Dubai Real Estate Trends: Apartments Surpass Villas In Demand – Here’s Why?

In April, nearly 58% of property buyers were actively seeking apartments, while 42% were interested in villas or townhouses. Let’s explore the reasons behind this trend.

The Rise of Apartments

• Professional Migration: Dubai has become a magnet for professionals seeking better opportunities. As more people move to the emirate in search of greener pastures, the demand for apartments has surged. These professionals prefer the convenience and amenities offered by apartment living.
• Post-Pandemic Shift: During the Covid-19 pandemic, the sale of villas and townhouses spiked as people sought larger spaces for remote work and outdoor activities. However, as restrictions eased, the focus shifted back to apartments. The constant population growth has further fueled this demand.
• Supply Gap: Supply for apartments has struggled to keep up with demand. In 2023, Dubai’s population increased by nearly 100,000, but only around 50,000 residential units hit the market. Similarly, in Q1 2024, 25,700 new residents arrived, while only 6,500 new units were available.

Tenant Preferences

• Apartment Dominance: Not only buyers but also tenants are favoring apartments. In April, 79% of tenants sought apartments, while only 21% looked for villas or townhouses. This shift highlights the growing appeal of apartment living.
• Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Among tenants, 64% preferred furnished apartments with ready interiors, while 33% considered unfurnished options. In contrast, those seeking villa or townhouse rentals had different preferences, with 55% opting for unfurnished units and 44% for furnished ones.

Market Insights

• Market Resilience: Despite changing demand dynamics, the real estate market remains robust. Consumer preferences are evolving, favoring apartments over villas. Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, emphasizes this shift and expects continued dynamism.
• Population Growth: Dubai’s population continues to grow, attracting homebuyers and investors. Mortgage leads and buyer registrations have surged in recent quarters, indicating sustained interest in the market.

Dubai Real Estate: Off-Plan Transactions Surge with Promising Returns

Dubai’s real estate market continues to witness a surge in off-plan transactions, with impressive year-on-year growth. Let’s delve into the details:

• Transaction Volume and Value
  • In April, off-plan transactions saw an 86.51% increase in volume compared to the previous year.
  • A total of 7,203 transactions took place, reflecting strong investor interest.
  • The surge in value was equally remarkable, with a 77.09% year-on-year increase, reaching approximately Dh13.9 billion (compared to Dh7.8 billion in April 2023).
• Appeal of Off-Plan Options
  • Investors are drawn to off-plan properties due to the diverse choices available.
  • The robust pipeline of upcoming projects contributes to the attractiveness of off-plan investments.
  • The potential for high returns on investment further motivates buyers.
• Regulatory Impact
• Recent regulatory changes require a primary unit permit for advertising off-plan properties.
• These changes aim to enhance the quality of supply and provide more transparency to buyers.

• Tenant to Homeowner Shift
  • Rising rental prices have prompted tenants to consider homeownership.
  • When faced with the decision to renew their rental contracts, people weigh the exorbitant cost of rent against the affordability of owning a home.
  • Favorable mortgage products and relaxed visa regulations make it easier for individuals to transition from renting to owning.

In summary, Dubai’s real estate market remains dynamic, with off-plan transactions driving growth. Investors are capitalizing on the potential returns, while tenants increasingly explore homeownership as a viable alternative. 

Future Prospects

• Developing Areas: Industry experts predict higher demand for apartments and villas in specific areas. Dubai South, along with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, will witness increased interest. The upcoming Dubai Metro’s Blue Line and the shift of operations to Al Maktoum International Airport are driving factors.
• Off-Plan Units: Off-plan units in developing areas, such as Dubai South, JVC, Marjan, Dubailand, Damac Hills, and Silicon Oasis, offer attractive returns for investors. As these areas develop, the population will continue to rise, further boosting demand for apartments.

In summary, Dubai’s real estate landscape is evolving, with apartments taking center stage. Professionals, tenants, and investors are all contributing to this trend, making apartments the preferred choice in the foreseeable future.