In the second quarter of 2025, Dubai continued to lead the world in the number of home transactions for $10 million or more, confirming its position as the world’s most active super-prime residential market, according to Knight Frank’s most recent Global Super-Prime Intelligence report.
The survey claims that there is still a significant global demand for ultra-luxury residences in spite of a complicated macroeconomic climate. 590 super-prime purchases took place in Q2 2025, up 19% from 497 agreements during the same period the year before. The total value of these transactions rose from $8.9 billion to $11.8 billion, a 33% rise over the previous year, demonstrating high demand from affluent people in major global cities.
Dubai continued to dominate the worldwide super-prime market, with more transactions than more established powerhouses like New York, London, and Hong Kong. What makes the emirate so alluring is the confluence of its superior infrastructure, tax advantages, strong economic base, and unmatched lifestyle options. The United Arab Emirates has seen a surge in the demand for luxury real estate from foreign investors seeking a safe refuge for their money, in addition to the influx of wealthy businesspeople and family offices.
“Dubai’s position as the world’s leading super-prime market is now firmly established,” said Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank. “Its performance underscores the emirate’s maturity as a wealth hub and its ability to attract global capital consistently, irrespective of market cycles.”
Even though Dubai led in the number of deals, Knight Frank’s data shows that New York reclaimed its top spot in terms of total transaction value, recording the largest aggregate for sales of $10 million or more for the first time since late 2021. This was prompted by strong activity in the trophy townhouse resale market and Manhattan’s ultra-prime condominium market.
Los Angeles experienced a sharp rebound and its best quarterly performance since early 2021, driven by a spike in the sale of upscale single-family homes in Malibu and Beverly Hills. Hong Kong, on the other hand, had a robust recovery, with both transaction volumes and values rising significantly year over year, suggesting that pent-up demand remains robust despite persistent political and economic challenges.
Industry analysts attribute Dubai’s continued dominance to a number of positive factors, including its investor-friendly policies, top-notch safety standards, year-round sunshine, and the steady influx of wealthy expatriates and remote entrepreneurs drawn by its long-term residency programs.
About one in five super-prime transactions globally in 2024 occurred in Dubai, according to statistics from earlier Knight Frank investigations. Record-breaking sales took place in affluent communities like Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Bay Island, and Dubai Hills Estate. Dubai is now firmly positioned alongside global icons like New York’s Billionaires’ Row and London’s Mayfair, with some residences selling for over $100 million.
Due to a limited amount of new supply in the ultra-luxury market and consistent private capital inflows from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, real estate specialists predict that the momentum will continue for the rest of 2025. As a result, builders are starting a frenzy of new luxury projects targeted at elite people. These developments feature branded residences, penthouses, and waterfront villas that blend distinctive architecture with privacy and concierge-style living.
Bailey noted that the super-prime market’s resilience is still impressive, despite the fact that investors would have to contend with a more complex global environment marked by shifting interest rates and erratic political situations.“Dubai holds its lead, but New York’s resurgence and strong rebounds in Los Angeles and Hong Kong highlight the depth and diversity of global demand. Looking ahead, momentum is expected to be sustained as ultra-wealthy buyers continue to diversify across markets offering value, stability and lifestyle appeal,” he said.
As global wealth creation speeds up and investor confidence rises, Dubai’s ability to draw in the world’s wealthiest buyers is unparalleled, securing its place as the center of the super-prime real estate market.
