Global investors buying luxury property in Dubai are primarily influenced by developer reputation and delivery track record, with most seeking to live in the city rather than hold units purely as investments, according to a new survey of real estate brokers.
The survey by Keturah points to a maturing property market, where buyers are making long-term commitments based on accurate market analysis, signalling that speculative buying and short-term flipping are increasingly a thing of the past.
Developer reputation and delivery history are the most influential factors in closing luxury property deals, cited by 36 per cent of brokers surveyed.
Developers drive buying habits
This is followed by quality of master planning and amenities at 24 per cent, and price relative to comparable projects at 20 per cent.
Only 16 per cent said short-term capital appreciation was the primary driver.
Reflecting a shift in buyer profile, 45 per cent of brokers said most buyers are end users planning to live in Dubai, while 40 per cent mainly deal with long-term investors holding property for at least five years.
According to 42 per cent of brokers, data and accurate market information now drive every buying decision, with 57 per cent identifying DXBinteract as the most reliable source of Dubai real estate data.
With Dubai now viewed as one of the world’s most dynamic property markets, brokers cited investor confidence and regulatory transparency (15 per cent), innovative projects and world-class infrastructure (15 per cent), high quality (13 per cent), and master-planned luxury communities (13 per cent) as the key drivers of demand.
Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of Keturah, said: “The survey provides a clear indication of how the profile of investors in Dubai luxury real estate has evolved as the market has matured.
“Buyers want proven track records, not promises. They’re conducting serious due diligence on delivery capability and financial strength. What we’re seeing is sophisticated capital making long-term commitments based on verified fundamentals rather than speculative narratives.
“The dominance of end-users and long-term holders over short-term investors shows this is now a wealth preservation market, not a quick-flip destination.”
Keturah insights
The survey was conducted among 1,100 brokers representing 150 real estate agencies when Talal and master agency fäm Properties delivered insights into Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7bn ($1.55bn) bio-living residential development at Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7 in Meydan.
It highlights how lifestyle quality is now defining luxury purchasing decisions, with 21 per cent of brokers citing space as the key factor for buyers, another 21 per cent pointing to privacy and low-density living, while 19 per cent identified wellness and 19 per cent nature and lifestyle design.
Talal M. Al Gaddah said: “Buyers want space, privacy, wellness, and nature-led design. The survey shows what the market’s most sophisticated buyers actually demand, not what developers assume they want.”
He said Keturah Reserve addresses these priorities through larger-than-average apartments optimised for natural light, a virtual forest of imported trees creating a nature-focused community, and amenities including spa facilities, infinity pools, and rooftop yoga and meditation spaces.
Delivery deadlines
Despite the positive outlook, delivery timelines and construction progress remain buyers’ biggest concerns before committing, cited by 40 per cent of brokers.
This was followed by exit liquidity and resale demand at 20 per cent, developer financial strength and credibility at 15 per cent, and long-term maintenance and community management at 15 per cent.
The expansion of Dubai’s luxury real estate inventory is viewed positively by 38 per cent of brokers, who believe it brings greater choice and improved quality, while 31 per cent said only proven developers will ultimately capture demand.
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