The cost of apartments in Dubai is showing a steady upward trend: as of December 2025, the average cost per square metre increased by 15.3% year-over-year. The secondary market grew by 7.9%, nearly twice the rate of the new-build market (4%).
Off-plan property investment in Dubai remains one of the most effective ways to maximise capital gains. Entry prices are 20–30% lower, and developers often offer interest-free payment plans locked in during the construction phase.
|
Developer |
Founded |
Popular projects |
|
Emaar Properties |
1997 |
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Hills Estate, Emaar Beachfront, Address Residences |
|
2003 |
Palm Beach Towers, Como Residences, The Palm Tower, Discovery Gardens, Rixos Residences |
|
|
DAMAC Properties |
2002 |
Safa Two, Damac Bay by Cavalli, Canal Heights, Chic Tower, Damac Towers by Paramount |
|
Sobha Realty |
1976 |
Sobha Hartland, Creek Vistas, Sobha One, Sobha SeaHaven, Verde by Sobha |
|
Meraas |
2007 |
City Walk, Bluewaters Residences, Port de La Mer, Bulgari Residences, Madinat Jumeirah Living |
|
District |
Average apartment price |
Average price per m² |
|
Downtown Dubai |
AED 4.5 million (USD 1.2 million) |
AED 32,679 (USD 8,897) |
|
Dubai Marina |
AED 2.63 million (USD 716,000) |
AED 24,585 (USD 6,693) |
|
Business Bay |
AED 2.37 million (USD 645,000) |
AED 25,101 (USD 6,834) |
|
Palm Jumeirah |
AED 9.6 million (USD 2.6 million) |
AED 35,349 (USD 9,624) |
|
Meydan |
AED 1.3 million (USD 354,000) |
AED 22,346 (USD 6,084) |
|
AED 1 million (USD 272,000) |
AED 14,973 (USD 4,076) |
|
|
AED 1.06 million (USD 289,000) |
AED 15,565 (USD 4,238) |
|
|
Jumeirah Lake Towers |
AED 1.95 million (USD 531,000) |
AED 19,558 (USD 5,325) |
|
AED 1 million (USD 272,000) |
AED 15,349 (USD 4,179) |
|
|
Motor City |
AED 1.28 million (USD 349,000) |
AED 18,439 (USD 5,020) |
In 2025, total real estate sales in Dubai reached AED 917 billion (USD 250 billion). Market activity remains high due to strong capital inflows: the number of foreign investors grew by 24%, and around 9,800 millionaires invested in apartments for sale in Dubai for permanent residence. Sales of
The growing demand for the option to buy a flat in Dubai is also fueled by demographic trends: the population has exceeded 4 million, with 85–90% being expats, creating steady rental demand. The average rental yield for apartments is 6.2% annually. By 2030, Dubai’s population is projected to reach 5 million, requiring the construction of 350,000 to 500,000 new housing units. This will drive further price growth of apartments and flats in Dubai, supported by:
Business Bay is a key hub for business tourism and expats working in central office clusters. It primarily attracts ambitious professionals and young specialists who value proximity to corporate headquarters, premium gyms and the waterfront. Compact layouts here achieve double-digit rental yields due to strong demand for short-term rentals:
Bluewaters Island targets ultra-premium tenants: corporate executives, affluent tourists and those who value privacy. Demand is driven by the island’s exclusive status, direct beach access and walkable entertainment at The Wharf. Investors choose this location for its high-end appeal and premium long-term rental contracts:
Dubai Hills Estate is positioned as a family-friendly community, popular among residents with children and remote-working professionals from international companies. The area retains tenants due to its large park, shopping mall and high-quality amenities. Rental yields are stable across all unit types, reflecting balanced infrastructure and no oversupply:
|
Area |
Key features |
|
Palm Jumeirah |
Man-made palm-shaped island connected to the mainland by a 300-metre bridge and a monorail. Features include Nakheel Mall, The Pointe promenade with fountains and the world’s largest waterpark – Aquaventure. |
|
JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle) |
Family-oriented neighbourhood with a radial layout, located at the junction of Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. It hosts more than 30 landscaped parks, Circle Mall and international schools such as JSS International School. |
|
JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers) |
High-rise business and residential area built around three artificial lakes and a central park (55,000 m²). It is served by two Red Line metro stations, and pedestrian bridges connect directly to the Dubai Marina promenade. |
|
Arjan |
A rapidly developing community near the Dubai Miracle Garden and Butterfly Garden. It offers direct highway access via Umm Suqeim Road and proximity to Neuro Spinal Hospital and My City Centre Al Barsha. |
|
Prestigious area known for Meydan Racecourse (host of the Dubai World Cup) and The Meydan Hotel. Located just 10 minutes from Downtown, it features a golf course and a waterfront promenade. |
|
Residential project |
Property types |
Starting price |
Completion |
Key features |
|
Skyhills Astra |
Studios, 1-bedroom apartments, 2- and 3-bedroom duplexes |
AED 750,000 (USD 204,000) |
Q2 2028 |
Business centre, sand pool, gym, sauna, steam room, yoga and padel courts, library |
|
Evergr1n House |
Studios, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments |
AED 1.04 million (USD 283,000) |
Q2 2026 |
Adult and children’s pools, gym, playground, BBQ area, sauna, ping-pong table |
|
Asora Bay |
4–6-bedroom apartments, 7-bedroom penthouses |
AED 45 million (USD 12.2 million) |
Q1 2029 |
Concierge service, valet parking, beach access, infinity pool, restaurant, spa, private marina |
|
Meraas Bulgari Lighthouse |
4- and 5-bedroom penthouses, 7-bedroom sky villas |
AED 70 million (USD 19 million) |
Q2 2027 |
Concierge, infinity pool, yacht club with marina, bar, restaurant, event space |
|
Orla Infinity |
4-bedroom duplexes |
AED 70 million (USD 19 million) |
Q4 2027 |
Beach access, infinity pool, beach club, bowling alley, cigar lounge, spa, hotel-grade service |
Owners of apartments and studios in Dubai typically enjoy access to amenities such as adult and children’s swimming pools, gyms, yoga and Pilates rooms and spa facilities, including saunas and massage rooms. Complexes often feature landscaped gardens with barbecue areas, playgrounds and outdoor sports zones. To balance work and leisure, developers increasingly integrate co-working spaces, libraries and cinemas into communal areas.
Premium developments may also offer private beaches with restricted access, exclusive marinas and rooftop helipads. On-site services often include fine dining restaurants, cigar lounges and bars. Many of these residences are managed by international hospitality brands, ensuring service at the level of a 5-star hotel.
Studios, apartments and penthouses in Dubai remain highly sought after due to the following benefits: