Price per square foot is misleading. Here's what to check instead

Price per square foot is the most quoted metric in Dubai real estate — it normalizes for size, but quietly assumes every square foot is worth the same, which is rarely true.

Where per-sqft comparisons break down

• Across different areas — the same number in two communities isn't the same product.
• Across different unit sizes — smaller units carry a higher per-sqft rate in the same building.
• Across floor and view — a high floor with a full view can carry a 15–30% premium.
• Layout efficiency — two units of the same gross size can differ a lot in usable space.

A better checklist before trusting a per-sqft figure

• Is this figure from realised sales, or asking prices?
• Is the comparable set from the same building, or just the same general area?
• Does it account for floor, view and finish?
• How recent are the underlying transactions?

Try the valuation calculator, or explore the API.