Weekly Market Pulse by houzzhunt

Dubai's property market didn't just stay active in the second week of February — it shifted gear.

Week 2 recorded 4,546 sales transactions worth AED 18.93 billion, marking a sharp increase from Week 1. But the headline number isn't the full story. For the first time in recent weeks, ready property sales (AED 10.28 billion) overtook off-plan sales (AED 8.65 billion) in total value. That means buyers and investors are increasingly putting capital into completed, move-in-ready or rent-ready assets.

Whether you're looking to buy, sell, invest, or lease — this is what the numbers mean for you.

Residential Sales — Where the Action Is

Week 2 saw 4,169 residential transactions worth AED 11.40 billion. Off-plan remained the volume leader (2,865 transactions), but ready sales (1,304 transactions) punched well above their weight in value terms.

The blended residential average: AED 1,940/sqft.

Off-Plan Apartments — Affordable Corridors Are Expanding

2,340 off-plan apartments sold at an average of AED 2,136/sqft.

Top communities for off-plan buyers:

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – 217 transactions | AED 1,491/sqft
• Dubailand Residence Complex – 190 transactions | AED 1,471/sqft
• Meydan City – 176 transactions | AED 3,635/sqft
• Dubai Islands – 132 transactions | AED 2,823/sqft
• Al Wasl – 112 transactions | AED 3,387/sqft

What this means for you: JVC continues to be the most liquid off-plan market in Dubai — if you're buying here, you're entering a community with proven resale demand. Dubailand Residence Complex emerged strongly this week with 190 transactions, offering entry points around AED 1,471/sqft — one of the most accessible price brackets in the city. For premium buyers, Meydan City and Al Wasl are holding above AED 3,300/sqft, reflecting sustained demand for quality master-planned product.

Ready Apartments — Diversifying Beyond the Usual Hotspots

1,065 ready apartments transacted at an average of AED 1,676/sqft.

Top communities for ready buyers:

• JVC – 109 transactions | AED 1,377/sqft
• Al Barari – 95 transactions | AED 1,738/sqft
• Dubai Investment Park Second – 54 transactions | AED 890/sqft
• Business Bay – 49 transactions | AED 1,763/sqft
• Dubai Silicon Oasis – 46 transactions | AED 969/sqft

What this means for you: JVC is proving it works for both off-plan and resale — 109 ready transactions show strong secondary market demand. Al Barari's entry into the top tier is notable — a niche, established community attracting growing buyer interest at AED 1,738/sqft. If you're looking for value, Dubai Investment Park Second and Dubai Silicon Oasis offer entry below AED 1,000/sqft with solid rental potential.

Villas — Off-Plan Stabilising, Premium Ready Stock in Demand

Off-Plan Villas: 491 units sold | Average: AED 1,517/sqft

• Damac Island City – 291 transactions | AED 1,278/sqft
• The Oasis – 29 transactions | AED 2,046/sqft
• Damac Lagoons – 19 transactions | AED 1,199/sqft
• The Valley – 17 transactions | AED 1,268/sqft

Damac Island City remains the clear leader but volumes stabilised slightly from Week 1 (297 to 291) — a sign the initial launch rush is settling into sustained absorption. Damac Lagoons entered the top tier, giving villa buyers another compelling suburban option below AED 1,200/sqft.

Ready Villas: 184 units sold | Average: AED 1,798/sqft

• Damac Hills 2 – 23 transactions | AED 922/sqft
• Damac Hills – 13 transactions | AED 1,848/sqft
• Dubai Hills Estate – 11 transactions | AED 2,543/sqft
• Mudon – 10 transactions | AED 1,689/sqft

What this means for you: If you're buying a ready villa, the market is becoming more selective. Dubai Hills Estate at AED 2,543/sqft reflects premium end-user demand for established, well-amenitised communities. For investors seeking value, Damac Hills 2 still offers entry below AED 1,000/sqft with family-oriented appeal.

Rentals — Stable Pricing, Slight Volume Easing

Week 2 recorded 14,610 residential rental transactions worth AED 1.34 billion.

Renewals: 9,266 contracts (63%) | Average: AED 298/sqft/year New leases: 5,344 contracts (37%) | Average: AED 232/sqft/year

Volumes softened about 6–7% from Week 1, but pricing held firm. Renewed leases are commanding a clear premium over new contracts — tenants are choosing to stay and accept higher rents rather than face relocation costs and limited availability elsewhere.

For tenants: If you're planning to move, the data suggests acting sooner rather than later — renewal rates are climbing, and availability in popular communities remains tight.

For landlords: Occupancy resilience is strong. Renewal ratios above 60% mean your tenants are staying — and accepting upward revisions. Pricing power remains on the landlord's side, particularly in established residential communities.

Villa rental renewals averaged AED 1,219/sqft/year — reflecting significant pricing strength in family housing segments.

Commercial — Fewer Deals, Stronger Pricing

174 commercial sales worth AED 775 million.

Off-plan commercial averaged AED 4,078/sqft (up from AED 3,605/sqft in Week 1), with Business Bay offices leading at AED 4,671/sqft. Ready offices in Jumeirah Lake Towers traded at AED 2,074/sqft.

Commercial rentals recorded 7,505 transactions. Retail shop renewals dominated at AED 339/sqft/year, signalling operational stability in established retail corridors.

For business owners and investors: Office pricing is rising in premium locations despite lower volumes — a clear quality-over-quantity dynamic. If you're looking at commercial investment, the pricing gap between off-plan Grade A product and older ready stock is widening, creating opportunities on both ends depending on your strategy.

Five Takeaways for Buyers and Investors

Ready is the new priority. AED 10.28 billion flowed into completed assets — if you're selling a ready property, pricing power is in your favour.

New corridors are emerging. Dubailand Residence Complex and Al Barari are drawing serious transaction volumes — worth watching for early-mover advantage.

JVC remains the market's engine. Liquid in both off-plan and resale, it continues to offer one of the most balanced risk-reward profiles in Dubai.

Villa buyers are getting selective. The shift from volume-led suburban buying to premium, amenity-rich communities is clear.

Rents are holding. Renewals dominate, pricing is firm, and occupancy signals remain positive across residential and commercial segments.

Houzzhunt — Your Property Partner

At houzzhunt, we don't just track numbers — we translate them into opportunities.

Whether you're buying your first home, expanding your investment portfolio, selling at the right moment, or negotiating your next lease, our team combines real market data with hands-on advisory to help you move with clarity and confidence. From off-plan opportunities in emerging corridors to ready assets in Dubai's most sought-after communities, we guide every step of the journey.

Looking to make your next move? Connect with houzzhunt — premium real estate advisory, built around you.