Dubai real estate market data shows apartments outpacing villas as developers focus on high-density housing: Report

JVC, Townsquare, and DAMAC Hills were noted for high apartment supply

Staff Writer

November 6, 2025

Article summary

AI Generated

Data from Allsopp & Allsopp indicates a mismatch in Dubai's property market, with developers focusing on high-density apartments. Apartment launches constitute 89% of the total in 2025, while villas and townhouses make up only 11%. This trend may lead to market saturation despite population growth.

Key points

Dubai's property market shows a disparity between property launches and completions.
Apartments dominate new builds, potentially leading to market saturation in the future.
Areas like Jumeirah Village Circle are seeing high apartment supply growth currently.

The Dubai real estate market is experiencing a “mismatch” between the types of homes being launched and completed, according to data from Allsopp & Allsopp released on Thursday.

Developers launched 154,145 units in 2024 but completed only 34,165 units, representing 22 per cent of total launches.

The pattern has continued in 2025, with 152,402 units launched year-to-date against 31,437 completions, or 21 per cent of launches. “The core of the imbalance lies in the type of property developers are building. A closer look at the data shows developers’ strong focus on high-density apartment projects, which could tilt the market further toward saturation in the coming years,” the data revealed.

Completion rates lag behind launches across Dubai property market

The data reveals that 89 per cent of units launched in 2025 so far were apartments, with just 11 per cent comprising villas and townhouses. Completions show a different distribution, with 75 per cent apartments and 25 per cent villas and townhouses.

Dubai’s population grew by approximately 100 new residents per day in the first quarter of 2025, with an estimated increase of over 130,000 people expected this year, bringing the total to four million.

“An increase in apartment supply isn’t inherently negative, it’s actually essential to a balanced market. Apartments cater to singles, couples, young families, first-time buyers and investors – the very buyers who need an accessible entry point into Dubai real estate. Keeping a strong, well-priced pipeline is how we ensure Dubai remains affordable, supports rental stability, and truly is a home for everyone,” Lewis Allsopp, Chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp said in a statement.

Jumeirah Village Circle, Townsquare lead Dubai apartment supply growth

Areas including Jumeirah Village Circle, Townsquare, DAMAC Hills, Arjan, and Studio City are experiencing high apartment supply levels.

Market activity in October showed sales of properties below AED 1 million rising 58 per cent, while sales in the AED 1-3 million range increased by 18 per cent.