Dubai leads the world in branded residences with 160% growth
According to data from Betterhomes, a Dubai-based real estate consultancy, in 2024, Dubai recorded the sale of over 13,000 branded residences, a 43 per cent increase on the previous year generating a transaction value of Dh60 billion.
This figure represents 8.5 per cent of the total real estate transaction value, highlighting the sector's growing prominence. With 140 branded real estate projects scheduled for completion by 2031, Dubai continues to lead the EMEA region as the premium market for branded residences, whether in terms of completed developments or those in the pipeline. Investors and buyers are willing to pay, on average, a 40 per cent–60 per cent premium per square foot for branded properties over their non-branded counterparts in the same locality, underscoring both their perceived value and enduring appeal.
Branded residences represent a fusion of luxury real estate and globally recognised brands, providing residents with exclusive access to exceptional services and carefully curated lifestyle. While the sector was initially dominated by prestigious hospitality names such as Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, it has since evolved to encompass a broader range of brands including automotive marques like MercedesBenz, Bentley, and Bugatti; fashion houses such as Armani and Missoni; and entertainment giants like Cipriani. This diversification signals a wider shift towards lifestyle-centric luxury real estate that redefines conventional notions of homeownership.
Dubai's emergence as the epicentre of branded residences is driven by a strategic blend of progressive government policies, visionary developers, and exceptional locations. The city offers a highly attractive regulatory environment, featuring 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero income tax, and long-term Golden Visas for investors all of which significantly enhance its appeal to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from around the globe.
Developers such as Binghatti (Bugatti Residences), Arada (Armani Beach Residences), and Select Group (Six Senses Residences) have established strategic partnerships with globally recognised brands, significantly enhancing the prestige and marketability of their developments. Meanwhile, master developers including Emaar, Meraas, and Nakheel have created iconic, brand-centric enclaves that have come to define Dubai's luxury property landscape. 'The city's unique blend of regulatory advantages, innovative brand collaborations, and exceptional real estate locations has firmly positioned it ahead of global competitors such as Miami, New York, and Phuket,' Betterhomes said.
When compared to other major markets such as Miami, London, Spain, and Thailand, Dubai's luxury real estate market offers a far more compelling investment proposition. While Miami commands ultra premium prices, with Aston Martin Residences reaching Dh25,000 per square foot, a 525 per cent premium, Dubai's branded residences remain more competitively priced. For example, Bvlgari Residences, one of the most popular developments in Dubai, is priced at Dh10,500 per square foot and still delivers a 166 per cent premium, while Bugatti Residences leads at a 237 per cent premium. In London, The OWO Residences are priced at Dh20,000 per square foot, but high taxes and complex regulations dampen investor appeal.
Similarly, while Spain's Lamborghini Tierra Viva and Thailand's Banyan Tree Residences offer exclusivity, they lack the investor friendly environment, liquidity, and long term growth potential that make Dubai the most attractive destination for luxury real estate investment today.
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