High-net-worth individuals in Dubai’s luxury property segment are increasingly prioritizing architectural quality, investment value, and flexible use cases, according to new buyer insights released by international developer MERED.
The findings—based on buyer activity for the developer’s flagship ICONIC Residences project designed by Pininfarina—highlight a shift in preferences amid evolving demographics and market expectations in the emirate’s high-end real estate sector.
Architecture, Privacy Outrank Location
Roughly 65% of respondents cited privacy and exclusivity as a top priority, while 60% highlighted architectural design as a key determinant. Location and accessibility ranked slightly lower, at 55%, suggesting that design quality and lifestyle appeal are starting to edge out traditional location-based value.
Financial performance remains core: over 50% of respondents ranked capital appreciation potential as a major driver, reinforcing Dubai’s continued appeal to investor-driven buyers.
Smaller Units, Bigger Flexibility
One- and two-bedroom formats are seeing the strongest demand, reflecting a broader shift toward hybrid ownership. MERED says 45% of buyers are purchasing for personal use, 30% for investment purposes, and 25% are employing dual-use strategies, such as part-time residence paired with short-term rentals.
Younger, Digitally Native Buyers Enter Market
While buyers in the 40–50 age range still make up the majority, MERED noted a growing share of purchasers from tech, digital finance, and crypto sectors. These investors are leaning toward branded residences, functional interiors, and properties that offer mobility and income generation features.
Amenities Move from ‘Nice to Have’ to ‘Need to Have’
More than 85% of buyers asked about wellness and lifestyle amenities in initial discussions. High on the checklist: outdoor terraces, padel courts, spas, yoga spaces, and children’s play zones. Sustainability is not yet a decisive factor, but health-focused enhancements—such as medical-grade air filtration and ultra-purified water systems—are attracting interest.
Performance + Personality = Premium
ICONIC Residences is the only project in Dubai offering fully wooden floors and heated bathrooms throughout, creating what the company describes as a “microclimate of comfort.” Buyers familiar with the broader Dubai market have flagged this as a standout differentiator.
Purchase Decision Drivers
Buyers cited four main reasons for purchasing:
- 40%: Architectural quality and design brand
- 30%: Long-term ROI
- 20%: Lifestyle/community ecosystem
- 10%: Developer track record
CEO Commentary
“This generation of buyers is looking for more than a luxury asset—they want a property that reflects identity, ambition and long-term value,” said MERED CEO Michael Belton. “They expect thoughtful design, wellness integration and a sense of belonging.”
As Dubai evolves into a global nexus for capital, innovation, and lifestyle, developers like MERED are leaning into these trends with projects that blur the lines between real estate, design and portfolio-grade investments.
