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Property in Dubai South
Dubai South is designed as a "city within a city" and is strategically located near Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City. The area is undergoing rapid development with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, alongside well-thought-out infrastructure. Foreign nationals are permitted to acquire freehold property in the region.
Available property types include:
- Studios – compact, functional spaces ranging from 30 to 50 m², ideal for single occupants
- 1–2 bedroom apartments – the most popular option, featuring spacious layouts and modern finishes, typically ranging from 60 to 110 m²
- 3-bedroom apartments – well-suited to families, with spaces averaging between 120 and250 m²
- Townhouses – two- and three-storey homes with private courtyards, internal gardens and parking. Sizes generally vary between 180 and 220 m²
- Villas – standalone homes with 3 to 6 bedrooms, private pools, terraces and gardens. Sizes start at 200 m² and can exceed 3,000 m²
The area comprises eight distinct districts unified under a master plan for integrated development:
- Golf District – an upscale residential area with views over expansive golf greens and landscaped lawns. Home to several elite country clubs
- Residential City – designed for comfortable living, catering to families and single professionals
- Logistics District – home to warehouses, logistics companies, and customs clearance facilities
- Aviation District – houses airline headquarters, pilot training centres, aviation technician schools, and maintenance hangars
- Exhibition District – the site of Dubai Expo’s exhibition centre, hosting international trade shows, conferences and events
- Commercial District – a business hub with office space, corporate headquarters, banks and other enterprises
- Humanitarian District – accommodates warehouses for aid materials, offices of international organisations, and other humanitarian institutions
- Al Maktoum International Airport – the land allocated for the region’s primary international airport
The area already features several supermarkets, nurseries, schools, and clinics. The master plan includes further green spaces, parks, cafés, restaurants, gyms, and other public facilities.
Reasons for investing in property in Dubai South
Investment real estate in Dubai South could be a lucrative opportunity, mainly due to its proximity to an international airport. The government has announced an investment of AED128 billion (approx. $34.8 billion) to expand Al Maktoum International Airport, aiming to increase its capacity to 220 million passengers annually by 2034.
Additionally, the area is recognised as a free economic zone, offering favourable business conditions including tax incentives and simplified regulations. This attracts international companies and fuels economic growth. The community is projected to host up to one million residents, which is likely to sustain long-term demand for housing.
Between March 2024 and March 2025, residential transactions in Dubai South increased significantly, with a 295% rise in sale volumes. During the same period, property prices per square metre rose by 40%.
The average rental yield ranges from 6% to 8% annually, depending on the property type. Indicative ROI by property type:
- Studios: 8.45% per annum
- 1-bedroom apartments: 8.00%
- 2-bedroom apartments: 6.71%
- 3-bedroom apartments: 6.79%
- 4-bedroom apartments: 5.21%
In the private home sector, villas with 2 bedrooms offer the highest returns at 5.59%, followed by 3-bedroom homes at 5.47%, and 4-bedroom homes at approximately 4.86%.
The community sees high demand particularly among airline employees and entrepreneurs based in Expo City.
Furthermore, many off-plan developments are available to buyers, offering the potential for capital appreciation as the market matures. Developers offer competitive property prices in Dubai South, with some providing flexible payment plans. Initial deposits may start from just 10%, with the balance payable over 3 to 5 years.
Buying real estate in Dubai South
Use the property aggregator to find your ideal villa or apartment in Dubai. The platform features an up-to-date database of listings with comprehensive descriptions, images, and videos. Apply filters by price, size, number of bedrooms and location to build a tailored shortlist. For details about specific deals, reach out to a specialist who will assist you with all the necessary information about properties in Dubai South for investment or living.
The Dubai-Real.Estate website features a catalogue of over 264 completed and off-plan properties, allowing foreign buyers to find the ideal real estate in Dubai South (DWC). Use the convenient filters to refine your search by property type, number of bedrooms, floor area, and budget. You can also apply the sort function to arrange listings by price, popularity or newest additions. Each property listing includes detailed descriptions, floor plans, photographs, andlocation on the map. To discuss the finer details and terms of purchase, contact a property expert using the details provided on the property page.
- Minimum cost of property in Dubai South: AED 550000 (approx. $149762)
- Most expensive property: AED 45.5 million (approx. $12.3 million)
- Minimum property size: 31 m²
- Largest property: 3,053 m²
The following areas are particularly popular among expats:
- Emaar South – a highly sought-after gated development offering premium villas in Dubai with contemporary designs and top-tier amenities. This area is surrounded by parks and golf courses. Notable neighbourhoods include Expo Golf Villas, Urbana, and Golf Links.
- Residential District – a mixed-use area offering properties for both sale and rent. It includes the flagship development The Pulse, which features apartments, villas, and townhouses. The location offers access to swimming pools, gyms, and beach-style recreation areas.
- MAG 5 Boulevard – a budget-friendly residential complex with apartments, pools, sports courts, and a kids’ club. It is known for its peaceful setting, green parks, walking paths and dedicated play areas for children, making it suitable for families.
- Azizi Venice – an upscale waterfront development offering spacious apartments and villas. The project plans include a floating opera house, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon, and a waterpark.
- Majestique Residences – a modern complex primarily focused on rental apartments. It caters to working professionals and small families, offering all essential facilities and convenient access to major roads.
Foreign nationals can apply for a two-year residency visa under the investor visa scheme by purchasing a residential property worth at least AED 750,000 (approx. $204,000). Buyers are also eligible to apply for a UAE Golden Visa if they invest at least AED 2 million (approx. $544,500) in property in Dubai. The Golden Visa grants five years of residency and can be renewed indefinitely, provided the property remains in the applicant’s ownership.