Dubai’s seemingly unstoppable real estate market has once again shattered records, achieving its highest-ever monthly total in sales transactions during April 2025.
According to data released by Property Finder, the emirate witnessed a staggering AED 62.1 billion (approximately $16.9 billion) in property sales, marking an extraordinary 94% year-on-year surge in value and a substantial 54% increase in the volume of transactions compared to April 2024.
This landmark performance underscores the unwavering confidence of investors and the sustained robust demand across both the off-plan and ready property sectors.
The secondary, or ready property, segment played a pivotal role in this record-breaking month, achieving an unprecedented AED 28 billion in sales through over 7,700 transactions. This represents a remarkable 67% increase in value and a 66% rise in the number of transactions compared to the same period last year.
While a notable AED 1.45 billion land transaction in DMCC-EZ2 for the upcoming Sobha Central development in Jebel Ali captured attention, strong resale activity in established and highly sought-after communities such as Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and Dubai Marina significantly contributed to the overall transaction value.
The primary, or off-plan, market also demonstrated exceptional strength, with sales reaching AED 34.2 billion in value, a staggering 124% increase compared to April 2024. This surge was primarily fueled by high-value transactions in ambitious new developments like Palm Jebel Ali and The Oasis by Emaar.
Notably, despite representing a smaller fraction of the total transaction volume in the primary market (less than 2% for Palm Jebel Ali and less than 4% for The Oasis), these two mega-projects accounted for a significant 19% and 13% of the total primary market value, respectively. This highlights the strong appetite among investors for future-forward, branded communities offering premium living experiences and potential for substantial returns.
Analysis of consumer preferences on Property Finder reveals that apartments continue to be the dominant choice for both buyers and renters in Dubai. Apartments accounted for nearly 78% of all rental searches and 59% of purchase interest in April 2025.
Interestingly, studio apartments, while comprising 21% of rental searches, only accounted for 14% of buyer interest. This disparity signals potentially lucrative yield opportunities for investors focusing on smaller units where rental demand significantly outpaces buyer interest. Meanwhile, two-bedroom apartments proved popular across both segments, attracting 35% of buyer searches and 31% of rental demand.
Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, commented on the remarkable market performance, stating, “Dubai’s real estate market continues to scale new heights, propelled by bold city planning, regulatory innovation, and investor trust.
The sustained growth across both primary and secondary segments is resounding proof of its resilience and long-term appeal.” He further highlighted the Dubai Land Department’s (DLD) recent initiative of introducing AI-enabled governance of real estate advertising, emphasizing its role in enhancing transparency and credibility within the market. Sleiman believes that these forward-thinking initiatives, coupled with strategic partnerships forged by the DLD, will further solidify Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for real estate investment.
Key Highlights:
- Dubai’s real estate market achieved its highest-ever monthly sales total in April 2025, reaching AED 62.1 billion ($16.9 billion), a 94% year-on-year increase in value.
- The secondary market recorded a record AED 28 billion in sales, a 67% increase in value and a 66% rise in transaction volume compared to April 2024.
- The primary market saw sales touch AED 34.2 billion, a significant 124% increase from April 2024, driven by projects like Palm Jebel Ali and The Oasis by Emaar.
- Apartments remain the most sought-after property type for both buyers and renters, with studio apartments indicating strong rental yield potential.