The Dubai branded residences sector recently achieved a remarkable milestone, with a six-bedroom unit selling for AED 164 million in May. This transaction not only marked the highest price for a branded residence in the emirate’s history but also contributed to a staggering 37 percent increase in total transaction value year-on-year. Despite a slight 3 percent decrease in sales volume compared to the first half of 2024, the ongoing growth emphasizes Dubai’s allure in the luxury real estate market.
Dubai Leads the Branded Residences Landscape
Currently, Dubai boasts 48,474 branded units across 144 projects, showcasing an impressive addition of 5,510 new residences in the first half of 2025 alone. This growth reinforces Dubai’s position as the global leader in the branded residences sector, surpassing well-established markets such as Miami, New York, and London.
“Branded residences are no longer a niche segment; they have become a core asset class,” noted Elias Hannoush, Managing Director of Morgan’s International Realty. “Institutional investors are moving in, and we’re seeing new pricing benchmarks being set.”
The average price per square foot for these branded residences has soared to $1,029 (AED 3,779), with some premier properties reaching an astounding $4,981 (AED 18,294). In comparison, non-branded units average $737, representing a substantial 40 percent premium in the branded sector.
High Demand Across Prime Locations
In areas such as Jumeirah Bay Island and La Mer, branded properties are commanding astonishing price premiums of up to 98 percent. Other sought-after locations, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and The Oasis, are also experiencing high transaction volumes and impressive valuations.
The leading under-construction project, Palace Villas Ostra at The Oasis, recorded sales totaling $1.83 billion (AED 6.72 billion), while Address Harbour Point topped the charts for completed residences.
Luxury properties are often associated with prestigious global brands like Bulgari, Four Seasons, Raffles, and Aman, with their developments regularly exceeding $13,000 per square foot in some cases.
Key Players and Emerging Markets
Address Hotels & Resorts continues to dominate the branded residences field with 15 active projects throughout Dubai. Other significant contributors include VIDA Hotels, Dorchester Collection, and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.
While branded residences are predominantly located in prime districts such as Downtown Dubai (21 developments), Business Bay (17), and Dubai Harbour (9), burgeoning areas like The Oasis, Dubai Hills Estate, and Dubai Creek Harbour are quickly becoming new focal points for investment as developers diversify their portfolios.