Dubai Off-Plan Properties: Why Owners Aren't Rushing to Sell? Market Trends and Expert Insights
Introduction
Dubai's real estate market, especially the 'off-plan' sector for buying and selling uncompleted properties, is booming. Its momentum knows no bounds, with transaction volumes and total values reaching record highs in 2025. Interestingly, however, many off-plan property owners are holding onto their assets rather than selling them immediately. This article will clearly explain why they continue to hold their properties, delving into the underlying market trends and expert opinions.
Current Status of the Dubai Real Estate Market
First, let's look at just how active the current Dubai real estate market is.
- Dominance of Off-Plan Properties: Last year, off-plan properties accounted for 73% of total real estate sales in Dubai. This is an increase from 69% in 2024, indicating the growing importance of off-plan properties in the market.
- Record-Breaking Transactions: In 2025, the market set new records, with transaction volumes exceeding 200,000 and total values reaching AED 541.5 billion.
Despite such a vibrant market, many investors are currently not moving to secure short-term profits.
Why Owners Continue to Hold Properties
So, why are many off-plan property owners not rushing to sell? The primary reason is the expectation of higher returns.
### Investing with a Long-Term Perspective
Zacky Sajjad, an expert at real estate consulting firm Cavendish Maxwell, points out that Dubai real estate is a long-term investment. Many owners are not satisfied with current market prices; instead, they anticipate further appreciation in value in the future. In fact, only about 10% to 20% of off-plan property owners are moving to resell, indicating that the vast majority are choosing long-term ownership.
### Stability Brought by Market "Softening"
Recently, the Dubai real estate market has sometimes been described as 'softening' or 'calming down'. However, this is not necessarily a negative connotation. Behind this phenomenon are several positive factors, including:
- Geopolitical Stability: Compared to the surrounding region's situation, Dubai's stability makes it a preferred destination for many people looking to relocate.
- Increase in Tourists: Record-breaking tourist numbers are supporting real estate demand.
- Steady Population Growth: Dubai's population continues to grow steadily, driving up housing demand.
The combination of these factors is shifting the market from rapid fluctuations towards more stable and sustainable growth.
Future Market Outlook
Experts believe that Dubai's real estate market has entered a normalization phase. While property prices have shown a slight downward trend in recent months, this is seen as a natural adjustment for an overheated market to regain balance. Towards 2026, the market is predicted to achieve a more balanced state.
Conclusion
The main reason Dubai's off-plan property owners continue to hold their properties is their expectation of long-term asset value appreciation rather than short-term gains. While record-breaking transactions continue, the market is entering a phase of stabilization and normalization, with many investors placing strong trust in Dubai's future prospects. Having passed through a rapid growth phase, Dubai's real estate market can be said to be transitioning into a more mature and stable market.
Reference Article: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/property/dubai-off-plan-properties-owners