Dubai‘s off-plan market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with recent reports indicating that apartment sales surged by an impressive 35% in the third quarter of 2025. This remarkable increase highlights the robust demand and investor confidence in the emirate’s real estate sector, cementing Dubai’s position as a pivotal player in the global real estate market. As developers continue to roll out innovative projects, the dynamics of the off-plan market are evolving, prompting significant shifts in buyer behavior and sales patterns.
Dubai’s off-plan deals contributed 59 percent in value to real estate sales in the third quarter of 2025, exceeding the historic range of 50–58 percent observed since 2023.
According to a new report by Betterhomes, titled “Shaping Skylines: Dubai Residential Real Estate Q3 2025,” off-plan transactions accounted for a commanding 70 percent of total sales volume. This figure represents the highest share in three years, a substantial increase from 65 percent just three quarters earlier.
Off-plan apartment sales rose 35 percent quarter-on-quarter, with 37,980 units sold. This marks the largest quarterly increase ever recorded in the city. The total number of apartment transactions reached 48,646 units, showcasing strong investor confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth potential.
This growth can be attributed to a steady flow of new launches, appealing payment plans, and constant demand from both local and foreign investors eager for capital appreciation and rental yields.
Apartments have emerged as the favored asset class among investors due to their relative affordability, high liquidity, and sustained demand from end-users. The total transaction value in Dubai’s apartment market hit AED93 billion (approximately US$25.32 billion) during Q3, reflecting a 14 percent increase from the previous quarter. Notably, off-plan apartment sales accounted for 81 percent of that total, setting a new record high.
In parallel, off-plan values jumped 25 percent quarter-on-quarter; however, the secondary market experienced a 17 percent decline, as buyers continue to gravitate toward new project opportunities.
Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at Betterhomes, remarked, “Dubai’s off-plan market has evolved from a trend into a defining pillar of the city’s real estate growth story.” He continued, “With off-plan transactions now accounting for 70 percent of total sales volume, the highest share the city has ever seen, the surge in apartment sales reflects a market that’s not only expanding but maturing. Developers are delivering products aligned with investors’ expectations for value, quality, and long-term returns. Record demand is being driven by both local confidence and global capital seeking to participate in Dubai’s next phase of urban growth.”
Villas and Townhouses Prices Cool Down
Following an exceptionally strong performance in the first half of the year, Dubai’s villa and townhouse market has experienced a natural cooldown in Q3 2025. Sales volumes in the secondary market dropped by 30 percent, while off-plan transactions saw a decrease of 28 percent.
This downturn can largely be attributed to a temporary pause in new project launches and the market’s adjustment after an extraordinary H1 performance, rather than indicative of any weakening demand.
Despite the slowdown, a robust pipeline of upcoming projects continues to enhance the depth and diversity of the off-plan market, offering buyers a wider range of choices across various budgets and handover timelines.