Dubai real estate stable as sales hit $12.65bn and leasing demand holds firm

The Dubai real estate sector recorded 18,339 sales transactions worth AED46.47bn ($12.65bn) in October, according to new research from betterhomes.

Rising sales values, strong off-plan activity and stable leasing demand underscored sustained confidence among buyers, investors and tenants.

While transaction volumes eased 1.7 per cent month-on-month (MoM), overall sales value rose 4.2 per cent, reflecting firm demand at higher price points and continued investor appetite.

Dubai real estate growth

Off-plan activity dominated the market in October, accounting for 69 per cent of all transactions, while the secondary market represented 31 per cent.

Binghatti led off-plan sales value at AED3bn ($816m), followed by Meeras, DAMAC Properties and EMAAR. In the title-deed segment, EMAAR ranked first with AED4.99bn ($1.34bn) in sales.

Buyer leads at betterhomes rose 1 per cent MoM, supported by an 11 per cent increase in villa interest, despite a 16 per cent decline in townhouse demand.

Villas commanded an average sale price of AED14.8m ($4.02m) at betterhomes, above the market average of AED12.43m ($3.38m) recorded by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

The uplift reflects continued appetite for prime and ultra-prime homes.

Transaction trends

Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at betterhomes, said: “October’s data reaffirms Dubai’s strong fundamentals. Transaction values grew over 4 per cent MoM, showing that confidence remains high.

“Buyers are targeting quality developments with strong long-term ROI, particularly in communities like Dubai Hills Estate, JVC, and Business Bay.

“With 58 per cent investors and 42 per cent end-users, Dubai maintains a healthy balance between investment appeal and liveability.”

Tenant data

Tenant leads at betterhomes edged up 1 per cent MoM in October, supported by a 5 per cent increase in apartment rental interest, while townhouse demand fell 7 per cent and villa demand dropped 11 per cent.

Total leasing transactions reached 48,656, with new contracts representing 43 per cent of all leases — up from 40 per cent in September — reflecting increased mobility and demand from new arrivals.

Average lease prices recorded by DLD stood at AED76,500 ($20,838) for apartments, AED173,000 ($47,128) for townhouses and AED272,500 ($74,291) for villas.

In comparison, betterhomes’ rental portfolio skewed toward higher-end units, averaging AED130,500 ($35,540), AED218,000 ($59,379) and AED450,000 ($122,520) respectively.

Jumeirah Village Triangle led apartment rental growth at 3.7 per cent MoM, while Nad Al Sheba recorded the strongest villa rental uplift at 5.3 per cent MoM.

Four-cheque agreements remained the most common payment structure at 34 per cent, followed by one-cheque payments at 27 per cent.

Market outlook

Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes, said: “The rental market continues to show strong momentum, particularly in apartments where demand for flexible payment options and well-located units remains high.

“With over half of lease renewals retained, tenants are showing confidence in staying within Dubai’s rental ecosystem.”

With rising transaction values, resilient leasing activity and steady investor appetite, betterhomes expects Dubai’s property market to maintain momentum into Q4 2025.

The outlook is supported by a stable economic environment, strong population growth and sustained global attention on Dubai’s real estate sector.