Abu Dhabi’s secondary real estate market saw a 53% rise in transaction value in the first quarter of 2025, reaching AED 5.04 billion—up from AED 3.3 billion in the same period last year. This data was shared by Metropolitan Capital Real Estate (MCRE).
Today, the secondary market accounts for 11.4% of Abu Dhabi’s total property transactions. The demand is being driven by both local buyers and international investors who are looking for ready-to-move-in homes with strong investment returns.
“The strong results in early 2025 show that Abu Dhabi’s property market is growing and becoming more stable,” said Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of MCRE. “Higher transaction values and more deals highlight the strong interest in ready properties, as well as the city’s ongoing appeal to international buyers thanks to good returns and a high quality of life.”
International Buyers Driving Market Growth
MCRE reported a 152% year-over-year increase in sales value, outperforming the overall market. The company aims to grow its share of Abu Dhabi’s freehold secondary residential market from 21% to 25% by the end of 2025.
One of the key deals in Q1 was the AED 83 million sale of a seven-bedroom villa with sea access on Saadiyat Island, managed by luxury real estate expert Natalia Kushparenko. The sale reflects the growing interest in high-end residential areas.
Luxury Villas Leading Sales in 2025
Sales in the secondary residential market rose from AED 2.38 billion in Q1 2024 to AED 2.74 billion in Q1 2025—an increase of 15%. The number of transactions also rose slightly from 972 to 992.
Townhouses saw the biggest jump in value, rising 142% to AED 76.89 million from AED 31.71 million last year. Villa sales increased by 15% to AED 1.47 billion, and apartment sales rose by 7%, reaching AED 899.33 million.
UAE nationals were the most active group of buyers, accounting for 21% of secondary market deals in Q1 2025.
Top Areas for Property Activity
Yas Island led in transaction volume with 266 deals worth AED 755 million. Other active areas included:
Al Reef: 127 transactions worth AED 151 million
Saadiyat Island: 113 transactions worth AED 909 million
Al Reem Island: 195 transactions worth AED 275 million
MCRE expects continued strong performance throughout 2025, especially in popular areas like Saadiyat, Yas, and Al Reem Islands. The company also expects international investment to remain strong as buyers seek secure and stable markets during uncertain times.
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