Developer MERED recently shared new buyer insights from its ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina project. The insights reveal shifting expectations amongst Dubai’s premium real estate buyers. The analysis, compiled from direct buyer engagements in the first half of 2025, offers a snapshot of how high-net-worth individuals (HWNI) are navigating the city’s residential market.
The report highlights several key factors influencing buyer decisions. Privacy and exclusivity are top priorities for 65% of buyers, while architectural quality is a crucial factor for 60%. Location and connectivity are important to 55% of respondents, while 50% focus on long-term investment value. Lifestyle-driven amenities and services are a priority for 45% of buyers. Notably, investors consistently seek insights into capital appreciation potential, emphasising financial performance as a core consideration, the firm explained.
In terms of layout preferences, one- and two-bedroom units are said to be in high demand. These layouts offer flexibility and are well-suited for both personal use and short-term rental strategies. Ownership intent is also becoming more diverse. A dataset shows that 45% of buyers purchase for self-use, 30% for investment, and 25% opt for a hybrid model. This reflects a growing demand for adaptable property formats that can accommodate diverse buyer needs and lifestyles.
Buyers aged between 40 and 50 from diverse professional backgrounds such as finance, private equity, trading, legal, and healthcare, still constitute the majority of the market. However, a growing number of younger buyers are entering the market from emerging sectors like technology, digital finance, and the crypto industry. These buyers bring different expectations, favoring branded residences, functional layouts, and properties that support mobility and income generation, the developer pointed out.
During their initial conversations, over 85% of buyers expressed strong interest in amenities, particularly private outdoor terraces and a mix of wellness and lifestyle features. These features include natural green spaces, an ice spa, padel courts, yoga studios, indoor cinemas, and dedicated kids’ play areas. While environmental sustainability is not yet a leading motivator, there is a significant appreciation for features that enhance quality of life, such as medical-grade air filtration and ultra-purified water systems.
Experienced investors who have purchased properties across Dubai were pleasantly surprised to find a rare offering in ICONIC Residences – it is said to be the only development featuring fully wooden-floor apartments and heated bathrooms, creating a designed micro climate that adds an extra layer of comfort to the living experience.
Michael Belton, CEO of MERED commented, “Today’s generation of investors is sophisticated and discerning, expecting timeless architecture, wellness integration, and a genuine sense of community. At MERED, we see this as an opportunity to set a new benchmark with projects that speak to ambition, identity, and the way people want to live and invest in their future.”
The analysis revealed four key motivations that consistently influence final purchase decisions: 40% of buyers are drawn to the architectural quality and design pedigree of the project. Another 30% cite long term investment value and returns as their primary driving force. A further 20% are motivated by lifestyle and the surrounding sense of community, while 10% are focused on the developer’s track record.
As Dubai continues to evolve as a global capital for investment and architecture, MERED’s latest findings underscore the emergence of a more sophisticated premium buyer who views property as an extension of their lifestyle and legacy, the developer stated.
MERED reveals shifting expectations amongst premium real estate buyers Middle East Construction News.
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