Apartment prices in Dubai South: A comprehensive guide

Average Apartment Prices in Dubai South 2026

Dubai South, surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport, is witnessing one of the fastest growth waves in Dubai’s real estate market; recording 12,428 residential transactions between January and August 2026, surpassing the total transactions for all of 2025 (9,788 transactions) by 27%. Apartments account for about 94.5% of these sales.

Tracking the resale market throughout the year shows a clear upward trend in price per square foot:

For the entire area, including off-plan developer sales, the average price per square foot for residential properties reached 1,656 AED during the first eight months of 2026, compared to only 650 AED in 2020—about 2.5 times higher in six years. This level remains below the overall Dubai apartment average, which exceeded 1,800 AED per square foot at the start of 2026, positioning Dubai South within the affordable entry segment compared to the apartment price map of Dubai by area.

Apartment Prices in Dubai South by Number of Rooms

It is notable that studio and one-bedroom prices have risen sharply, reflecting a direct shift in demand towards smaller units. Studios made up 45% of sales in 2026 compared to only 19.5% in 2025, with studios and one-bedrooms together accounting for about 76% of transactions. For those comparing this segment to other areas of the emirate, studio apartment prices in Dubai provide a broader picture of Dubai South’s position in the small unit market.

Ready Apartments vs. Off-plan Apartments Prices

Off-plan sales dominate the Dubai South market, accounting for about 94% of transactions in 2026, while the secondary market share did not exceed 6%. This is clearly reflected in prices:

• Ready apartments in completed communities like The Pulse are typically traded between 950 and 1,050 AED per sq. ft.

• Off-plan apartments in new projects usually range between 1,150 and 1,650 AED per sq. ft., with payment plans extending until handover.

Apartment Prices in Top Dubai South Communities

Dubai South includes several residential communities with varying prices depending on the developer and construction stage. The following table shows price indicators based on registered transactions and listed prices during 2026:

Emaar South tops the highest price segment in the area thanks to the developer’s brand and golf course environment. The guide Emaar South: Housing, Real Estate, and Investment covers the community and its projects in detail. Conversely, The Pulse and Altura represent the most affordable entry points for those targeting studios or one-bedroom units.

Apartment Rental Prices in Dubai South

The average annual rent for residential properties in Dubai South rose from 34,534 AED in 2020 to 82,063 AED in 2026, while registered rental contracts quadrupled during the same period, driven by demand from aviation, logistics, and Expo City sectors.

Average Annual Apartment Rent (Q3 2026):

The figures indicate that rents entered a phase of relative stability in 2026, after annual increases exceeded 11% for most categories in Q1, meaning that sale price growth now outpaces rental growth.

Investment Return for Apartments in Dubai South

By dividing the average annual rent by the average sale price for each category, the estimated gross rental yield for Dubai South apartments is as follows:

Analysis of the Figures:

• Studios achieve the highest yield among apartment categories, thanks to lower entry costs and a broad tenant base of individuals.

• Net yield is lower than gross yield; annual service charges, which ranged in some Pulse buildings between 13 and 17 AED per sq. ft., as well as vacancy periods and management costs, are deducted. The guide maintenance and service fees for property owners in Dubai explains how to calculate them, while the analysis The impact of taxes and fees on real estate investment returns in Dubai details the difference between the two yields.

• Ready apartments purchased at lower prices per sq. ft. usually achieve a higher than average yield, while the yield declines as purchase prices rise in new projects.

Factors Influencing Apartment Prices in Dubai South

Expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport

The airport is the main driver of long-term demand; in April 2024, its expansion was approved at a cost of 128 billion AED to accommodate 260 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo annually, with phase one targeted for operation in 2032. The guide Al Maktoum International Airport covers the project phases and its impact on the area.

Expected Supply Volume

A total of 38,116 residential units are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029, more than 3.5 times what has been delivered since 2016. The peak will be in 2028 with about 16,094 units, 85% of which are apartments. This supply is expected to put pressure on rental growth, making project and location choice within the area crucial for maintaining returns.

Shift of Buyers Toward Smaller Units

The average transaction value dropped to 1.28 million AED compared to a peak of 2.57 million in 2023. This does not reflect a price drop, but rather a higher share of studios and one-bedroom units in total sales.

Location Within the Master Plan

Dubai South spans about 145 square kilometers, planned to accommodate nearly one million residents and 500,000 jobs. Prices vary between the residential district, business areas, and communities adjacent to Expo City. The Dubai South Area Guide provides a comprehensive overview of its neighborhoods and services.

Additional Costs When Buying an Apartment in Dubai South

Budgeting goes beyond the apartment price and includes:

1. Dubai Land Department registration fees at 4% of property value, plus administrative and broker fees. Details are provided in Dubai Land Department Fees When Buying Property in Dubai.

2. Annual service charges that vary by building and developer.

3. Financing costs for those relying on mortgages.

With apartments available in the area for less than 750,000 AED, buyers often ask about residency when buying a property for less than 750,000 AED in Dubai, a factor worth resolving before choosing a unit.

Investor Guide: Frequently Asked Questions about Average Apartment Prices, Sales, Rentals, and Investment Returns in Dubai South

How much is an apartment in Dubai South?

The average studio price is about 590,000 AED, one-bedroom about 1 million AED, and two-bedroom about 1.5 million AED based on Q3 2026 resale transactions, with off-plan studios starting from around 470,000 AED.

How much is the price per square foot in Dubai South?

The average price per square foot for resale apartments reached 1,401 AED in Q3 2026, ranging from about 950 AED in ready communities to 1,800 AED in some new projects.

How much is the rent for an apartment in Dubai South?

The average annual rent is about 40,000 AED for a studio, 59,000 AED for a one-bedroom, 82,000 AED for a two-bedroom, and 116,000 AED for a three-bedroom apartment.

Is investing in Dubai South apartments profitable?

Apartments achieve an estimated gross rental yield between 5.4% and 6.8%, with studios having the highest yield. It is advisable to consider the large expected supply between 2027 and 2029 when estimating future rental growth.

Can foreigners buy an apartment in Dubai South?

Yes, Dubai South is a freehold area in Dubai, and non-citizens can own apartments there with full freehold ownership.

Freehold Your Apartment in Dubai South with Imtilak Global

Dubai South combines three elements rarely found in a single area: an entry price starting from about 470,000 AED, rental demand supported by the largest airport project under development in the region, and flexible payment plans in most new projects. However, the diversity of projects and the variation in price per square foot between 950 and 1,800 AED within the same area make choosing the right unit a decision that requires careful market analysis.

At Imtilak Global, we accompany you at every stage of your freehold journey:

• Objective comparison between ready and off-plan projects according to your budget and goal, whether for residence or rental income.

• Expected yield analysis for each unit with numbers, including service charges and purchase costs.

• Developer and project verification and contract registration with official authorities.

• Post-purchase follow-up from handover to leasing and property management.

You can view the currently available options and compare their prices and sizes on the Apartments for Sale in Dubai South page, where you will find units to suit different budgets from studios to family apartments.

Would you like to know the best investment apartments in Dubai South?

Contact the Imtilak Global team via WhatsApp for real estate advice to help you choose the right apartment for your budget and investment goal. We will help you compare available projects, learn the latest sale and rental prices, and estimate the expected rental yield before making a purchase decision.

Message us now on WhatsApp, and let us help you find your real estate opportunity in Dubai South.