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According to the Dubai Land Department, the emirate's property sector ended last year at the peak of activity. The total volume of transactions for the sale of objects reached Dh682.5 billion - an absolute record, exceeding the figures of 2024 by 30.6 percent (then it was 522.36 billion). The number of sales themselves rose to 214,912 transactions, up 18.8 per cent from a year earlier with 180,860 transactions. If gift mortgages are also included, the total number of transactions stood at 275,442 and their combined value crossed Dh919bn.
The structure of demand was diverse. Flats led the way with some 170,444 transactions worth around AED 298 billion, while villas attracted 32,870 buyers and brought in around AED 178 billion. Notably, properties under construction took up 62.6 per cent of residential sales - investors are clearly counting on future price rises. Among the most expensive lots are apartments in Bugatti Residences for 550 million dirhams and a villa in Emirates Hills for 425 million.
The top locations by volume were Business Bay (AED 38.3bn), Jumeirah Village Circle (AED 24.5bn), Al Yelayiss 1 (AED 23.8bn), Dubai Investment Park Second and Palm Jumeirah. The fourth quarter set the bar too, with sales there topping Dh187bn and December at Dh64.8bn with 19,220 transactions.
Experts attribute the surge to several factors. Dubai continues to attract wealthy foreigners thanks to flexible instalments, high rental yields (often above 7 per cent), rapid capitalisation growth and transparent regulations. Long-term visas, modern infrastructure and a stable economy only add to the interest. "The market has shown an unprecedented upswing, reflecting the confidence of both end-users and investors. Growth will accelerate in 2026 due to the influx of population and demand for residential and commercial space," said Shirin Khan, head of Kelt and Co Realty.
This result confirms the fifth consecutive record year-end and reinforces Dubai's position as a global hub for property investment. Investors from Asia, Europe and the Americas see a solid asset with liquidity and potential here.
