Developer Trust Drives Dubai Luxury Property Investment

Dubai, UAE – 26 January 2026:

A new survey of real estate brokers reveals that developer credibility and proven delivery records have become the most decisive factors influencing global investors purchasing luxury property in Dubai. The findings highlight a significant shift in buyer behaviour, with wealthy investors increasingly seeking long-term lifestyle value rather than short-term speculative gains.

According to the survey conducted by luxury real estate brand Keturah, 36% of brokers stated that a developer’s reputation and track record are the primary drivers in closing high-end property deals. This was followed by the quality of master planning and amenities at 24%, and price competitiveness relative to similar projects at 20%. Only 16% of brokers reported that short-term capital appreciation remains a key motivation, indicating a decline in speculative “flipping” activity.

The study also shows a changing buyer profile. Nearly 45% of luxury buyers are end-users who intend to live in Dubai, while 40% are long-term investors planning to hold properties for at least five years. This shift reflects growing confidence in Dubai’s property market as a stable asset class for wealth preservation rather than rapid profit-making.

Data-driven decision-making is now central to luxury property transactions, with 42% of brokers stating that buyers rely heavily on accurate market analytics. More than half (57%) of brokers identified DXBinteract as the most trusted source of real estate data in Dubai.

Brokers cited investor confidence and regulatory transparency (15%), innovative project development and world-class infrastructure (15%), high construction quality (13%), and master-planned luxury communities (13%) as the primary reasons Dubai continues to attract global high-net-worth investors.

Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, said the survey underscores the growing sophistication of luxury property buyers.
“Today’s buyers are not driven by promises or hype. They are conducting detailed due diligence on delivery capability, financial strength, and project fundamentals. We are seeing long-term capital entering the market, reflecting confidence in Dubai as a global wealth hub rather than a speculative playground,” he said.

The survey also explored lifestyle priorities shaping luxury purchases. Space and privacy were cited by 21% of brokers each as key buyer preferences, followed by wellness features (19%) and nature-driven design (19%). These findings demonstrate that lifestyle quality has become a defining factor in luxury real estate purchasing decisions.

Al Gaddah highlighted that Keturah Reserve, a AED 5.7 billion bio-living residential development in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7 in Meydan, was designed to align with these evolving buyer expectations. The project features spacious apartments with enhanced natural lighting, extensive greenery including a curated “virtual forest,” and premium wellness amenities such as spa facilities, infinity pools, rooftop yoga, and meditation spaces.

Concerns among buyers before committing to luxury property purchases include delivery timelines and construction progress (40%), exit liquidity and resale demand (20%), developer financial credibility (15%), and long-term maintenance and community management (15%).

Brokers also view the growing supply of luxury real estate in Dubai positively. About 38% believe increased inventory will improve quality and provide more choice for buyers, while 31% say demand will increasingly concentrate around proven and reputable developers.

Overall, the survey reflects the maturity of Dubai’s luxury real estate market, where sophisticated buyers are making informed, long-term investments driven by lifestyle aspirations, developer trust, and market fundamentals rather than speculative returns.