A record-breaking year for Dubai’s real estate market, with new milestones being set throughout 2024, culminated in an all-time peak of 180,900 transactions worth AED 522.1 billion. A market report issued today by fam Properties underlines how 2024 became an historic year, with big leaps of 36% and 27% respectively on the previous high of 133,100 sales worth AED411.1 billion in 2023.
Firas Al Msaddi CEO of fam Properties
In the primary market, first sales from developers climbed by 30% year on year to AED334.1 billion, highlighting strong demand for new developments and off-plan properties.
The transaction volume surged by 51% to 119,800 in 2024, reflecting a substantial increase in buyer confidence and developer activity. There was also a steady appreciation in the average price per sq. ft, which was up 10% to AED 1,600.
Demand was fuelled by new project launches and favourable payment plans, as the segment attracted foreign investors, supported by residency incentives and visa reforms.
Healthy demand in the secondary market was highlighted by a 21% increase in re-sales to AED 188.1 billion. Transaction volume was also up by 14% to 61,100, demonstrating sustained activity. The average price per sq ft increased by 12% year-on-year to AED 1,300.
The 2024 re-sale figures reflected buyers shifting to ready properties for immediate occupancy, and high rental yields attracting investors, while infrastructure improvements enhanced property desirability.
“This was a remarkable year for Dubai real estate, with transaction volumes growing despite global economic uncertainties, indicating resilient demand and an expanding buyer base,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fam Properties.
“Sales values broke historical records, and with strong rental demand, and luxury resilience, the market continues to attract global investors, reinforcing its status as a top real estate destination.”
A year which had earlier set numerous monthly and quarterly records brought annual growth across each of property sectors, headed by a 42% year-on-year increase in the volume of apartment sales, with 141,168 transactions totalling AED 260.6 billion.
Villa sales were up by 21.1% from 2023 to 30,938 units worth AED 164.1 billion, commercial property transactions increased by 10.1% in volume to 4,304 units at AED 9.7 billion, while 4,352 plots sold for AED 86.5 billion, a rise of 2.6%.
In the primary market, Al Barsha South 4 was the top performing area in terms of overall volume, with 12,878 first sales from developer, reflecting its popularity among investors and end-users.
Business Bay led the way in overall sales value, with 6,888 transactions worth AED 21.1 billion. Meanwhile, emerging areas like Madinat Al Mataar and Wadi Al Safa 5 gained traction, indicating growing demand for suburban living and integrated communities.
Top 10 Performing areas – Primary market
Al Barsha South 4
12,878 transactions worth
AED 13.5 billion
Business Bay
6,888
AED21.1 billion
Wadi Al Safa 5
6,602
AED13.6 billon
Madinat Al Mataar
6,254
AED17.0 billion
Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed
Bin Rashid
5,246
AED13.4 billion
Madinat Hind 4
5,152
AED8.4 billion
Madinat Dubai Almelaheyah
4,818
AED12.7 billion
Al Merkadh
4,474
AED6.2 billion
Jabal Ali 1
4,335
AED6.7 billion
Bukadra
4,215
AED9.9 billion
Business Bay maintained its dominance in re-sale transactions, recording 5,142 deals during the year, while Dubai Marina led in overall value, with 4,924 transactions worth AED15.2 billion, emphasizing its status as a premium, waterfront destination.
Top 10 Performing areas – Secondary market
Business Bay
5,142 transactions worth
AED9.8 billion
Dubai Marina
4,924
AED15.2 billion
Al Barsha South Fourth
4,635
AED7.0 billion
Al Thanyah Fifth
3,305
AED8.1 billion
Al Merkadh
3,155
AED8.3 billion
Downtown Dubai
3,122
AED12.7 billion
Jabal Ali First
2,364
AED5.0 billion
Al Warsan First
2,126
AED1.2 billion
Wadi Al Safa 5
2,125
AED5.9 billion
Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed
Bin Rashid
2,106
AED9.8 billion