Investors in Dubai’s premium real estate market are increasingly prioritizing privacy, innovative design, and long-term value, with a growing demand for adaptable layouts and lifestyle-focused amenities.

According to research by MERED, the developer behind ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina, luxury property buyers in Dubai value exclusivity, lifestyle features, and privacy. Their buyer insights from the first half of 2025 reveal evolving preferences among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) investing in Dubai’s upscale residential sector.

The study highlights a rising interest in lifestyle-oriented investments, functional floorplans, and wellness-centric design, particularly among younger investors from sectors like technology, digital finance, and cryptocurrency.

Key trends in Dubai’s luxury real estate

The report identifies the main factors driving purchase decisions among premium buyers in Dubai:

• Privacy and exclusivity – 65%

• Architectural excellence and design – 60%

• Location and connectivity – 55%

• Long-term investment potential – 50%

• Lifestyle amenities and services – 45%

• Capital appreciation potential – prioritized by nearly all investors

Demand is strongest for one- and two-bedroom units, valued for their versatility and suitability for both personal use and short-term rentals.

Purchases are becoming more purpose-driven, with 45% of buyers purchasing for personal use, 30% for investment, and 25% opting for a hybrid approach combining both.

While buyers aged 40 to 50 remain the largest segment, representing diverse professions such as finance, private equity, trading, law, and healthcare, there is a noticeable rise in younger buyers entering the Dubai market.

More than 85% of buyers inquire about amenities early in discussions, indicating growing interest in lifestyle-enhancing features such as:

• Private terraces, padel courts, yoga studios, and indoor cinemas

• Ice-spas, children’s play areas, and wellness-focused design elements

• Medical-grade air filtration and ultra-purified water systems

• Wooden flooring and heated bathrooms

Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, commented: “Today’s investors are sophisticated and discerning, seeking timeless architecture, integrated wellness, and a true sense of community. At MERED, we see this as an opportunity to establish new standards with projects that reflect ambition, identity, and the evolving ways people want to live and invest.”

The MERED analysis also identified four main motivations influencing purchase decisions:

• Around 40% of buyers prioritize architectural quality and design pedigree

• 30% focus primarily on long-term investment value and returns

• 20% are driven by lifestyle and the community atmosphere

• 10% consider the developer’s reputation as their key factor