Score Big This December: The Ultimate Guide to Year-End Real Estate Promotions in the UAE

December isn't just about fireworks and celebrations—it's the golden season for real estate deals in the UAE. As 2025 winds down, developers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates are rolling out jaw-dropping promotions that could save you hundreds of thousands of dirhams. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this December window is one of the most strategic times to buy property in the UAE.​​

Here's everything you need to know to maximize these limited-time offers before they disappear.

Why December Is Developer Deal Season

Every year, developers launch mega promotions during the Eid Al Etihad period (Eid Al Etihad falls on December 2-3, 2025) to hit year-end sales targets. But 2025 is different—the market is booming, and developers are doubling down on incentives to capture market share. Q2 2025 alone saw AED 184 billion in property transactions, a historic record. Now, with the 9-day holiday window (if you take strategic days off), developers are expecting record December bookings.​​

The result? You're looking at promotions that can bundle together savings of 20-30%.​

The Big December 2025 Offers: What's Actually Available

1. Commission-Free Off-Plan Deals – Save Thousands Upfront

Participating developers like Emaar, Damac, Sobha, and Azizi are offering zero commission on selected off-plan properties throughout December. Here's why this matters:​

On a AED 1.5 million apartment, real estate agent commissions typically run 2-2.5% (AED 30,000-37,500). By buying directly through a commission-free offer, you pocket that entire amount.​​

Action: Register directly with developers' sales offices rather than through agents to qualify. Most offers require direct booking to activate the commission-free benefit.​

2. DLD Fee Waivers – Your Biggest Saving

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration fee is normally 4% of the property value—a massive cost. December promotions are attacking this head-on:​

• Full DLD Waiver: Developers like Emaar cover the entire 4% fee. On a AED 2 million property, that's AED 80,000 in pure savings​

• Partial DLD Waivers (50-75%): Still substantial—AED 40,000-60,000 in savings on that same property​

• Abu Dhabi Advantage: Some Abu Dhabi developers are bundling DLD waivers with other incentives, making the effective discount even steeper​

This is one of the most attractive offers because it's immediate money off your purchase price.​

Pro Tip: Emaar's Phase 2 Eden development at The Valley is offering 50% DLD waiver + 5% down payment + 30 months post-completion payment plan—a triple combo that drastically reduces upfront costs.​

3. Flexible Payment Plans – Pay After You Move In

Gone are the days of steep down payments. December 2025 off-plan deals now feature:

• 1% monthly payment structures: Instead of 20% upfront, pay just 1% monthly​

• 30/70 splits: 30% on handover, 70% over 3 years post-completion​

• Post-handover payment options: Some premium projects let you pay 75% of the price only after you receive the keys​

This flexibility is crucial for first-time buyers. Instead of locking in AED 500,000 upfront, you might only need AED 50,000-75,000 to secure a unit.​

4. Free Upgrades & Add-Ons

Beyond discounts, developers are throwing in value:

• Premium finishes (instead of standard): Upgraded kitchens, flooring, fixtures​

• Free parking spaces (worth AED 100,000-200,000)​

• Upgraded views or unit selections: Waterfront or community-facing units at no extra cost​

• Furnishing packages: Some luxury projects are including partial or full furnishing​

On a AED 1.5 million apartment, getting a free parking space + premium finishes could add AED 200,000+ in value.​

5. Gifts, Raffles & Loyalty Rewards

In 2024, December promotions included luxury rewards. Expect similar in 2025:​

• Car giveaways: High-end vehicles raffled among buyers

• Gold vouchers: Up to AED 50,000 in precious metals

• Shopping vouchers: Mall credits and dining experiences

• Investment bonuses: Cash rewards for multiple property purchases​

December's Hottest Projects with Active Promotions

Dubai Creek Harbour (Emaar)

The Emaar One Pass offer bundles a 7-night luxury stay at Address Creek Harbour (for 2 adults + 2 kids) + Emaar Entertainment family pass with apartment purchases through December 20. Direct commission-free sales available.​

The Valley Phase 2 (Emaar)

3-4 bedroom villas with 50% DLD waiver + 5% down + 30-month post-completion payment. This is Emaar's flagship villa community and moving quickly.​

Abu Dhabi's Yas Island & Al Reem

Off-plan apartment launches with 50-75% DLD waivers. Al Reem Island targets a 7.3% ROI, making these rentable immediately.​

Sobha Projects Across Emirates

Sobha Realty is matching competitor offers with 100% commission-free + partial DLD waivers on select projects. Their luxury villas show strong 10-15% appreciation.​

December Bonuses You Shouldn't Miss

Free Parking During Eid Holiday (Dec 2-3)

Public parking is free across Dubai during the Eid Al Etihad period. Perfect for hassle-free property viewings.​

Extended Holiday Window = More Viewing Time

With Dec 1-2 as official holidays, many residents take Dec 3-5 off, creating a 5-day window. Use this to tour multiple properties without work stress.​​

Strategic Shopping Checklist

✅ Get Pre-Approved: Contact your bank now; December is peak season for pre-approvals. Having this ready lets you move fast on hot deals​

✅ Shortlist 5-7 Properties: Don't settle for the first offer. Compare at least 5 projects to ensure you're getting maximum promotion value​

✅ Ask About Bundled Discounts: Don't accept offers at face value. Ask if developers can stack incentives (DLD waiver + commission-free + upgrades)​

✅ Read the Fine Print: Some offers have expiry dates (often mid-December) and eligibility requirements. Clarify terms immediately​​

✅ Lock In Rates Now: Property prices are climbing 5-10% annually. December deals represent your best entry price before 2026 increases​

✅ Negotiate on Existing Stock: December is when developers have leftover inventory. Ready properties (not off-plan) may have deeper negotiation room​

The Math: Real Savings Example

Let's say you're buying a AED 2 million apartment in Dubai:

Cost Item	Without Promotion	December Promo	Savings
Property Price	AED 2,000,000	AED 2,000,000	—
Agent Commission (2.5%)	AED 50,000	AED 0 (commission-free)	AED 50,000
DLD Fee (4%)	AED 80,000	AED 0 (full waiver)	AED 80,000
Down Payment	AED 400,000 (20%)	AED 100,000 (5%)	AED 300,000
Total Year-1 Savings	AED 530,000	AED 180,000 outlay	AED 350,000+

That's enough to furnish your new home, invest in upgrades, or keep as emergency reserves.​

Final Word: The Window Is Narrow

These December promotions won't last beyond mid-January. Developers will reset their strategies for 2026, meaning these specific bundles (commission-free + DLD waiver + flexible payment) may tighten significantly. History shows that post-holiday offers are far less generous.​​

Whether you're buying your first apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle, a villa in Dubai Hills, or an off-plan penthouse downtown, December 2025 is your moment. The combination of record market confidence, developer competition, and year-end clearing creates a rare alignment of buyer power.

Don't watch from the sidelines. Your future home—and your savings—are waiting.