Record property prices and payment plans are inclining buyers to explore more affordable locations on the outskirts in Dubai. Central areas like Downtown, Business Bay and Palm Jumeirah have seen steady price hikes, driven by high demand from wealthy residents and international investors.

In contrast, suburban and affordable communities are now leading the market. Areas like Discovery Gardens, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Dubailand have recorded significant price increases as buyers seek more economical options. According to Cushman & Wakefield, citywide sales prices rose 20% year-on-year in Q3 2024 with villas up 23% and apartments 19%.

The demand for off-plan properties also remains strong with developers offering aggressive payment plans such as 80/20 or 75/25 structures to attract buyers. However, this trend is making homeownership less accessible for lower-income buyers, especially for larger homes.