Dubai Ranks Among Top 10 Global Second-Home Destinations

Discover why Dubai is a magnet for the world’s wealthiest property investors

Dubai has officially secured a place among the top 10 second-home destinations for the ultra-wealthy, according to the Altrata Wealth Report 2025, published by Business Insider. With 1,288 ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) owning second homes here, Dubai now sits beside global hotspots like London, Monaco, and Geneva.

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Understanding HNWIs and UHNWIs 

When discussing Dubai’s luxury real estate market, reports often refer to HNWIs (High-Net-Worth Individuals) and UHNWIs (Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals). These terms may sound similar, but they describe very different levels of wealth and influence in the property market.

• HNWIs are individuals with a net worth of USD 1 million or more, excluding their primary residence. This group includes successful entrepreneurs, executives, and investors who have significant capital available for investment. 
• UHNWIs, on the other hand, are in an entirely different wealth category. They have a net worth of USD 30 million or more, excluding their primary residence. These individuals often own multiple properties around the world, hold major business interests, and possess substantial liquid assets.

Dubai: The City to Be 

According to Altrata’s 2025 research, Dubai distinguishes itself through tax advantages, long-term Golden Visa program, and a premium infrastructure. For UHNWIs, Dubai is more than just a second home—it is a secure financial asset, a personal retreat, and a globally connected hub.

The trend is reinforced by Knight Frank’s Destination Dubai 2025 report, which shows 68% of global HNWIs are interested in buying properties in Dubai. The city’s real estate transaction value rose an extraordinary 767% between 2020 and 2024, reaching AED 367 billion (USD 100 billion).

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Who’s Driving Demand? 

Some nationalities stand out as the most enthusiastic about buying properties in Dubai. Based on Knight Frank’s 2025 survey:

• • 96% are Saudi UHNWIs
    
  • Followed by 86% of Indian UHNWIs
    
  • 61% are Chinese UHNWIs
    
  • 50% are British UHNWIs

These figures echo market activity, where Saudi, Indian, and British buyers accounted for over 50% of all property sales in 2025.
The reasons behind these purchases vary. Among East Asian UHNWIs, 37% are primarily motivated to purchase a Dubai property as a vacation home, making leisure the main driver for this group. In contrast, for British UHNWIs, the leading reason for purchase is rental investment, with 27% planning to buy-to-let.

Most Desired Locations for Second Homes 

Based on Knight Frank’s Destination Dubai 2025 report, top neighborhoods dominating UHNW wish lists are:

• • • Dubai Marina tops the list at 28%, especially among British (39%) and Saudi (35%) buyers.
    • Dubai Hills Estate ranks second at 24%, offering community living with green landscapes.
    • Emirates Hills comes in at 23%, known for exclusive villas and favored by Indian UHNWIs.

These areas blend connectivity, privacy, and high capital appreciation potential.

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Home Preferences: Villas vs. Apartments 

Villas are the 1# Choice 

Among UHNWIs, Based on Knight Frank’s Destination Dubai 2025 report, villas remain the top preference:

• • • 66% of buyers prefer standalone villas
    • 16% favor townhouses,
    • 2% favor bungalows and ranch-style homes
    • Beachfront villas are seen as the ultimate luxury, with 74% of global UHNWIs favoring them over golf course villas (17%)

Villa Size Preferences 

When it comes to size, the sweet spot is clear: 4-bedroom villas lead at 30%, followed by 6+ bedrooms (27%) and 3-bedroom layouts (26%). Most buyers (41%) prefer villas between 2,000–5,000 sq ft, while a small but significant group (5%) seek properties above 15,000 sq ft.

These preferences reflect a growing need for space, privacy, and long-term comfort.

Apartments Still Hold Value 

Apartments, while less in demand, remain important to certain buyers. 

• • • 43% of global HNWIs are open to apartment purchases (down from 52% in 2024)
    • Highest interest from Hong Kong HNWIs (75%)
    • Most popular with net worth between USD 15–20 million (80%)

Preferred apartment types include 3-bedroom units (37%) and 4-bedroom units (30%), with preferred sizes between 2,000–5,000 sq ft (36%) and 1,250–2,000 sq ft (31%). 

This shows a clear focus on spacious, family-friendly layouts—not necessarily penthouse-sized spaces, but high-efficiency luxury.

Why Come to Dubai? 

Dubai offers a real estate framework unmatched by its global competitors:

• • • 0% income tax and no capital gains tax
    • 100% foreign ownership in freehold zones
    • 10-year renewable Golden Visa for property investors (minimum AED 2M)
    • Multicultural city consistently ranked the safest in the world 

In contrast, cities like Geneva, Hong Kong, and Lisbon are tightening regulations on foreign property ownership or offer less favorable tax structures.

This reflects why more UHNWIs are converting capital into lifestyle assets in Dubai.

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Why Homesphere Real Estate? 

At Homesphere Real Estate, we are more than brokers—we are trusted advisors. Our services include:

• • • Access to Luxury Properties for sale across Dubai’s top communities
    • Full-service support for buying off-plan properties in Dubai
    • Golden Visa guidance for qualifying properties
    • Local insights tailored for investors and families

Make Dubai Your Next Move 

Dubai’s position among the top 10 global second-home destinations is well earned. From rising transaction volumes to clear buyer trends, it’s clear that Dubai offers not only luxury—but stability, flexibility, and global relevance.

Buying properties in Dubai is a strategic move—whether you’re expanding your portfolio, seeking a family base, or planning for retirement.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Homesphere Real Estate today to access exclusive deals, market listings, and expertise in Dubai’s thriving property market.