Not just big, record-breaking: Dubai’s biggest quarter to date

Q2 recorded AED 188 billion in total transactions across more than 161,000 transactions, up nearly 40% year-on-year. Multiple communities saw villa and townhouse prices rise over 30% per sq.ft. The market continues to point towards long term confidence and more considered buying decisions.

A quarter that redefined momentum

Who needs to worry about a summer slowdown when Dubai’s property market just delivered its most impressive performance to date?

Q2 2025 saw 161,109 real estate transactions totalling AED 188.27 billion, a 21.87% rise quarter-on-quarter and a massive 39.99% increase year-on-year.

“This quarter wasn’t about urgency,” said Charlie Bannan, Managing Director at haus & haus.

While some communities experienced modest corrections, especially those that saw sharp spikes in earlier quarters, the overall picture is one of maturity, stability and long term confidence.

“We’re seeing serious appetite across all asset classes, but what stands out in Q2 is the shift from speed to strategy. Buyers, tenants and investors are thinking long term. Whether it’s a family upgrading to a villa or a business securing commercial space, the decision-making is more deliberate and that’s a sign of a healthy, confident market.”

Residential sales: Bigger budgets, smarter choices

• 19,984 sales transactions
• AED 79.81 billion in value
• AED 2,306 average price per sq.ft for villas/townhouses
• AED 2,075 average price per sq.ft for apartments

Villa and townhouse demand remained strong in Q2, with Al Furjan and JVC emerging as fast-climbing neighbourhoods for value-focused buyers. Apartments held their ground too, especially in the resale segment, which saw 6,255 transactions totalling AED 13.68 billion.

“Buyers are still active, but they’re smarter, more focused,” said Clementine Munro, Sales Director at haus & haus.  

“In communities like Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills Estate, we’re seeing fewer impulsive purchases and more strategic upgrades. Clients are asking better questions and thinking beyond just today’s market.”

Off Plan Sales

• 29,628 transactions
• AED 67.9 billion in value

The Off Plan market is still going strong, just in a different way. Volume isn’t the only metric that matters anymore. Location, developer credibility, construction quality and long term value are dominating investor conversations. Newer regulations from the Dubai Land Department and Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) have also pushed build quality higher in recent years, making Off Plan even more attractive for discerning buyers.

“We’re seeing a sharp pivot toward quality over quantity,” said Paul Sharland, Off Plan Director at haus & haus. “Buyers are still excited by Off Plan opportunities, but they want to know how that asset will perform in five years, not just flip next quarter. With improved regulation, we’re also seeing better build quality coming to market, which is a key reason investors continue to see Off Plan as a smart long term play. A great example is the AED 167 million deal we closed recently, a clear sign of confidence in Dubai’s premium Off Plan segment.”

Rental market: A measured adjustment

• 108,613 rental contracts
• AED 9.48 billion in total value

After several quarters of rising rents, Q2 2025 saw a slight cooling, not in demand, but in total value. Tenants are negotiating harder and landlords are having to meet them halfway. That said, the average price per sq.ft continues to rise, especially in sought-after areas.

“There’s still strong rental demand,” said Jake Walton, Leasing Director at haus & haus. “But tenants are more cautious and landlords who adapt to that reality are seeing faster results. This isn’t a downturn, it’s just a reset in expectations. And inside haus & haus, we’ve seen no slowdown in leasing momentum, our team has stayed consistently busy across the quarter.”

Commercial: Building on big business

• 2,884 transactions
• AED 31.06 billion in value

The Commercial sector continued to gain momentum in Q2, supported by Dubai’s population growth and its accelerating role as a regional business hub. Demand remains strong for office, retail and industrial space, particularly in well located, mixed-use areas catering to new businesses and global brands.

“We’re witnessing sustained interest from both regional enterprises and international brands setting up shop in Dubai,” said Gary Stevenson, Head of Commercial at haus & haus. “The commercial market is benefiting from long term planning, infrastructure growth and a business environment that’s hard to beat globally.”