Dubai's Real Estate Market Sets Record Transactions in Q1 2023 as it Booms

May 02, 2023 | 5 min read

Dubai's Real Estate Market Sets Record Transactions in Q1 2023 as it Booms

It's impressive to see how Dubai's real estate industry is booming. According to the latest data collected, the first quarter of 2023 recorded an all-time high of 30,898 real estate transactions. 

Even more astounding is the fact that March alone saw a record-breaking 11,597+ units registered. These numbers are incredible and represent a significant increase compared to the previous year, with a 47.3% rise in quarterly transactions. It's worth noting that the growth in off-plan transactions played a significant role in this rise, with a whopping 96.1% increase, along with a 12.4% increase in secondary market transactions. It seems like the real estate market in Dubai is set for continued growth, and it will be interesting to see how this trend progresses in the future!

The surge in demand for real estate in Dubai has led to an increase in the cost of living in the city. According to the latest report, the average residential prices have increased by 12.8% in the year through March 2023, which is a significant jump. If we take a closer look, the average apartment prices have increased by 12.4%, while average villa prices have gone up by 14.8% over the same period. It's a considerable increase, and it might make it harder for some people to afford housing in the city. However, it's worth noting that with the rise in demand, there has been an increase in supply too, with the development of new projects and affordable housing options, which might balance out the cost of living in the future.

It's fascinating to see that the more luxurious areas in Dubai have witnessed the most significant growth in volume in the real estate market. The latest report reveals that Jumeirah has recorded the highest sales rate per square foot in the apartment segment, reaching AED2,441, while Palm Jumeirah has recorded the highest sales rate per square foot in the villa segment, reaching AED4,457. This just shows how sought-after these areas are among buyers and investors alike. The off-plan sales have been the leading catalyst for this historic performance. He even expects to maintain and exceed the total number of units generated in the upcoming months. It's exciting to see how the market will develop further, and whether these trends will continue in the future.

The increase in demand for real estate in Dubai has certainly affected the overall cost of living in the city. It's interesting to note that most of the sales registered were in the more expensive areas, with ultra-luxury properties being the preferred choice for High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs). It's no surprise that Dubai continues to be an attractive investment option for HNWIs, which has led to a significant influx of them in recent years. Despite the increase in living costs, Dubai remains one of the top choices for expatriates to live in. This is thanks to various factors such as tax benefits, a stable economy, quality of life, outstanding healthcare, and education, among others. It's great to see that Dubai is maintaining its reputation as a desirable destination for both residents and investors.

It's interesting to learn that there is another factor behind the boom in Dubai's real estate industry, as highlighted in a recent report by Knight Frank. Their report, "Dubai's Branded Residential Market - 2023," sheds light on the impressive growth of the branded residential market, which has generated a total of AED25.4bn in sales. The report even estimates that there will be an additional 2,000 units provided in 2023. The branded residential market has grown at an impressive rate, showing an 80% year-on-year growth in comparison with the previous year. Interestingly, 62% of these units were sold in the off-plan market, indicating that many investors are keen to invest in yet-to-be-built properties.

It's clear that there is a high demand for ultra-luxury properties, as evidenced by the recent sale of the Bulgari Lighthouse development for AED410m. This huge 38,970sq ft penthouse is located in the Jumeirah Bay Island development and boasts over 13,000sq ft of balcony and terrace space. This just shows that buyers are willing to invest in properties that offer luxury and exclusivity. It's exciting to see how this market will continue to evolve and develop in the coming years.