In a remarkable achievement for the Dubai branded residences sector, a six-bedroom property sold for AED 164 million in May, setting a record for the highest-priced transaction of its kind in the city. This landmark sale contributed to a striking 37 percent year-on-year increase in total transaction value. Despite a slight decline of 3 percent in sales volume compared to the first half of 2024, the luxury real estate market continues to thrive, underscoring Dubai’s growing prominence in the branded residences sector.
Dubai Dominates the Global Branded Residences Market
Dubai has now established itself as home to 48,474 branded units spread across 144 projects, with an impressive addition of 5,510 new residences in just the first half of 2025. This rapid expansion solidifies the emirate’s position as the leading global capital for branded residences, surpassing traditional powerhouses such as Miami, New York, and London.
“Branded residences are no longer a niche segment; they have become a core asset class,” remarked Elias Hannoush, Managing Director of Morgan’s International Realty. “Institutional investors are moving in, and we’re seeing new pricing benchmarks being set.”
As the market evolves, the average price per square foot of branded residences has reached $1,029 (AED 3,779), with top-tier properties commanding prices as high as $4,981 (AED 18,294). In contrast, non-branded residences remain significantly cheaper, averaging $737 per square foot, highlighting a remarkable 40 percent premium for branded options.
Emerging Trends in the Luxury Segment
In exclusive locales such as Jumeirah Bay Island and La Mer, branded properties are fetching exceptional price premiums, with values climbing as high as 98 percent. Other sought-after areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and The Oasis are also experiencing robust transaction volumes and strong market valuations.
The leading under-construction development, Palace Villas Ostra at The Oasis, has seen impressive sales totaling $1.83 billion (AED 6.72 billion), while the Address Harbour Point has taken the lead among completed properties. The most expensive listings are often linked to globally recognized luxury brands such as Bulgari, Four Seasons, Raffles, and Aman, with some projects averaging over $13,000 per square foot.
Key Players and Future Developments
Address Hotels & Resorts continues to dominate the Dubai branded residences landscape, boasting 15 active projects. Other significant contributors include VIDA Hotels, Dorchester Collection, and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, all of which are expanding their offerings in this lucrative market.
While branded residences are primarily concentrated in top-tier districts such as Downtown Dubai (21 developments), Business Bay (17), and Dubai Harbour (9), emerging regions like The Oasis, Dubai Hills Estate, and Dubai Creek Harbour are gaining attention from developers aiming to diversify their portfolios and capture new investment opportunities.