Dubai property market soars: Transactions up 32%, sales value 23%

Emaar Properties and Sobha Limited set the Dubai property market pace, leading in registered home transactions and sales value.

Dubai: Dubai’s residential market is on a remarkable upward trajectory, fuelled by the global surge in demand for luxury real estate post-pandemic. According to the latest data from Square Yards, the Dubai Land Department registered a staggering 32,109 transactions in the April-June 2024 period, marking a 32% increase compared to the same period last year. The total sales value reached AED 63 billion, reflecting a robust 23% growth year-on-year.

The growth is not just annual; the market has shown impressive sequential gains from January-March 2024, with the number of transactions and sales value rising by 17% each. This double-digit growth indicates a sustained upward momentum in the market.

A notable trend in Dubai’s real estate market is the surge in transactions for properties priced between AED 1–2 million, now comprising 33% of total transactions, up from 27% last year. This shift highlights the growing demand for mid-range properties. Additionally, properties within the 500–1,000 sq.ft. range continue to dominate, representing 41% of all transactions. This indicates a strong preference for compact yet premium living spaces among buyers.

Rabiah Shaikh, Chief Business Officer & Principal Partner – Global Markets, Square Yards said, “Dubai’s property markets continue to thrive despite global uncertainties and the unfortunate floods in April. The swift government intervention and developers’ efforts to provide free repairs for affected properties have reinforced market resilience and stability. Our data shows that both registered transactions and sales values are growing steadily in healthy double digits as Dubai maintains a stronghold as a premier global luxury destination. Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) continue to invest in luxury projects for both investment and personal use in popular central areas. The surge in demand combined with limited availability in these prime locations has significantly pushed up property prices.”

Shaikh further added, “Beyond the ultra-wealthy, initiatives like the extension Golden Visa are drawing many professionals to Dubai. The steady increase in relatively affordable projects across peripheral micro-markets provides a variety of options for these individuals, offering a more cost-effective alternative to the significantly more expensive central areas.”

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Micro Market Performance

Jumeirah and Dubailand led the way in residential activity, together accounting for 43% of total registered home transactions in the June quarter. In terms of sales value, Dubailand and The Palm Jumeirah dominated with a combined 32% share, followed by Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road, each holding a 13% share. In case of average registered home sales values, Dubai Islands (Deira Island) and The Palm Jumeirah are at the forefront, with AED 4.78 million and AED 4.38 million, respectively.

Locality-level insights reveal that Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) leads the market with 3,637 registered transactions, followed by Al Merkadh with 2,432 transactions. In terms of sales value, Business Bay takes the top spot with AED 4,475 million worth of homes sold during the quarter. Za’abeel and Dubai Marina also made substantial contributions to the overall sales value.

Market Leaders and Key Projects

Emaar Properties and Sobha Realty continued their market dominance in both transaction numbers and sales value for the April-June 2024 quarter. Sobha One in Ras Al Khor Industrial Area emerged as the top project in terms of transactions and sales value, closely followed by Emaar’s Address Residences on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The Bulgari Lighthouse by Meeras in Jumeirah Bay stands out as Dubai’s most expensive project, with property prices reaching AED 11,500 per sq.ft. The highest transaction of the quarter was recorded here, at a staggering AED 149 million. Another significant transaction above AED 100 million was recorded at Eome Residential in The Palm Jumeirah, amounting to AED 105 million.

The June 2024 quarter highlights the resilience of Dubai’s property market, which has adeptly navigated recent floods and broader global economic uncertainties. The luxury sector remains a stronghold of robust demand, showing no signs of slowing down. Amidst a backdrop of limited supply, the market for high-end properties is poised for sustained demand and price growth. Additionally, the increase in new projects in mid-segment price points across peripheral micro-markets presents attractive options for end-users and working professionals relocating to Dubai.