Dubai Leads Global Housing-Market Slump, Knight Frank Reports

Dubai, home to the man-made Palm Jumeirah and World island developments, suffered the biggest reversal among global housing markets following the collapse of an investment bubble, Knight Frank LLP said.

House prices in Dubai, the second-largest of the seven sheikhdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates, fell 32 percent in the 12 months ended March 31, according to a report by the London-based property broker published today. A year earlier, homes appreciated at an annual rate of 48 percent.

Dubai “is in a mess,” said Nick Barnes, head of international residential research at Knight Frank. “A lot will depend on developers and how long they can hold on before getting into fire-sale territory.”