
Dubai Home Sales Hit Record $18.2B Driven by Population Growth
Dubai's property market achieved record-breaking home sales in the first five months of the year, with transaction values hitting AED 66.1 billion (USD18.2 billion). This upswing comes amid a steady rise in the city's population and an influx of new residents, according to a recent report.
Betterhomes reported that 47,187 residential units were sold between January and May, reflecting a 21% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. In May alone, sales surpassed AED13.3 billion, marking the highest monthly performance ever recorded.
Dubai's population rose to 3.7 million in May, up from 3.65 million in January, highlighting continued demographic growth that is fuelling demand in the housing sector.
Apartments remained the most sought-after property type, comprising nearly 80% of total transactions. The areas seeing the strongest activity included Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah.
The villa segment also witnessed robust growth, driven by demand for larger living spaces and community-based living. Popular areas for villa sales included Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, and The Springs.
The report noted that while cash transactions continue to dominate, the number of mortgage buyers is steadily rising. This trend suggests increased confidence in the long-term value of property investments.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Dubai Eye
2 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Six exchange houses fined AED 12.3 million for regulatory breaches
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed financial penalties totalling AED 12.3 million on six exchange houses across the country. The sanctions come after inspections revealed serious breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. The fines are in line with Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2018 and reflect ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of the UAE's financial system. The names of the entities involved have not been disclosed by the authority. CBUAE has emphasised that all exchange houses, their owners and staff must comply with national laws and regulatory standards to ensure transparency. The #CentralBankUAE imposed varying financial sanctions on six exchange houses in the UAE, amounting to AED12,300,000, pursuant to Article (14) of the Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations… — Central Bank of the UAE (@centralbankuae) June 10, 2025


Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Arabian Business
How $35bn Al Maktoum International Airport expansion is driving major Dubai South real estate investment boom as property prices tipped to grow 20%
The AED128bn ($35bn) expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South is fuelling a real estate boom that has major implications for the wider UAE economy, according to Betterhomes analysis. Property transactions in the area exceeded AED15bn ($4.1bn) in the first five months of 2025 and prices could increase by up to 20 per cent in the near term said analysts. Spanning 70 sq km, the new Al Maktoum Airport will feature five runways and 400 aircraft gates and is expected to accommodate more than 260m passengers annually upon completion. Al Maktoum International Airport drives Dubai South real estate growth More than just an enhancement to the aviation sector, however, the project is poised to drive growth across real estate, hospitality, and the broader economy. Investor interest in Dubai South is accelerating, driven by competitive pricing, strong rental yields, and ongoing infrastructure development, said Betterhomes. Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes, said: 'The development of Al Maktoum Airport is not just a milestone in aviation, but a catalyst for the next chapter of Dubai's real estate growth. We're already seeing the ripple effects in Dubai South. This is the early stage of a long-term growth cycle.' Rental rates have risen 20 per cent year-to-date, with a sharp increase in both off-plan and ready property sales. Betterhomes has also recorded more than 20 per cent monthly growth in buyer and tenant inquiries, while institutional capital is entering the market, most notably a $1bn investment partnership between a major Abu Dhabi-based asset manager and Brookfield. Property prices in Dubai South are forecast to rise by 15–20 per cent in the near term. Infrastructure enhancements, including the Dubai Metro Blue Line and Etihad Rail, will further strengthen demand, and a recent AED1bn ($272m) contract award for the airport's second runway signals continued momentum. Average prices in surrounding areas remain up to 60 per cent lower than in prime districts like Downtown Dubai, offering attractive value. A similar growth pattern was seen following the launch of Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport in 2005, when surrounding areas such as Dubai Marina and Al Barsha experienced substantial appreciation. Between the launch and early 2008, average sale prices had nearly doubled. With demand surging and a long-term development pipeline in motion, the neighbourhood is emerging as one of the UAE's most promising real estate growth corridors. The $35bn terminal expansion is set to create employment and housing opportunities for over one million people, with far-reaching effects across multiple sectors. As job creation increases, population growth is expected to follow, driving greater demand for housing and supporting broader economic development. Surrounding areas are already experiencing a rise in transactions, property prices, rental rates and yields. The aviation sector alone is projected to contribute over 30 per cent to the emirate's GDP by 2030.


Hi Dubai
5 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Showcases Innovation at VivaTech 2025
Dubai Media City and Dubai Science Park will highlight Dubai's innovation ecosystem at VivaTech 2025, Europe's premier start-up and tech event in Paris from June 11-14, showcasing advancements in sustainability, health, and creative industries to a global audience. Representing TECOM Group PJSC, these districts will join the Dubai stand, led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, to promote the emirate's role as a hub for innovation. The event aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33' and UAE Digital Economy Strategy, emphasizing the UAE's top ranking in the Global Innovation Index for North Africa and Western Asia. Dubai Media City, a cornerstone of the Middle East's media landscape, supports over 4,000 businesses and 40,000 professionals, fostering creativity and collaboration. Dubai Science Park, the region's leading science hub, drives advancements in health and sustainability through specialized ecosystems and world-class infrastructure. TECOM Group's start-up incubator, in5, will spotlight innovators like Coralytics, an AI-driven real estate marketing platform, and Suppy, offering customizable e-commerce solutions. Aire, leveraging AI and big data for real estate feasibility studies, will also be featured. Since 2013, in5 has nurtured over 1,000 start-ups, raising AED 7.8 billion in funding. VivaTech 2025 provides a platform for Dubai to showcase its thriving innovation landscape, attract global talent, and reinforce its position as a leader in technology and creative industries, driving economic growth and global collaboration. News Source: Emirates News Agency