(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Dubai's residential real estate market continues its upward trajectory in the first half of 2025, with master-planned communities such as Dubai Hills Estate and Emirates Living playing pivotal roles in driving growth, investor confidence, and long-term capital appreciation. These neighbourhoods, developed by Emaar, are not only architectural benchmarks but also economic engines, offering a blend of luxury, livability, and strategic investment appeal.

Dubai Hills Estate: A Launchpad for Luxury and Livability

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Positioned between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, Dubai Hills Estate has emerged as one of the city's most dynamic submarkets. With direct access to Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Street, the community offers seamless connectivity to major business hubs. It features an 18-hole championship golf course, Dubai Hills Mall, King's College Hospital, and top-tier schools like GEMS Wellington Academy.

“Dubai Hills Estate stands out as a meticulously planned 'city within a city' seamlessly blending expansive green spaces, world-class amenities like the Dubai Hills Mall and an award-winning golf course,” said Abdullah Alajaji, CEO of Driven Properties | Forbes.

The numbers reflect this appeal. Off-plan transactions surged from 1,149 in 2021 to 5,693 in 2024, while ready transactions remained steady at around 1,400 annually. This indicates strong investor confidence in future-ready stock and limited resale activity due to end-user retention.

Sales prices have also climbed steadily. By H1 2025, off-plan homes reached Dh2,479 per square foot, while ready homes stood at Dh2,363 per square foot. The narrowing gap between these segments signals a shift from speculative buying to genuine end-user demand. Branded residences such as Address Hillcrest command premiums of Dh5,148 per square foot, while Emerald Hills plots average Dh4,248 per square foot.

Dubai Hills' rental market is equally robust. Studio rents rose from Dh85.5K in 2021 to Dh134.9K in H1 2025, and 1BR units nearly doubled to Dh138.3K. Rental contracts increased from 3,686 in 2021 to 6,057 in 2024, with high renewal rates indicating tenant satisfaction and long-term residency.

Occupancy rates further validate the community's success, peaking at 88.8 per cent in 2022 and stabilizing at 86.5 per cent in H1 2025. With 54 per cent of its inventory still under construction, Dubai Hills maintains a balanced supply pipeline, ensuring controlled growth and sustained demand.

Emirates Living: Prestige, Stability, and Family-Centric Appeal

While Dubai Hills represents the future of luxury living, Emirates Living stands as a testament to enduring value. Spanning 52 million sq, this mature villa community includes Emirates Hills, The Meadows, The Springs, and The Lakes. Each submarket caters to distinct lifestyle and budget segments, offering lush greenery, lakes, parks, and proximity to top schools and retail hubs.

“Emirates Living is one of Dubai's most prestigious villa communities, defined by its mature infrastructure, greenery, and family-centric lifestyle,” said Alajaji.

Transaction volumes have remained consistent, averaging 760–800 annually over the past four years. In H1 2025, 371 deals were recorded, suggesting continued resilience despite rising prices. The average price per square foot has more than doubled since 2021, reaching Dh2,455 in H1 2025.

Among its submarkets:

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Emirates Hills is the crown jewel, commanding the highest prices at Dh4,929 per square foot. Its 5-bedroom villas reached Dh5,669 per square foot, reflecting its status as a trophy asset market for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. However, liquidity remains low due to limited supply and long-term ownership preferences.

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The Lakes offers a balanced investment profile, with 3-bedroom villas leading demand and 5-bedroom homes reaching Dh4,831 per square foot. Its appeal lies in upscale community living with steady liquidity.

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The Meadows mirrors The Lakes in pricing and demand, with 3- and 4-bedroom villas more than doubling in value since 2021. It caters to families seeking larger homes with long-term appreciation potential.

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The Springs is the most liquid submarket, accounting for 55 per cent of Emirates Living's supply. Prices have doubled from Dh1,012 per square foot in 2021 to Dh2,044 per square foot in H1 2025. Its affordability and high transaction volumes make it attractive to first-time buyers and mid-market investors.

Rental trends reinforce these dynamics. The Springs leads in rental activity, with over 1,700 contracts in 2024. Emirates Hills, by contrast, sees minimal rental turnover, reflecting its ownership-driven nature. Across all submarkets, rental prices have appreciated steadily, with Emirates Hills leading on a per sq basis.

Conclusion

Dubai Hills Estate and Emirates Living represent two pillars of Dubai's real estate strategy-one focused on new-age luxury and investment momentum, the other on stability, prestige, and family living. While Dubai Hills attracts investors with its off-plan launches and branded residences, Emirates Living offers long-term value through its mature infrastructure and limited supply.

Together, these communities are not only driving Dubai's property market forward but also setting benchmarks for capital growth, rental yields, and lifestyle quality. As Alajaji summarised,“With powerful connectivity, world-class amenities, and enduring demand, these neighborhoods remain top destinations for family living, capital appreciation, and long-term investment.”

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