The landscape of luxury real estate in Dubai is undergoing a notable transformation, with buyers increasingly gravitating towards established developers. This shift towards proven developers for long-term capital, rather than flipping, reflects a maturation of the market and signals a new era for investment in high-end properties. A recent survey conducted among real estate brokers reveals this trend, as investors prioritize stability and reliability over speculative gains.
According to the survey by Keturah, global investors purchasing luxury properties in Dubai are heavily influenced by the reputation and delivery track record of developers. Most buyers are now looking to reside in the city rather than simply acquire units for short-term investments, indicating a substantial shift in buyer behavior.
In fact, 36 percent of brokers identified developer reputation and delivery history as the key factors influencing luxury property transactions. Following closely are the quality of master planning and amenities, cited by 24 percent, and price comparisons with similar projects, noted by 20 percent. In contrast, only 16 percent of brokers reported that short-term capital appreciation was a dominating factor for their clients.
Developers Drive Buying Habits
This evolving buyer profile is apparent, with 45 percent of brokers stating that the majority of buyers are end users intending to live in Dubai. Moreover, 40 percent of interactions involve long-term investors who are prepared to hold their properties for a minimum of five years. This new perspective reflects a departure from the previous focus on rapid profit through flipping properties.
Brokers emphasized that decisions are now being guided by data and comprehensive market analysis, indicating a more informed investment approach. A significant 42 percent of brokers highlighted that accurate market information drives every buying decision, with 57 percent citing DXBinteract as the most trustworthy source for Dubai real estate data.
As Dubai emerges as one of the most dynamic property markets globally, brokers identified key factors driving demand. These include investor confidence and regulatory transparency (15 percent), innovative projects coupled with world-class infrastructure (15 percent), as well as high quality (13 percent) and master-planned luxury communities (13 percent).
Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of Keturah, shared insights from the survey: “The survey provides a clear indication of how the profile of investors in Dubai luxury real estate has evolved as the market has matured. Buyers want proven track records, not promises.” He emphasized that buyers are now committed to due diligence regarding delivery capabilities and financial stability, marking a significant shift toward sophisticated capital making long-term commitments based on verified fundamentals.
Keturah Insights
The survey involved 1,100 brokers from 150 real estate agencies and was conducted during insights sharing on Keturah Reserve, a bio-living residential development valued at AED5.7 billion ($1.55 billion) in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7. It revealed that lifestyle quality is now a significant determinant in luxury purchasing decisions. Twenty-one percent of brokers pointed to space as a key consideration, while another 21 percent emphasized privacy and low-density living, with 19 percent focusing on wellness and nature in lifestyle design.
Al Gaddah stated, “Buyers want space, privacy, wellness, and nature-led design. The survey shows what the market’s most sophisticated buyers actually demand, not what developers assume they want.” He noted that Keturah Reserve meets these expectations by offering larger-than-average apartments designed for natural light, a community enriched with an imported tree forest, and amenities like spa facilities, infinity pools, and dedicated yoga and meditation spaces.
Delivery Deadlines
Despite the optimistic outlook, concerns regarding delivery timelines and construction progress persist, with 40 percent of brokers citing this as a significant worry before buyers commit. Other concerns include exit liquidity and resale demand at 20 percent, developer financial strength and credibility at 15 percent, as well as long-term maintenance and community management, also at 15 percent.
Interestingly, the growth of Dubai’s luxury real estate market is generally viewed positively by 38 percent of brokers, who argue that increased inventory leads to greater choice and improved quality. However, 31 percent believe that only established developers will ultimately capture this growing demand.