Dubai real estate scorecard: How sales and rents performed in H1 2021

Sales and rents of properties in Dubai's most popular areas have seen a significant jump in the first half of 2021 thanks to the emirate's proactive moves that have spurred demand. These moves include the introduction of the Golden Visa, 100 percent foreign company ownership and remote work visas, in addition to the swift rollout of vaccination campaigns to make the emirate a safe place for investors and residents.

According to the combined data from Bayut & Dubizzle, properties for sale in Dubai have seen price increases between 6 percent to 20 percent in H1 2021.

Buyers flocked to Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Akoya Oxygen, Dubailand and Jumeirah Lake Towers for affordably-priced apartments and villas, the report said.

Rising rents

The surge in rents was only confined to the luxury real-estate market.

While affordable apartments saw minor decreases under 10 percent in asking prices, luxury properties experienced increases up to 13 percent, the report said, adding that the affordable villa segment has seen rental rates remain largely steady in H1 2021, while the luxury market has