Cherif Sleiman
Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder
Dubai’s real estate sector reached a historic high in April 2025, recording AED 62.1 billion in total sales transactions—marking the highest monthly figure ever, according to data released by Property Finder in collaboration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This represents a 94% year-on-year increase in sales value and a 54% rise in transaction volume compared to April 2024.
This exceptional growth was driven by robust activity across both primary (off-plan) and secondary (ready) markets, underscoring Dubai’s strong investor appeal and the city’s continued evolution as a global property investment hub.
Unprecedented Growth in Both Primary and Secondary Markets
The primary market led the way, with AED 34.2 billion in sales—up 124% from April 2024. High-value transactions in future-focused, branded communities such as Palm Jebel Ali and The Oasis by Emaar played a significant role in this surge. Palm Jebel Ali accounted for 19% and The Oasis for 13% of the total transaction value, despite representing just 2% and 4% of the transaction volume respectively. This highlights growing investor demand for premium off-plan developments.
The secondary market also posted record figures, reaching AED 28 billion in value across more than 7,700 transactions—rising 67% in value and 66% in volume compared to the same period last year. A standout transaction was the AED 1.45 billion land deal in DMCC-EZ2 for Sobha Central’s upcoming project in Jebel Ali. Additionally, strong resale activity in communities such as Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), and Dubai Marina further boosted the market.
Apartments Dominate Buyer and Renter Preferences in April 2025
Apartments remained the most sought-after property type for both buyers and renters in April. They accounted for 78% of rental searches and 59% of purchase interest. Studio apartments comprised 21% of rental demand, yet attracted only 14% of buyer interest. This imbalance signals promising yield opportunities for investors, especially in smaller units where rental demand continues to outpace buying activity.
Two-bedroom apartments proved highly desirable as well, making up 35% of buyer interest and 31% of rental demand. This trend reflects growing preferences for functional, mid-sized living spaces in Dubai’s urban landscape.
Industry Outlook and Strategic Developments
Commenting on the market performance, Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, said:
“Dubai’s real estate market continues to scale new heights, propelled by bold city planning, regulatory innovation, and investor trust. The sustained growth across both primary and secondary segments is resounding proof of its resilience and long-term appeal.”
He further added:
“The Dubai Land Department’s introduction of AI-enabled governance for real estate advertising will enhance market transparency, a principle we strongly support. Combined with strategic partnerships signed at the International Property Show, we expect smarter regulation and higher service standards to further cement Dubai’s global investment status.”
Property Finder continues to empower users with data-driven tools through platforms like Data Guru, which offers real-time insights into top-performing communities and listings. The tool is available at propertyfinder.ae and via the Property Finder mobile app on Google Play and Apple Store.
