65 per cent of total sales volume, while off-plan villas also saw strong demand, making up 60 per cent of the value. The top-selling off-plan projects included Terra Heights, Verdes By Haven, and Lacina, with sales totaling Dhs891.1m, Dhs296.4m, and Dhs313.3m, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the ready property segment, projects like Remraam and Rukan were among the most popular choices.

Top performing areas in Dubai

January 2025 saw some key areas in Dubai outperforming others in terms of transaction volumes:

1. Wadi Al Safa 5: 1,400 units sold
2. Jumeirah Village Circle: 982 units sold
3. Dubai South: 942 units sold
4. Al Yelayiss 1: 868 units sold
5. Business Bay: 761 units sold

This trend indicates growing demand in both established and emerging neighborhoods across the city, reflecting broader shifts in the market as investors and homebuyers look for opportunities in a variety of locations.Dubai’s real estate market has begun the year on a strong note, with significant growth in both volume and value.

The continued increase in land, villa, and apartment sales, coupled with Dubai’s strategic positioning as a global business hub, suggests that the market will remain robust throughout 2025.