"property Finder": UAE real estate market to grow 20% in January 2025

The MENA real estate technology platform Property Finder has announced the latest real estate market performance indicators for January 2025

According to the data, 14,238 real estate sales were recorded in January, a 20% growth compared to the same month in 2024, while the total value of sales increased by 28% to reach AED 44.4 billion.

The data showed that 31% of investors and buyers prefer one-bedroom apartments, while 37% are heading towards two-bedroom apartments, and 15% prefer studios.

As for villas, 37% expressed interest in standalone villas and three-bedroom townhouses, while 50% are looking for units with four or more bedrooms.

In terms of the most attractive destinations for buyers, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Downtown, Business Bay and Palm Jumeirah topped the list for apartments, while for villas and townhouses, Dubai Hills Estate, Palm Jumeirah, Dubailand, Al Furjan and Damac Hills 2 saw increased interest from searchers.

In terms of ready property transactions, 6,918 sales were recorded in January 2025, an increase of 32% compared to the same month in 2024, and the value of these transactions increased by 41%.

Among the transactions, Palm Jebel Ali recorded a value of AED 2.1 billion through 95 sales, while Al Yalayis 1 witnessed exceptional growth, with the value of transactions jumping to AED 1.7 billion compared to AED 102 million the previous year.

Off-plan sales reached AED 15.1 billion in January 2025, down slightly by 1.3% compared to the same month in 2024. Despite this slight decline in value, off-plan sales continued to increase by 15%, making them account for 52% of total real estate sales in January.

In the rental market, data showed that 59% of tenants preferred furnished units, while 39% opted for unfurnished apartments. As for independent villas and townhouses, preferences varied, with 52% looking for furnished properties and 48% looking for unfurnished properties.