Abu Dhabi’s Secondary Real Estate Market Soars 53% in Q1 2025, Reaching AED 5.04 Billion

Abu Dhabi’s secondary real estate market has recorded a remarkable 53% year-on-year surge in the first quarter of 2025, reaching AED 5.04 billion in transactions. This significant growth, up from AED 3.3 billion in Q1 2024, highlights strong investor confidence in the emirate’s property sector, particularly for ready-to-move-in homes and premium villas, according to data from Metropolitan Capital Real Estate (MCRE).

The sector now represents 11.4% of the total real estate market, driven by growing interest from both end-users and international investors seeking stability, lifestyle appeal, and high returns in the UAE.

“The performance of Abu Dhabi’s secondary real estate market in the first quarter of 2025 is truly exceptional,” said Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of MCRE. “The growth underscores the emirate’s maturity and continued attractiveness as a prime investment destination.”

MCRE Leads the Market with 152% Surge in Sales Value

MCRE reported a 152% year-on-year increase in sales value, capturing a 21% share of Abu Dhabi’s freehold residential secondary market. The firm aims to raise this figure to 25% by the end of 2025.

A standout deal during the quarter was the AED 83 million sale of a seven-bedroom beachfront villa on Saadiyat Island, handled by luxury property specialist Natalia Kushparenko, showcasing rising demand for ultra-premium lifestyle communities.

Segment Highlights: Villas and Townhouses Dominate

• Townhouses: Transaction value soared 142%, reaching AED 76.89 million (up from AED 31.71 million in Q1 2024).

• Villas: Sales rose 15% to AED 1.47 billion, compared to AED 1.27 billion in Q1 2024.

• Apartments: Modest growth of 7% was recorded, totaling AED 899.33 million in Q1 2025.

Overall, residential secondary sales rose by 15%, reaching AED 2.74 billion, with transactions increasing from 972 to 992.

Buyer Demographics and Hotspots

UAE nationals led purchases in the secondary market, making up 21% of transactions, followed by Russians (10%), UK nationals (9%), and Indians (8%).

Top-performing areas included:

• Yas Island: 266 transactions worth AED 755 million

• Al Reem Island: 195 transactions worth AED 275 million

• Al Reef: 127 transactions worth AED 151 million

• Saadiyat Island: 113 transactions worth AED 909 million

Outlook for 2025

MCRE expects continued momentum for the rest of the year, particularly in lifestyle-driven destinations like Saadiyat, Yas, and Al Reem Islands. Amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Abu Dhabi is increasingly seen as a safe haven for international capital, offering both resilience and long-term growth potential.