What's next for Dubai real estate? Property Finder gathers a who's who of industry leaders to discuss what is shaping 2025
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Riding the momentum of a record-breaking April, where Dubai's real estate market achieved an all-time high of AED 62.1 billion in monthly sales, Property Finder convened an exclusive roundtable with the emirate's top real estate leaders to chart the path forward.
Amidst this unprecedented market performance, industry heavyweights expressed cautious optimism, anticipating that transaction activity will continue to accelerate throughout 2025 as investors adapt to evolving market dynamics.
Here are three key insights that emerged from the roundtable, offering a window into what's driving Dubai real estate in 2025.
#1 The outlook is largely positive
Despite global headwinds, from rising inflation to geopolitical shifts and economic volatility, Dubai's real estate leaders remain firmly optimistic. Their confidence is rooted in sustained investor interest and robust demand, particularly from international buyers. In fact, Property Finder data shows that the US led all international markets in search traffic, followed by the UK and India - which marks a huge shift and indicates the interest in the region from the US.
There's also some relief in sight for long-term renters, with experts forecasting notable price drops in premium districts such as Dubai Marina and Jumeirah. While this may slightly affect rental yields for landlords, it signals a rebalancing of the market.
Daniel Hadi, CEO of Engel & Völkers, commented: 'The market has been extraordinary. We have delivered the best quarter in our history. We are positioned at the beginning of what I believe will be two more years of remarkable growth in this bull run.'
Sam McCone, Managing Director of McCone Properties, echoed this sentiment: 'I remain profoundly optimistic about what lies ahead. Dubai's true narrative of exceptional potential and opportunity still remains a bit of a hidden secret that the world has yet to fully recognise.'
#2 Off-plan remains lucrative
Off-plan sales continue to drive robust market revenues, enhanced by attractive commission structures of 8-10% that reward developers and agents alike. Industry experts anticipate a natural market evolution as these high-yield opportunities transition toward a more balanced supply-demand landscape, allowing for strategic diversification in the sector. John Lyons, Managing Director, Espace Real Estate, weighed in: 'We've seen a very strong start to the year, with Q1 revenue up 29.1%, driven by both the continued expansion of our business and the positive momentum in Dubai's property market. The number of brokers contributing to company revenue has increased by 26% year-on-year, reflecting our strategic growth efforts. While market conditions remain buoyant, we expect rental yields to come under pressure over the medium term as new apartment supply comes online and rental growth begins to stabilise'
#3 Resale momentum in luxury and larger home segments
Handovers of properties purchased offplan, have sparked strong resale activity in Abu Dhabi's luxury segment, especially for AED +8M villas, with Dubai-based buyers dominating transactions. Meanwhile Dubai's high-end segment continues to attract investors with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Property Finder data reveals strong demand for larger living spaces, with 64% of villa and townhouse searches targeting properties with four or more bedrooms.
Kika Pavese, Managing Director of MD Real Estate, said: 'Handovers have transformed our business towards resales. Demand for properties in the AED 8-20 million range has exploded, driven substantially by Dubai-based buyers. We're consistently closing 10-15 monthly transactions in Jumeirah Islands alone.'
Simon Baker, Managing Director of Haus & Haus, confirmed: 'International buyers continue targeting villas aggressively and are currently our safest segment.'
Abdullah Alajaji, Founder and Managing Director of Driven Properties, offered a nuanced perspective: 'Premium investments continue to have enduring value with healthy market interest, while rental rates are adjusting to create more accessible entry points across all segments. For example, luxury villas in prestigious Jumeirah that previously commanded AED 3 million are now available at a more attractive price point of AED 2 million. This strategic market recalibration aligns with global investment trends, creating opportunities for astute investors to maximize value in a maturing market landscape.'
Michael Lahyani, Founder & CEO of Property Finder, summarised: 'We brought the industry's top leaders together at a crucial point for the market. Yes, transaction volumes are strong, but we're also seeing signs of change. At Property Finder we strive to bring clarity through data to help brokers adapt and buyers make smarter decisions in any environment.'
The real estate leaders' roundtable was chaired by Property Finder's CEO and Founder, Michael Lahyani, and attended by senior leaders, including Richard Waind, CEO of BetterHomes; Daniel Hadi, CEO of Engel & Völkers; John Lyons, Managing Director, Espace Real Estate; Kika Pavese, Managing Director MD Real Estate; Aron Lomax, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Treo Homes; Abdullah Alajaji, Founder and Managing Director of Driven Properties; Lewis Allsopp, Chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp, Firas Al Msaddi, Founder and Owner of fäm Properties; Simon Baker, Managing Director of Haus & Haus; and Sam McCone, Managing Director of McCone Properties.
For more information on Property Finder's Marketwatch, please visit the Insights Hub.
About Property Finder
Property Finder is a pioneering property portal in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, dedicated to shaping an inclusive future for real estate while spearheading the region's growing tech ecosystem. At its core is a clear and powerful purpose: To change living for good in the region. Founded on the value of great ambitions, Property Finder connects millions of property seekers with thousands of real estate professionals every day. The platform offers a seamless and enriching experience, empowering both buyers and renters to make informed decisions.
Since its inception in 2007, Property Finder has evolved into a trusted partner for developers, brokers, and home seekers. As a lighthouse tech company, it continues to create an environment where people can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the transformation of real estate in MENA.
For more information, please contact:
Gambit PR & Communications
propertyfinder@gambit.ae
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