Every year since the global pandemic, a small cohort of journalists has predicted the end of Dubai real estate’s winning streak, and every year, these commentators have been wrong. With upward momentum expected to continue throughout 2025, it seems that this year will be no exception.
As Managing Director – Sales and Development at DAMAC Properties, Founder and CEO of PRYPCO, and Co-founder and COO of Amali Properties, people often seek my opinion on the best time to buy. While this question is undeniably complex, there are certain market indicators and individual considerations that make it easier to answer.
So, what are the main factors to keep in mind when deciding whether you’re ready to get a foot on Dubai’s property ladder? Here’s my take…
Research the broader market
Time and time again, Dubai’s property market has proved optimistic forecasters right. A strong first quarter, which saw a 29 percent year-on-year uptick in sales values and a 23 percent rise in sales volume, has fuelled investor confidence even further. Transactions totalled more than $38 billion during the first three months of 2025, according to Dubai Land Department (DLD) figures, with our Emirate continuing to outperform other global property hubs.
Despite economic uncertainty on a global level, trust in Dubai’s economy remains equally high. Bolstered by incentives such as the golden visa program, tax-free income and world-class infrastructure, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from around the globe are clamouring to relocate to our city. The fact that the UAE ranks so highly on international league tables such as the World Happiness Report, as well as Numbeo’s safety and quality-of-life indexes, is also a major drawcard.
In short, Dubai’s real estate market boasts incredibly strong fundamentals, so it’s no wonder buyers and investors from around the globe are so eager to secure property in our Emirate. The question is, is now the right time for you?
Map out your requirements
It’s always best to articulate your priorities and objectives clearly and concisely before making any decisions, regardless of location. People buy real estate for myriad reasons, whether they’re looking to purchase a family home, generate rental income, invest in an appreciating asset for retirement, or diversify an existing property portfolio. Remember, your personal requirements and goals should determine whether you decide to sign on the dotted line.
For instance, prospective buyers looking to find a family home in Dubai will have different search criteria than those seeking a solid rental investment. Understandably, end users with children tend to favor villas in neighborhoods with a strong sense of community, which are in close proximity to good schools, parks and other public amenities. Meanwhile, investors hunting for rental properties may look to attract tenants with high-quality apartments adjacent to central business hubs.
You should also consider whether an off-plan property or a ready home is the best fit for you. Assuming you do not need to move into your new property immediately, off-plan developments offer a broad range of advantages both to buyers and investors, with flexible payment plans and more square footage for your money. Of course, if your situation is more urgent, it’s best to limit your search to the ready home segment.
Run the numbers
Once you’ve identified the type of real estate that best meets your needs, it’s time to undertake a thorough evaluation of your financial options. Essentially, you’ll need to determine whether you can afford the property in question, and – if so – the best way to fund your purchase.
Speaking to a qualified advisor is an absolute must at this stage in your purchasing journey. Whether you’re looking for a mortgage for a family home, a payment plan for an off-plan unit, or the most attractive investment opportunities available at a given time, Dubai is home to a thriving community of seasoned real estate professionals who are ideally placed to offer impartial guidance. Now more than ever, there are excellent deals out there for savvy buyers and investors who have done their homework and are willing to listen to expert advice.
Ultimately, when people ask whether now is the right time to buy property in Dubai, they usually want me to answer a slightly different question – namely, “Am I too late?” Generally speaking, my response is an emphatic no. Compared to other international real estate hotspots, prices per square meter remain relatively low in our Emirate, offering incredible value to buyers and investors alike. On average, the cost of buying real estate in Dubai is 70 percent lower than it is in London and 85 percent below that of Manhattan.
In my opinion, our city is one of the most attractive markets on the planet right now. So, is now the right time to buy real estate in Dubai? Well, provided you know which property type is best for you, you have the financial means to purchase the asset in question and you’ve sought professional advice, I doubt there will be a better opportunity anytime soon.
Amira Sajwani, managing director – sales and development at DAMAC Properties, founder and CEO of PRYPCO, and co-founder and COO of Amali Properties
