The secondary market for housing in Dubai is predicted to thrive this year, outstripping demand for off-plan properties, fuelled by a surge in relocation of expat families to the city, triggering high demand for ready-to-move-in houses, industry players said.
The spike in demand, however, is not expected to lead to any significant hike in property prices as a wave of handovers are expected soon in key master communities like Dubai Hills Estate and District One, bringing the much-needed supply to the market.
Secondary market prices in the prime and super-prime sectors will, however, see a ‘moderate’ run up in the coming months due to limited supply, industry experts said.
“For me, the past two weeks have been incredibly active, particularly with buyers from the UK and Europe. Around 70 percent of these buyers are new to Dubai, relocating with their families and focusing on finding homes near top schools,” Jason Barrowclough, senior global property consultant at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, told Arabian Business.
“This influx reflects the city’s growing appeal as a long-term base for families, not just as an investment hub,” he said.
Barrowclough said: “With a growing number of families moving to Dubai this year, the greatest demand we expect to see throughout 2025 is for turnkey properties – properties that are ready to move in.”
Farooq Syed, chief executive officer of Dubai-based Springfield Properties, said the secondary market is expected to stabilize in 2025, offering steady demand for ready-to-move-in properties in established areas.“Communities like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina continue to appeal to end-users seeking immediate occupancy and strong rental yields, ensuring a balanced market dynamic,” Syed told Arabian Business.
Dubai fast emerging as a secure, family-friendly destination
Industry players said the secondary housing market in Dubai is not only expected to thrive, but may even outpace the off-plan segment in terms of activity this year, largely due to the growing number of expats relocating to Dubai.
Many of these families bring substantial wealth and require family homes that are ready to move into, triggering a spike in demand in the secondary market, they said.
The senior consultant at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty said Dubai has firmly established itself as a secure, family-friendly destination, offering everything from world-class education to a tax-free environment where professionals can truly benefit from their hard work.
“In 2024, we saw a surge in off-plan launches, which will bring significant supply to the market by 2027-2028.
“However, the immediate need for housing is driving demand in the secondary market,” he said.
Barrowclough said: “After four years of massive, consistent market growth, I believe 2025 will convert many of the sceptics—those who previously considered moving to Dubai but hesitated – into residents, further fuelling the need for homes in the secondary market.”
Sector experts said the expected rise in supply in ready-to-move-in properties will not only ease pressure on demand but also keep a check on any runaway price rise in the segment.
“This influx should help ease upward pressure on prices, creating more balance and giving buyers additional options,” Barrowclough said.
He, however, said supply for ready homes in niche segments such as the prime and super-prime sectors will always be comparatively restrained, so prices will still reflect that – “just at a more moderate level than we saw in 2024”.
Syed said investor-friendly policies, including visa reforms and tax benefits, continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for real estate investment.
“These initiatives, combined with Dubai’s strategic location and multi-culture environment and world-class physical and social infrastructure, attract several expat families to relocate to the city.
“Besides, the stable regulatory framework also attracts both regional and international investors seeking long-term value,” he said.
Demand for branded residences in Dubai set to continue strong in 2025
Industry insiders said the spike in demand for turnkey properties – properties that are ready to move in – will inject growth into legacy areas such as Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah.
This will also propel newer master-planned areas like Mohammed Bin Rashid City, besides emerging neighbourhoods such as Dubai South and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) to the forefront, they said.
The senior consultant at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty said another trend set to continue in 2025 is the strong demand for branded residences, particularly high-ticket developments like Baccarat, Bulgari, and Four Seasons.
“These residences have appeal not only for their brand affiliation but also for the serviced, hotel-style lifestyle they provide,” he said.
Barrowclough said the branded residency properties are especially popular among busy professionals seeking convenience and efficiency in their day-to-day lives.
“Whether it’s for having access to a concierge, excellent on-site wellness facilities, or even more indulgent amenities like cigar lounges and restaurants, the new breed of professionals want convenience and efficiency,” he said.
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