By Rovex Real Estate | Updated November 2025
Sky-high living is redefining Dubai’s luxury real estate narrative.
Recent research reveals that penthouses have surged ahead of villas and duplexes as the most sought-after properties among ultra-wealthy buyers. According to new data released by eXp Dubai, nearly one in five homes listed above AED 50 million is now a penthouse — marking a clear shift in global luxury preferences.
The Rise of Vertical Luxury
Dubai’s property market has long been synonymous with opulence, but the numbers now paint a new picture.
- 5.9% of all homes for sale in Dubai are priced between AED 10–25 million
- 1.9% fall between AED 25–50 million, and
- 1.1% exceed AED 50 million
These figures underline Dubai’s deep and growing inventory of high-value homes — a segment that remains vibrant even as other global luxury hubs experience slowdown.
When comparing property types, penthouses, villas, and duplexes perform competitively in the AED 10–25 million range, accounting for 33.6%, 29%, and 20.6% of listings respectively.
However, once the price climbs above AED 25 million, penthouses dominate.
- In the AED 25–50 million bracket:
- Penthouses: 20.1%
- Villas: 9.5%
- Duplexes: 7.7%
- Penthouses: 20.1%
- Above AED 50 million:
- Penthouses: 19.6%
- Villas: 4.3%
- Duplexes: 4.8%
- Penthouses: 19.6%
This data confirms that the penthouse has become Dubai’s ultimate trophy asset — combining luxury, exclusivity, and skyline prestige in one remarkable package.
Why the World’s Wealthiest Are Choosing the Sky
“Dubai’s luxury property market continues to evolve, and nowhere is this more evident than in the penthouse sector,” says Dounia Fadi, Managing Director of eXp Dubai.
She notes that buyers are no longer just seeking space, but experiences: private pools, panoramic skyline views, and access to concierge-style amenities once reserved for five-star hotels.
While villas remain integral to Dubai’s real estate fabric, penthouses now represent architectural ambition and cosmopolitan prestige — appealing to high-net-worth individuals seeking privacy without sacrificing proximity to the city’s pulse.
Beyond Ownership: A Symbol of Identity
According to Vidhyadharan Sivaprasad, Chairman of Condor Developers, “Owning a penthouse in Dubai is no longer just about real estate—it’s about identity.”
It signals global sophistication, access to the best skyline views, and an unmatched sense of privacy. In many ways, the penthouse is the new beachfront villa, reflecting a modern shift in what defines luxury living in Dubai.
He adds that the emirate’s position as a financial and cultural hub, paired with favorable tax structures and residency benefits, continues to draw investors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. These ultra-wealthy buyers view Dubai not merely as an investment destination, but as a long-term lifestyle choice.
Developers Aim Higher — Literally
Developers are responding to this shift by integrating larger and more lavish penthouses into their high-rise projects.
Many of these residences now feature multi-level layouts, bespoke interiors, and design collaborations with global luxury brands.
“Ten years ago, the villa was the dream. Today, the penthouse is the statement,” says Jayakrishnan Bhaskar, Director at Ozon Marketing Management. “For global elites, Dubai’s skyline isn’t just a view—it’s part of the brand they buy into.”
Dubai’s Skyline: The New Luxury Address
As land scarcity in prime neighborhoods pushes development upward, penthouses have become the new pinnacle of luxury — offering residents the best of both worlds: urban connectivity and private serenity.
The evolution of Dubai’s luxury real estate market signals more than changing preferences — it reflects a cultural transformation where sky-high living defines status, sophistication, and success.
📈 Source: Data by eXp Dubai and Property Finder, October 2025
📍 Published by: Rovex Real Estate Insights
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