• The new ministerial resolution, which allows depreciation deductions on investment properties held at fair value, represents a progressive step that will stimulate the sector’s performance.
• Off-plan resale transactions reached AED 7.6 billion (+123%), across 2,680 transactions, representing an 88% increase in volume.
• The primary market for ready properties witnessed strong performance with 1,961 transactions worth AED 12.2 billion, representing a 66% year-on-year increase in volume and 56% in value.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates : Property Finder, the leading real estate platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has announced key market indicators for July 2025, revealing continued momentum in Dubai's real estate sector. The month saw sales transactions worth a staggering AED 63.6 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 27% in value and 24% in volume, driven by increased demand in both the off-plan and secondary markets.

Recent amendments have given further impetus to the growing momentum. In July 2025, the UAE Ministry of Finance announced that it would allow the deduction of corporate tax on investment properties held at fair value, in line with international accounting practices. This move has profound implications for investors, as it allows depreciation to be calculated based on current market valuations rather than historical cost.

Off-plan property sales emerged as a key factor in this upward trend, particularly in the off-plan resale category, which recorded a record value of AED 7.6 billion (+123%) across 2,680 transactions (+88% year-on-year). The primary market for ready properties remained strong, recording 1,961 transactions worth AED 12.2 billion, reflecting continued confidence in newly completed properties.

primary market

The primary market alone generated sales of AED 31.9 billion, a 32% year-on-year increase, driven by high-value deals in Wadi Al Safa 3 (16% of the total value) and Dubai Investments Park (9% of the total).

Overview of the Resale Market

In contrast, the secondary market contributed AED 31.7 billion in sales across 8,221 transactions, achieving a 22% growth in value and 18% growth in the number of transactions. Notable deals—including an AED 1.1 billion industrial land deal in Al Wasl—along with increased activity in Ras Al Khor, Jumeirah 2, and Dubai Marina, further bolstered the city's upward growth trajectory.

Consumer preferences

Continuing a trend that has been ongoing for more than a year, apartments remain at the forefront of the market, capturing 62% of buyer interest and nearly 80% of rental searches. The market has seen increased demand for smaller units, particularly one-bedroom and studio apartments, as tenants turn to ownership as a hedge against rising rental prices. Studio apartments accounted for approximately 22% of rental searches, but only 16% of purchase interest. In contrast, one-bedroom apartments accounted for 36% of purchase searches, compared to 40% of rental searches.

The market witnessed a slight increase in demand for apartments compared to villas, with a 3% annual increase in demand share compared to July 2024. It is worth noting the growing interest in smaller units, particularly one-bedroom and studio apartments, which outperformed larger properties. This trend likely reflects the impact of rising rental prices, which has prompted tenants to move towards smaller units as a means of hedging against rent increases and securing long-term assets.

Commenting on the matter, Sherif Soliman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, said: “Thanks to a powerful combination of market flexibility, investment-friendly policies, and data transparency, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the most attractive real estate markets globally. The new ministerial resolution, which allows depreciation deductions on investment properties held at fair value, is a progressive step that aligns the UAE’s tax system with international best practices. It also serves as a prime example of how the country is building long-term investor confidence through proactive efforts to develop its regulatory environment. Companies can now claim tax deductions based on actual market valuations, providing additional flexibility and significant savings opportunities. This not only enhances reporting transparency but also stimulates growth for developers, funds, and institutions seeking to expand their investment portfolios. As Dubai shapes the future of the real estate market, Property Finder reaffirms its commitment to empowering buyers and investors by providing the data and analysis they need to make confident, future-oriented decisions.”

About Property Finder

Property Finder is a leading real estate portal in the MENA region, dedicated to motivating and inspiring consumers to live the better life they deserve. Connecting millions of property seekers with thousands of real estate professionals daily, Property Finder is the perfect place to start a seamless and rewarding home search and financing journey for both buyers and renters.

Since its founding in 2007, Property Finder has evolved and achieved successive successes, making it a trusted platform for developers, real estate brokers, and property seekers to make informed decisions regarding real estate.

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