Dubai’s off-plan deals contributed 59 per cent in value of real estate sales in the third quarter of 2025, surpassing the historic 50–58 per cent range seen since 2023.
A new report by betterhomes, Shaping Skylines: Dubai Residential Real Estate Q3 2025, off-plan transactions accounted for 70 per cent of total sales volume, the highest share in three years, up from 65 per cent just three quarters ago.
Off-plan apartment sales soared 35 per cent quarter-on-quarter, with 37,980 units sold, marking the largest quarterly increase ever recorded. The total number of apartment transactions reached 48,646 units, reaffirming investor confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory.
The surge was driven by a steady pipeline of new launches, attractive payment plans, and continued demand from both local and international investors seeking strong capital appreciation and rental yields.
Apartments remain the preferred asset class for investors due to their relative affordability, high liquidity, and sustained end-user demand. Dubai’s apartment market reached AED93 billion (US$25.32 billion) in total transaction value during Q3, a 14 per cent increase from the previous quarter. Off-plan apartment sales accounted for 81 per cent of that figure, marking a new record high.
Off-plan values jumped 25 per cent quarter-on-quarter, but the secondary market recorded a 17 per cent decline, as buyers increasingly shifted toward new project opportunities.
Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at betterhomes, commented: “Dubai’s off-plan market has evolved from a trend into a defining pillar of the city’s real estate growth story.
“With off-plan transactions now accounting for 70 per cent of total sales volume, the highest share the city has ever seen, the surge in apartment sales reflects a market that’s not only expanding but maturing. Developers are delivering products aligned with investors’ expectations for value, quality, and long-term returns. Record demand is being driven by both local confidence and global capital seeking to participate in Dubai’s next phase of urban growth.”
Villas and townhouses prices cool down
Following an exceptionally strong first half of the year, Dubai’s villa and townhouse market experienced a natural cooldown in Q3 2025. Sales volumes dropped 30 per cent in the secondary market and 28 per cent in off-plan transactions.
The slowdown was largely attributed to a temporary pause in new project launches and the market’s adjustment after an extraordinary H1 performance, rather than any sign of weakening demand.
With a substantial pipeline carrying through the next several years, off-plan’s depth and diversity continue to broaden buyer choice across budgets and handover timelines.
