Dubai, UAE : Dubai’s residential property market maintained resilience in August 2025 despite seasonal slowdowns, with investors and end-users continuing to drive steady demand across sales and leasing, according to new insights from Betterhomes.
Sales activity eased slightly during the month, recording 17,710 transactions — down 5.9% from July. The total deal value reached AED42 billion ($11.44 billion), an 18.6% monthly dip. However, compared with August 2024, both transaction volumes and values rose 10%, underlining the steady fundamentals of Dubai’s residential property market.
Average sales prices remained firm, climbing 2.1% month-on-month to AED1,932 per square foot, reflecting strong resilience.
“August reminded us that confidence in Dubai’s property market runs deep. The 10% year-on-year growth in transaction value indicates that Dubai remains a magnet for both investors and families. Even as sales activity eased slightly, prices still rose to AED1,932 per square foot. At Betterhomes, we saw an 11% increase in buyer enquiries, a clear signal that market confidence endures,” said Cristopher Cina, Director of Sales at Betterhomes.
Demand Driven by Off-Plan Developments
Off-plan projects dominated activity, representing 73% of all transactions. Developers such as Binghatti, EMAAR, and Sobha Group led sales in this segment, highlighting sustained buyer appetite for future projects and long-term value creation.
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Apartments were the preferred choice, with one-bedroom units accounting for nearly half (46.6%) of transactions. For villas and townhouses, larger formats remained popular, with 46.3% of buyers opting for four-bedroom homes, reinforcing demand for family living.
Buyer profiles were led by investors at 59%, while end-users made up 41%. Betterhomes also reported an 11% rise in buyer leads, with apartments driving most enquiries. Financing trends underscored accessibility, with 58% of transactions mortgage-backed, outweighing cash purchases.
Leasing Activity Gains Momentum
Dubai’s rental market recorded 41,504 transactions in August, a 5.7% increase month-on-month. New contracts rose to 18,186, making up 44% of activity compared with 40% in July. Renewals dipped to 23,196 (56%), showing growth in fresh leasing demand as more residents opted for new move-ins.
Rental growth was most prominent in villas at Jumeirah, where average annual rents rose 4.2% to AED539,000. In the apartment segment, Mirdif posted the sharpest increase, up 5.5% to AED88,000.
“August was a month of fresh starts. Nearly half of all leasing activity came from new contracts; it’s clear that many people are choosing to make this city their home. Tenant leads at Betterhomes rose 38%, showing that demand is not only resilient but expanding, positioning Dubai as one of the world’s most competitive rental markets,” said Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at Betterhomes.
Top Communities in Demand
The most sought-after communities in August reflected continued investor and tenant confidence in established and well-connected areas.
- Apartments: Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle
- Villas: Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Perspective for Indian Investors
For Indian investors, Dubai’s residential property market in August 2025 reaffirmed its position as a stable and high-potential investment destination. Off-plan projects present an attractive entry point with flexible payment options, while established communities continue to offer strong rental yields. The resilience in pricing — even during seasonal slowdowns — signals Dubai’s long-term strength, making it a viable diversification opportunity beyond Indian real estate markets.
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