Q1 2025 sees Dubai’s ready property sales soar to record levels, while Abu Dhabi’s pivot to high-value existing homes reflects maturing, strategic market movement

Insights from Property Finder, the MENA region’s leading property portal, reveal a bullish UAE real estate market with both Dubai and Abu Dhabi experiencing a robust start to the year - for different reasons.

Dubai achieved historic highs in both the number and value of transactions, recording its strongest first quarter performance in more than a decade. The city recorded 45,474 transactions worth AED 142.7 billion reflecting a 22% increase in volume and a 30% increase in value compared to the same period in 2024. This surge was driven primarily by record activity in off-plan sales and existing property transactions.

Indeed, off-plan sales accounted for 56% of all transactions in Dubai, climbing to 25,440 transactions, representing a 24% YoY increase, with a value of AED 55.2 billion, up from AED 44.5 billion in Q1 2024. The ready market also delivered a breakout performance, with 20,034 transactions worth AED 87.5 billion, marking a 21% increase in volume and a 34% surge in value. This is the highest-ever quarterly results for this segment.

Dubai’s numbers reflect sustained demand from both end-users and investors, likely supported by a growing shift from renting to owning, as rising rental prices increasingly push residents to explore homeownership opportunities.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi saw a surge in the ready property market, posting a 9% increase in volume and a 75% rise in value, led by large commercial deals and rising demand for completed homes. Residential ready transactions were up 5% in volume and 33% in value, signalling buyer preference for move-in-ready options.

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Pictured is Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer, Property Finder.