What is Precio por pie cuadrado?
Precio de compra de la propiedad dividido entre su área total construida en pies cuadrados; unidad estándar para comparar valores entre diferentes propiedades y zonas en Dubái.
Description
Price per square foot (PSF) is the universal comparison metric in real estate. By dividing the total price by the area, PSF normalizes different-sized properties for direct comparison. A 500 sq ft studio at AED 600,000 (AED 1,200/sq ft) and a 1,000 sq ft apartment at AED 1,100,000 (AED 1,100/sq ft), the larger apartment offers better per-square-foot value.
Palm Jumeirah: AED 2,500 to 5,000+/sq ft
Downtown Dubai: AED 2,000 to 3,500/sq ft
Dubai Marina: AED 1,500 to 2,500/sq ft
Business Bay: AED 1,200 to 2,000/sq ft
JVC: AED 800 to 1,200/sq ft
PSF can be misleading if comparing different property types (studios have higher PSF than villas), different floors (higher floors command premiums), or properties with different included amenities. Always compare like with like.
Fórmula
Price per Square Foot = Total Price / Built-Up Area (sq ft)How to interpret
Price per square foot is the most useful standardization metric for comparing properties of different sizes, but it must be applied carefully. Studios command a premium PSF over larger units in the same building because fixed costs (service charges, furnishing) are spread over fewer square feet, and demand for small affordable units is structurally strong. Never compare PSF across different unit types without accounting for this size premium.
When assessing whether a property is fairly priced, calculate the PSF and compare it to recent DLD transactions for comparable units in the same building and in similar nearby buildings. A significant premium to comparable PSF requires justification, such as a high floor, premium view, or superior condition. A discount may indicate a motivated seller or an overlooked opportunity.
Contexto del mercado de Dubái
Dubai publishes PSF data for eparticularly registered transaction through the DLD, making it one of the most transparent property markets for PSF benchmarking. Average PSF values vary dramatically by area and building standard. JVC and Dubai Silicon Oasis trade at AED 800-1,200/sq ft, while Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah trade at AED 2,000-5,000+/sq ft for comparable unit types.
Off-plan PSF pricing from developers is often set at a premium to secondary market PSF for comparable completed stock, justified by new build premium, modern specifications, and extended payment plans. Investors should calculate the PSF they are paying for off-plan and compare it to secondary market PSF for recently completed comparable buildings to assess whether the off-plan premium is justified by the expected appreciation to completion.
Frequently asked questions
The property purchase price divided by its total built-up area in square feet, serving as the standard unit metric for comparing values across different property sizes, types, and locations.
The standard formula is: Price per Square Foot = Total Price / Built-Up Area (sq ft). Applying it consistently lets you compare projects on a like-for-like basis, which is the point of the metric.
Price per square foot is the most useful standardization metric for comparing properties of different sizes, but it must be applied carefully. Studios command a premium PSF over larger units in the same building because fixed costs (service charges, furnishing) are spread over fewer square feet, and demand for small affordable units is structurally strong.
Dubai publishes PSF data for eparticularly registered transaction through the DLD, making it one of the most transparent property markets for PSF benchmarking. Average PSF values vary dramatically by area and building standard.
Oliva feeds Price per Square Foot into a proprietary 6-dimension score that rates eparticularly Dubai project on Financial Value, Market Dynamics, Location, Developer Trust, Risk, Macro Context, and Liquidity. This keeps comparisons consistent across hundreds of listings.
Palm Jumeirah: AED 2,500 to 5,000+/sq ft Downtown Dubai: AED 2,000 to 3,500/sq ft Dubai Marina: AED 1,500 to 2,500/sq ft Business Bay: AED 1,200 to 2,000/sq ft JVC: AED 800 to 1,200/sq ft PSF can be misleading if comparing different property types (studios have higher PSF than villas), different floors (higher floors command premiums), or properties with different included amenities. Always compare like with like.
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This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Yields, returns, and market data referenced are historical or estimated and are not guaranteed. Capital is at risk. Seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Oliva is a licensed Dubai real estate advisor (DLD Broker Card: 92025, RERA BRN: 1573501). Read our Key Risks Disclosure and Disclaimer.