Dubai’s high-end real estate investors prioritize privacy, design, and long-term value, with increasing interest in flexible layouts and lifestyle-focused amenities.
According to research from MERED, luxury property buyers in Dubai emphasize privacy, exclusivity, and lifestyle facilities.
MERED, the developer behind ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina, shared buyer insights based on interactions during the first half of 2025. The report reveals changing preferences among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) investing in Dubai’s luxury residential sector.
Key findings show a rising demand for lifestyle-centered investments, practical layouts, and wellness-oriented design, especially among younger investors from industries such as technology, digital finance, and cryptocurrency.
Luxury Dubai Real Estate Trends
The report lists the main factors influencing premium buyers’ decisions in Dubai:
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Privacy and exclusivity – 65%
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Architectural quality and design – 60%
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Location and connectivity – 55%
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Long-term investment potential – 50%
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Lifestyle amenities and services – 45%
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Nearly all investors seek capital appreciation potential.
There is a particularly strong demand for one- and two-bedroom units, which provide greater flexibility and suit both personal use and short-term rental strategies.
Purchases are increasingly purposeful: 45% buy for personal use, 30% for investment, and 25% choose a hybrid approach combining both.
Buyers aged 40 to 50 still dominate the market, coming from varied professional backgrounds including finance, private equity, trading, legal, and healthcare.
However, MERED notes a rising presence of younger buyers entering Dubai’s real estate market.
Over 85% of buyers inquire about amenities early in discussions, indicating growing interest in lifestyle-enhancing features such as:
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Private terraces, padel courts, yoga studios, and indoor cinemas
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Ice spas, children’s play areas, and wellness-focused design
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Medical-grade air filtration and ultra-purified water systems
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Wooden flooring and heated bathrooms
Michael Belton, MERED’s CEO, said: “Today’s investors are sophisticated and discerning, seeking timeless architecture, wellness integration, and a strong community feel. At MERED, we view this as a chance to set new standards with projects that reflect ambition, identity, and how people want to live and invest.”
The MERED study identified four main factors that consistently impact final purchase choices:
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About 40% of buyers prioritize architectural excellence and design pedigree
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Around 30% focus on long-term investment value and returns
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Approximately 20% are driven by lifestyle and community atmosphere
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10% consider the developer’s track record as a key factor
