Dubai’s property market continued its impressive momentum in August 2025, posting 18,564 transactions valued at AED 50.7 billion. This represents a 15% increase in transaction volume and a 7% rise in value compared to the same month last year — a clear reflection of the city’s resilient and fast-growing real estate sector.

Off-Plan Surge Powers Market Growth

A major driver behind this performance is the off-plan segment, which saw transaction volumes surge 25% year-on-year and values climb 11%.

• Secondary off-plan deals also showed exceptional strength with AED 4.1 billion in sales across 1,978 transactions, up 59% in volume and 69% in value.

“August’s performance highlights the resilience of Dubai’s property sector, driven by surging off-plan activity and steady growth in the secondary market,” said Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder.

Business Bay Takes the Lead

The primary real estate market accounted for 12,106 transactions, up 20% year-on-year. Off-plan properties made up 91% of this activity, solidifying their position as the main growth engine of the market.

Among communities, Business Bay led the charge, contributing 11% of total transaction volume and 12% of total value. The area recorded an impressive 377% jump in volume and 290% in value compared to August 2024. Dubai Investment Park also ranked among the top contributors, capturing 9% of overall deals.

“What’s especially notable is how communities like Business Bay and Wadi Al Safa 4 are outperforming broader market trends, reflecting strong investor confidence in both established and emerging areas,” Sleiman added.

Secondary Market Strengthens

Dubai’s secondary market remained robust, recording 6,458 transactions worth AED 22.6 billion, up 15% in value and 7% in volume year-on-year.

Wadi Al Safa 4 stood out as a breakout performer with AED 786 million in sales — a remarkable increase from just AED 26 million a year earlier. Al Barsha South Fourth also posted solid gains with transaction values rising 154% and volumes 142%.

Smaller Units Gain Popularity

Apartments continue to dominate both the sales and rental markets:

• 59% of buyer demand and nearly 80% of rental searches are for apartments.

• Studios make up 22% of rental searches and 16% of buyer demand.

• One-bedroom apartments lead the market with 40% of rental searches and 36% of buyer interest.

This growing demand for smaller, more affordable units reflects a shift in buyer behavior — with more tenants choosing to invest in property ownership amid rising rental prices.