Dubai South Property Prices to Rise 15–20% on $35B Airport Expansion

Real estate experts predict property prices in Dubai South could increase by 15–20% in the near future, driven by the $35 billion (AED 128 billion) expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. The ambitious plan forecasts a transformative impact on regional prices and investor sentiment.

Airport Expansion as a Real Estate Catalyst

The planned expansion of Al Maktoum International – set to become the world’s largest airport with 400 gates and five runways – is already igniting real estate activity across Dubai South and its environs.

Adham Younis, CEO of D&B Properties, described the airport project as “not merely a transportation initiative; it represents a pivotal economic catalyst.” He emphasized that buyers are already attracted to residential and commercial properties in Dubai South due to anticipated demand.

Price Appreciation Trends & Market Momentum

According to Betterhomes, both off-plan and completed property prices in Dubai South have climbed since the airport upgrade announcement. With government contracts underway and construction progressing, analysts expect further price growth throughout 2025.

Svetlana Vasilieva, Head of Secondary Sales at Metropolitan Homes, anticipates residential prices will steadily rise this year, with stronger gains closer to the airport’s first-phase completion.

Knight Frank’s Faisal Durrani warned of a growing demand–supply imbalance, as current home delivery rates—22,000 units per year—fall short of the 70,000 units needed to support projected population growth. He expects this imbalance to push prices upward in the medium to long term.

Developer Response & Infrastructure Growth

Major developers are already launching projects near Dubai South. Notable examples include Emaar South, DAMAC Riverside, and Pulse Villas. These communities feature modern amenities designed for families, professionals, and investors, including green spaces, schools, retail facilities, and transport links.

Nabil Al Kindi, CEO of Dubai South Properties, noted that residential transactions in the area have increased by 11% year-on-year, with community growth averaging 20% annually. He highlighted ongoing development of schools, parks, retail outlets, a hypermarket, mosque, and bus routes – all reinforcing Dubai South’s appeal.

Commercial Property & Rental Market Upside

Simone Dobson, COO of Chestertons MENA, predicts heightened demand for both residential and commercial real estate as airport staff relocate and service sectors expand. She expects properties in the affordable price range to be particularly popular.

Bayut’s Fibha Ahmed observes a 30% surge in residential sales volumes and 40% growth in transaction value over the last year in areas like Al Furjan, Jebel Ali, and Dubai South. She forecasts widespread appreciation in both residential and commercial markets near the airport.

Long-Term Forecast & Strategic Outlook

Industry forecasts suggest the relocation of Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum over the next decade will drive demand for more than 100,000 properties, ultimately supporting a residential and working population nearing one million.

Unique Properties reveals Dubai South has already reached ~$5.4 billion (AED 20 billion) in real estate sales, along with rental yield improvements of 22.8%, reinforcing its standing as a fast-growing market.

Walid Al Zarooni, CEO of W Capital, added that the airport’s scale and its hub-city development will strengthen Dubai’s economic diversification, infrastructure network, logistics, and FDI potential. He urged investors to buy early to benefit from current prices before further appreciation takes hold.

The $35 billion Al Maktoum Airport expansion is already reshaping Dubai South’s property landscape. With strong demand, developer activity, rising prices, and infrastructure acceleration, the region is poised for sustained growth.