Dubai's real estate market reached an unprecedented high in the third quarter of 2025, with property sales totaling AED 170.7 billion ($46.5 billion). This performance marks the highest quarterly transaction volume ever recorded for the emirate, signaling sustained investor confidence and robust market health.
Data from the Dubai Land Department shows that 59,228 property sales were completed between July and September. These figures represent a significant year-over-year increase of 17.2% in sales volume and a 19.9% rise in total value, continuing a trend of strong growth seen throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Record Quarter: Q3 2025 saw the highest-ever transaction volume with 59,228 sales valued at AED 170.7 billion ($46.5 billion).
- Sustained Annual Growth: From January to September 2025, total sales reached AED 498.8 billion ($136 billion), a 32.3% increase in value from the previous year.
- Off-Plan Dominance: Off-plan properties accounted for 73% of all transactions in Q3, indicating strong confidence in future developments.
- Commercial Sector Surge: Commercial property sales volume grew by an exceptional 41.9% year-over-year, leading all segments.
Unprecedented Market Momentum
The record-setting third quarter builds on a powerful growth trajectory established earlier in the year. The momentum did not slow as the year progressed, with September alone recording 20,127 sales transactions worth AED 54.3 billion ($14.8 billion). This represents an 11.3% increase in volume and a 21.2% rise in value compared to September of the previous year.
This sustained activity suggests the market is driven by fundamental demand rather than seasonal fluctuations. The performance in 2025 continues the trend from a record-breaking 2024, which saw a total of AED 761 billion in property deals.
Nine-Month Performance
In the first nine months of 2025, Dubai's property market registered 158,200 transactions with a combined value of AED 498.8 billion ($136 billion). This reflects a 20.5% increase in sales volume and a 32.3% rise in value year-over-year.
Apartments and Commercial Properties Lead Growth
An analysis of market segments reveals that apartments continue to be the most popular property type. In Q3 2025, a total of 49,370 apartments were sold, generating AED 94.3 billion ($25.7 billion) in sales value. This marks a notable 25.9% year-over-year increase in value for the apartment sector.
However, the commercial property sector showed the most exceptional growth. The market saw 1,565 commercial transactions worth AED 4.2 billion ($1.1 billion), a remarkable 41.9% surge in sales volume compared to the same period last year. This indicates growing business confidence and investment in Dubai's commercial infrastructure.
Sales of land plots also remained strong, with 1,214 deals valued at AED 36.1 billion ($9.8 billion), an increase of 25.7% in transaction volume.
The Strength of the Off-Plan Market
Investor confidence in Dubai's future is clearly reflected in the off-plan market. Properties sold directly by developers before completion accounted for a significant portion of Q3 activity.
- 73% of transaction volume came from off-plan sales.
- 66% of total market value was generated by these pre-construction properties.
This dominance highlights a belief in the long-term value of Dubai's development pipeline and the credibility of its leading developers.
What's Fueling the Boom?
Market analysts point to several key factors driving the sustained growth. Government initiatives like the extended Golden Visa and other long-term residency options have made ownership more attractive for international buyers. Additionally, expanded foreign ownership rights in key areas and streamlined property registration processes have reduced barriers to entry for global investors.
A Market Driven by Long-Term Investment
The current market dynamics suggest a mature and stable growth pattern. The fact that the increase in property values (32.3% year-to-date) is moderately outpacing the growth in sales volume (20.5%) points to healthy, demand-driven appreciation rather than speculative bubbles.
Real estate professionals observe that international buyers are playing a significant role in the market. Unlike previous cycles, today's investors are reportedly conducting thorough due diligence and making strategic, long-term decisions. This shift towards informed investment is contributing to the market's stability.
As the market continues to expand, experts advise that buyers focus on properties in established locations with proven track records. With increasing supply in some segments, developer reputation and realistic price expectations based on market data are becoming more important than ever for making sound investment choices.
