Dubai real estate sales pass $12bn in January as one surprise sector leaps over 151%

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February 5, 2025

Dubai’s real estate sector has kicked off 2025 with remarkable growth, as January property sales have soared by 822 percent over the past five years. The market recorded AED44.4 billion ($12.1 billion) in property sales last month, reflecting a 24.1 percent increase in value compared to January 2024.

According to a report by fäm Properties, January 2025 saw 14,236 transactions, marking a 23.2 percent rise in volume year-on-year.

Land sales led the charge, with 811 plots sold for AED8.6 billion ($2.3 billion), a staggering 151.9 percent increase in volume compared to the previous month.

Performance by Property Type
Villa sales reached AED16.4 billion ($4.5 billion), a sharp 89.6 percent increase in volume year-on-year, with 3,117 transactions. Apartment sales totaled AED18.2 billion ($5 billion), up 7.1 percent in volume to 9,945 units. Commercial property transactions also grew, with 363 deals worth AED1.2 billion ($327 million), representing a 17.9 percent rise in volume.

Despite a slight 4 percent dip in the average price per square foot to AED1,550 ($422), prices have increased by 81.2 percent compared to AED855 ($233) in January 2020.

Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, highlighted the figures as evidence of Dubai’s thriving real estate market, emphasizing the emirate’s reputation as a secure and attractive destination for investors worldwide.

Long-Term Growth Trends
Dubai’s property sales in January have shown consistent growth over the past five years:

  • January 2020: AED4.8 billion ($1.3 billion) from 2,700 transactions
  • January 2021: AED6.6 billion ($1.8 billion) from 3,300 transactions
  • January 2022: AED16.3 billion ($4.4 billion) from 5,700 transactions
  • January 2023: AED27.8 billion ($7.6 billion) from 9,700 transactions
  • January 2024: AED35.8 billion ($9.7 billion) from 11,600 transactions

Top Sales in January 2025
The most expensive sale last month was a luxury villa in Dubai Hills Estate, fetching AED140 million ($38.1 million). The priciest apartment was sold for AED57 million ($15.5 million) at Ava At Palm Jumeirah By Omniyat.

Market Breakdown
Developer-first sales outpaced resales, accounting for 65 percent of transactions by volume and 60 percent by value. Properties priced over AED5 million ($1.4 million) made up 9 percent of total sales, while:

  • 31 percent fell within the AED1-2 million ($272,000-$545,000) range.
  • 27 percent were below AED1 million ($272,000).
  • 20 percent ranged between AED2-3 million ($545,000-$817,000).
  • 14 percent were in the AED3-5 million ($817,000-$1.4 million) bracket.

The data underscores Dubai’s sustained appeal to local, regional, and global investors, bolstered by its diverse real estate offerings and robust market dynamics.