Dubai’s real estate landscape is experiencing an unparalleled surge, reaching historic highs in November 2023, paving the way for dynamic shifts and emerging trends.
Amidst these remarkable times, the market is witnessing a flurry of trends that promise to reshape the emirate’s property sector in the coming year.
Insights gleaned from industry experts offer a glimpse into the evolving dynamics and potential trajectories for 2024.
1. Suburban Migration:
A notable trend involves homeowners seeking enhanced value and space, prompting a shift from central hubs to burgeoning suburban areas and newly established residential communities like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai South, Townsquare, Reem, and Arjan. These locales, still relatively affordable compared to prime areas, attract considerable interest.
2. Surge in First-Time Buyers:
Amidst soaring rents, a surge in first-time buyers is observed, particularly in the entry-level segment, with prices up to Dh3 million. The demand is notably high for apartments and compact townhouses in suburban settings, reflecting the evolving preferences of new entrants into the market.
3. Prime Home Remodelling:
Investors and property owners in sought-after locations opt for extensive property redesign and renovation before reintroducing them to the market, aiming for premium sales prices or higher rental returns.
4. Seller Expectations vs. Market Prices:
There exists a noticeable disparity between seller expectations and actual market prices. Current data indicates a 15% gap between average seller listing prices and realized property sales prices, reflecting the influence of heightened demand on sellers’ pricing strategies.
5. Capitalizing on Market Peaks:
A robust market cycle prompts varied actions from buyers and sellers. The recent surpassing of the 2014 average price per square foot record signals a strong market.
Capital appreciation presents an opportune moment for some investors to capitalize on gains. Meanwhile, escalating rental costs drive first-time buyers, constituting over 70% of all residential sales in 2023 within the Dh3 million price range.
6. Increased Property Availability:
Anticipated handovers of nearly 67,000 units in 2024, up from approximately 50,000 in the current year, will expand property options.
This surge in supply, including off-plan developments reaching completion, may temper price escalations and provide relief to renters towards the latter part of 2024.
