As 2025 unfolds, Dubai’s real estate market continues to show steady resilience, shaped by a mix of demand from end users, long-term investors, and a maturing buyer base.

While the post-pandemic boom years were marked by sharp spikes in sales and a rush for prime locations, recent months have shown more balanced activity.

The February 2025 data offers a clearer picture of where the market is heading—and how buyer behaviour is evolving.

A Steady but Slight Dip in Volume

In February 2025, Dubai recorded 9,837 real estate transactions, a slight decrease of 7.8% compared to January. However, the total value of these transactions reached AED 32.6 billion, holding firm in terms of monthly performance.

When compared to February 2024, there’s a 5.3% increase in transaction volume, suggesting that year-on-year momentum remains intact despite short-term fluctuations.

This indicates a market that’s becoming more selective, with fewer but higher-value transactions taking place—a trend often seen in maturing property sectors.

Off-Plan vs Ready Properties

The split between off-plan and ready property transactions reflects a relatively balanced demand:

• Off-plan properties: 5,623 transactions, valued at AED 14.7 billion
• Ready properties: 4,214 transactions, valued at AED 17.9 billion

Off-plan sales accounted for 57% of all transactions, showing that buyer confidence in future developments remains strong. However, in terms of transaction value, ready properties continue to attract more money, making up 55% of the total value.

This suggests a cautious but consistent shift among buyers who prefer completed assets for immediate use or rental yield.

Top Performing Areas: Where Buyers Are Focused

Certain communities continue to stand out, driven by location, infrastructure, and lifestyle appeal.

For off-plan properties, the top areas were:

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – 925 transactions
• Business Bay – 543 transactions
• Dubai Marina – 444 transactions

For ready properties, leading the activity were:

• JVC – 566 transactions
• Dubai Marina – 401 transactions
• Business Bay – 375 transactions

JVC’s presence in both categories reflects its growing appeal as an affordable yet well-connected community. Meanwhile, Dubai Marina and Business Bay remain consistent favourites, driven by their prime locations and established rental markets.

Stable Financing Reflects Buyer Confidence

In terms of financing, 2,939 mortgage transactions were recorded in February, amounting to AED 12.8 billion in value. While this represents a slight decline from January, it still signals healthy lending activity.

Notably, ready properties made up the majority of mortgage-financed deals. This supports the idea that buyers looking for immediate returns or occupancy are more likely to seek financing, while off-plan investors are often cash buyers or take advantage of developer payment plans.

Overall Observations

Our February data suggest that Dubai’s property market is entering a more mature phase. Buyers appear more selective—balancing between off-plan investment potential and the immediate utility of ready homes.

Communities like JVC are gaining popularity due to affordability and project diversity, while iconic zones like Dubai Marina continue to attract attention thanks to lifestyle and rental prospects.

Mortgage activity, though slightly down, remains stable enough to indicate ongoing trust in long-term property value. Lenders are still active, and end users are financing purchases with confidence.

Market Outlook – What Lies Ahead

The February 2025 report shows a market that’s steady, responsive, and increasingly shaped by informed buyer decisions. The next few months will be important in gauging whether this steady pace continues or picks up with the introduction of new launches and handovers.

For investors, agents, and homeowners alike, the current environment rewards clarity and timing. Whether you’re planning to enter the market, expand your portfolio, or simply stay informed, February’s data offers a valuable reference point for what lies ahead.