ASTRA TERRA / BUYER’S GUIDE

Dubai property prices.
Look beyond the average.

This is a comparison method, not a live index of area prices. Compare the property, the evidence and the full commitment. A useful benchmark starts with transactions that resemble the home you are considering.

Reviewed 21 October 2026 · Method and comparison guide

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The same price can buy different amounts of spaceHypothetical example: a price of 1.2 million dirhams divided by 800 square feet gives 1,500 dirhams per square foot; divided by 1,000 square feet gives 1,200. This is arithmetic, not market data.800 sq ft1,000 sq ftAED 1,500 / sq ftAED 1,200 / sq ftSAME HYPOTHETICAL PRICE: AED 1,200,000
Illustrative floor-area comparison. Not a floor plan, listing or market benchmark.

01 / EVIDENCE FIRST

Asking prices and completed sales answer different questions.

An asking price tells you what a seller is seeking. A recorded sale tells you what was registered for a particular transaction. Neither establishes the value of another property without checking its characteristics and the date.

Dubai Land Department’s real estate data portal provides transaction information and filters. Record the date range, location, property type, area and sample size when drawing a comparison. Keep off-plan and ready-property transactions separate where their terms differ.

02 / LIKE FOR LIKE

Build the right comparison for your property.

Apartments

Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, JLT and JVC

Start with the same building, bedroom count and recorded area. Check floor, view, parking, service charges, occupancy and condition.

Villas

Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Palm Jumeirah and DAMAC Hills

Separate plot area from built-up area. Compare layout, upgrades, privacy, maintenance and location within the community.

Townhouses

Town Square, JVC, DAMAC Hills 2 and Tilal Al Ghaf

Match the phase and layout. Check corner versus middle units, outdoor area, condition, completion status and payment terms.

These are examples of areas to research, not an affordability ranking or a statement of current availability.

03 / YOUR WORKING SHEET

Keep four numbers separate.

  1. Purchase price. The price of the specific unit, with the quotation date and any conditions.
  2. Area. The documented measurement and its basis. Use consistent units across the comparison.
  3. Initial cash requirement. Your deposit or equity, applicable transaction costs, finance costs and planned works.
  4. Recurring ownership costs. Service charges, maintenance, insurance, financing and any other applicable costs.

For example, AED 1,200,000 ÷ 800 sq ft = AED 1,500 per sq ft. The same price divided by 1,000 sq ft is AED 1,200 per sq ft. These hypothetical figures explain the calculation; they do not predict a fair price or return.

Questions before you buy.

How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Dubai?

There is no reliable single price for every one-bedroom apartment. Compare recent transactions in the same building or a closely matched building, with similar size, condition, view and occupancy. Confirm the asking price and availability of the specific unit in writing.

What is the cheapest area to buy property in Dubai?

Compare available properties within your total budget rather than relying on an undated area ranking. A lower purchase price can come with different service charges, maintenance needs, access and financing conditions.

Are Dubai property prices rising or falling in 2026?

The answer depends on the period, area and property type being measured. Use dated transaction samples and report their size and limitations. This guide does not present an unverified city-wide growth rate.

How should I calculate price per square foot?

Divide the property price by its recorded area in square feet. Use the same area basis for every comparison; do not mix built-up area, plot area and internal area. Price per square foot is a comparison aid, not a valuation.

A PROPERTY-SPECIFIC CONVERSATION

Bring us your shortlist.

Share the property link or building name, asking price, recorded area, total budget, intended use and purchase timeframe. We can discuss the evidence needed to compare it and the questions to put to the seller. Availability, price and terms require confirmation.

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