Dubai’s real estate market regained strong momentum in November, with transaction values and activity levels significantly higher than the same period last year. After a brief cooling in October, fresh data confirms that the market’s fundamentals remain solid, supported by strong capital inflows, rising buyer confidence and sustained demand across key segments.
According to Property Finder, total primary and secondary sales in November reached Dh64.4 billion, marking a 49 percent year-on-year increase in transaction value. This growth was led overwhelmingly by the primary market, which recorded a 105 percent YoY surge, while the secondary market delivered steady gains.
Primary market drives growth
The primary market was the clear standout performer in November. Strong demand for both off-plan and ready properties pushed primary sales value sharply higher, reflecting confidence from investors and end-users alike.
Off-plan primary transaction value increased 72 percent YoY, supported by interest in upcoming projects across established and emerging communities. Ready primary sales were even stronger, recording a 220 percent YoY jump in value, indicating a growing preference for completed or near-completion units in high-quality developments.
Transaction volumes followed a similar trend. Overall sales volumes rose 31 percent YoY, driven by a 67 percent increase in primary deals, while secondary volumes dipped slightly by 4 percent. The faster growth in value compared to volume suggests rising average ticket sizes, particularly in the mid-to-upper segments of the market.
Communities such as Business Bay, Palm Deira, Jebel Ali First and emerging growth corridors continue to attract primary buyers seeking long-term value.
Secondary market remains resilient
Despite softer volumes, Dubai’s secondary market showed resilience. Total secondary transaction value rose 9 percent YoY, with ready units accounting for more than 80 percent of total value.
Buyers continue to favour secondary ready properties for immediate occupancy or stable rental income. While transaction volumes eased slightly, this reflects a more balanced and mature market rather than weakening demand.
Apartments dominate buyer and renter preferences
Apartments continue to anchor Dubai’s property market. They account for the majority of searches across both rental and purchase segments, highlighting the city’s long-standing fundamentals.
Around 80 percent of rental searches are for apartments, compared to 20 percent for villas and townhouses. Within rentals, studios and one-bedroom units have seen increased interest year on year, as rising rents push individuals and small families toward more compact and affordable options.
In the buyers’ market, apartments make up 58 percent of purchase searches, with nearly 70 percent of apartment searches focused on one- and two-bedroom units. This confirms strong demand for mid-sized, budget-conscious homes in well-connected communities.
Middle-income buyers emerge as market backbone
Mortgage data reveals that buyers earning between Dh20,000 and Dh40,000 per month now represent the largest income segment in the market, accounting for nearly 38 percent of mortgage requests in November.
Within this group, 85 percent are buying homes to live in, while 15 percent are seeking investment properties. This reflects a growing trend among middle-income residents who see property ownership as both a lifestyle choice and a long-term wealth-building strategy.
Apartments remain the preferred choice for this segment due to affordability, availability and rental yield potential.
Villas remain strong among higher-income buyers
While apartments dominate overall demand, higher-income buyers continue to support the villa market. Buyers earning between Dh40,000 and Dh60,000 show the strongest preference for villas, while affluent buyers earning above Dh80,000 also remain active in this segment.
Lower supply of villas and townhouses adds an element of exclusivity, helping maintain strong demand and price resilience despite smaller transaction volumes.
Mortgage market underpins growth
Dubai’s mortgage market remains a key driver of real estate activity. November recorded more than 4,400 mortgage transactions worth Dh8.03 billion, signalling sustained confidence despite rising prices and global financial tightening.
Apartments dominate mortgage-backed purchases, with Dh31.73 billion in sales and Dh4.85 billion in mortgage value. Villas accounted for Dh4.61 billion in sales, supported by Dh1.56 billion in mortgages.
End-users remain the core demand base, but more investors are leveraging financing to enhance returns in a strong rental market, particularly as more units reach handover.
A mature and resilient market
November’s data reinforces the maturity of Dubai’s real estate market. Middle-income buyers are emerging as a stabilising force, apartments remain the backbone of demand, and mortgages continue to play a crucial role in enabling both ownership and investment.
As prices and rents strengthen, financing remains essential to market accessibility and long-term growth. The sharp rebound after October’s pause confirms that Dubai’s property market remains resilient, well-supported and positioned for sustained expansion.