Tag: Dubai apartments

Dubai Real Estate Sales Hit $9.5 Billion in July 2026

Sale transaction volumes rose from 8,877 in June to 9,217 in July 2026, up 3.8 percent, driven almost entirely by the secondary market where volumes grew approximately 18 percent from 4,100 to 4,800 deals. The shift points to stronger appetite for ready stock as value-seeking investors re-entered through the mid-market segment.

Commercial activity rose alongside residential sales, with volumes up 24.8 percent to 397 deals and total value reaching AED5.8 billion.

Buyer and Seller Expectations Converge

Buyer sentiment across Dubai’s residential market continued to normalize during July. The share of home seekers planning to buy within six months edged up from 66 percent to 68 percent, while the proportion expecting further price declines fell from 56 percent to 52 percent, extending its correction from the 73 percent peak recorded immediately after regional conflict.

Those expecting prices to stay flat or rise increased from 44 percent to 48 percent.

Property Finder’s sale-listing price index settled at 2.5 percent below the pre-conflict baseline for a second consecutive month. The gap between advertised and final transacted prices, which had widened to between 6 percent and 12 percent by May, narrowed to between 5.5 percent and 11 percent in July.

“July confirms a market that has moved back into growth, with transaction volumes and values rising together and buyers returning with real intent. The more telling signal sits beneath that growth: sellers have paused further price cuts and the gap between asking and achieved prices is narrowing, which brings the two sides of a deal closer together and turns a single strong month into a lasting trend,” said Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder.

Apartments Regain Lead as Investor Confidence Returns

A clearer divide opened between property segments in July 2026. Apartments regained share from villas and townhouses, rising from 59.5 percent to 62 percent of sale leads, with studios and one-bedroom units driving the gain—a sign of stronger investor appetite for higher-yield, more liquid stock.

Mortgage Finder data indicated a similar return of investor confidence, with the investor share of mortgage transactions rising from 9 percent in June to 12.8 percent in July, concentrated in the middle-income bands.

Applicants earning between AED20,000 and AED59,999 monthly made up 62.4 percent of all mortgage applications, while higher earners above AED60,000 continued to face a tighter villa and townhouse pipeline.

Dubai Land Department data shows how differently the two segments finance purchases. Of 2,887 mortgages registered in July, worth AED4.93 billion, apartments accounted for 81.9 percent of volume, yet only 20.3 percent of all apartment sales involved a mortgage, against 67.8 percent of villa sales. Apartments are transacting largely in cash, consistent with an investor and off-plan buyer base, while villas skew toward financed, owner-occupier purchases.

Activity extended into rentals, where new leasing transactions ran 2 percent above the pre-conflict baseline and renewals returned to pre-conflict levels, supported by tenants using softer rents to move into larger homes and stronger communities.

The July 2026 figures reflect sustained momentum in a market where 186 new developers entered between January and mid-August, while 24,800 residential units were completed during the first half of the year.

August 18, 2026
Dubai Adds 24,800 Homes in First Half of 2026

The surge in completions marked Dubai’s strongest half-year delivery period in several years, reflecting projects launched during the recent market expansion reaching handover stage. New supply increased 12 percent from the second half of 2025, according to data released by Cavendish Maxwell on July 30, 2026.

Despite quarterly declines, residential prices remained 1.9 percent above year-earlier levels, with rents up 7.8 percent annually, signaling a shift toward more sustainable growth after two years of elevated activity.

“Dubai’s residential market is showing clear signs of transitioning to a new cycle following exceptional levels of activity over the last two years. The fundamentals that drive real estate demand in the emirate remain intact, but the near-term outlook is being shaped by a combination of factors – including the impact of fewer launches, regional uncertainty and a broader normalisation in buyer activity – that are likely to influence transaction levels and price performance,” said Ronan Arthur, Director and Head of Residential Valuations at Cavendish Maxwell.

Transaction volumes declined almost 14 percent year-on-year and 27 percent from the record levels recorded during the second half of 2025. Sales values fell almost 16 percent annually and 20 percent from the previous six-month period.

Off-plan homes accounted for nearly 75 percent of transactions, with developer sales representing more than 92 percent of activity in the segment. Initial off-plan sales reached 54,700 transactions, a modest 1.5 percent decline from last year, while off-plan resales fell 51 percent to 4,600.

New launch activity moderated significantly, with 28,000 units released across 124 projects during the first half, compared with 102,000 units across 410 launches a year earlier. The slowdown began during the first quarter after record launch volumes in 2024 and 2025, while regional uncertainty led some developers to delay projects during the second quarter.

“Buyers aren’t stepping away, they’re simply targeting higher value inventory. Flexible payment plans and Golden Visa incentives continue to draw serious international attention. Looking into H2, we anticipate steady, moderate price growth as the market continues to mature,” said Ajay Rajendran, Founder and Chairman of Meraki Developers.

Around 47,000 units are scheduled for completion during the second half of 2026, although Cavendish Maxwell expects actual handovers to range between 14,000 and 23,500 homes based on historical delivery rates. Apartments are likely to account for more than 82 percent of deliveries, with Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, Dubai Science Park, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Healthcare City representing nearly 37 percent of scheduled completions.

The longer-term pipeline includes 162,500 units scheduled for 2027 and 128,200 homes in 2028, adding to the emirate’s robust construction activity across multiple high-rise developments.

Apartments accounted for around 84 percent of transactions across the off-plan and ready segments. Dubai South led off-plan apartment sales with 7,306 transactions, followed by Dubai Residence Complex with 3,408 and Jumeirah Village Circle with 3,055. Jumeirah Village Circle retained the top position for ready apartment sales with 1,812 transactions, while DAMAC Islands 2 led off-plan villa and townhouse activity with 3,192 deals.

Gross rental yields averaged nearly 7 percent for apartments and 5 percent for villas and townhouses during the first half. Mortgage transactions increased 7.2 percent to 22,500, while sales of homes priced above Dh50 million rose 13 percent to 160 transactions.

The increase in handovers follows a period of sustained rental market strength, with Dubai recording record rental contract volumes in June 2026. The supply boost coincides with quarterly rent declines that have begun easing pressure on tenants after several years of double-digit growth.

July 30, 2026
Dubai Property Market Stabilizes as Price Declines Ease in Q2 2026

The Dubai real estate market has entered a crucial phase of post-conflict stabilization, marked by an easing of residential price corrections alongside sustained expansion across the commercial and industrial sectors.

The ValuStrat Price Index (VPI) recorded a monthly decline of just 2 percent in April, a marked improvement from March’s 6 percent contraction, followed by more modest declines of 1 percent in both May and June. The trend suggests that the pace of house price declines eased considerably during the second quarter, pointing toward gradual market stabilization.

Residential Values Adjust Amid Market Rebalancing

Dubai’s freehold residential ValuStrat Price Index fell 4 percent quarter-on-quarter and 10 percent since the start of the conflict, reaching 220 points, broadly unchanged from 219.8 points a year earlier. All values are benchmarked to a Q1 2021 base of 100.

The weighted average capital value of a typical Dubai villa reached AED13 million, up 2 percent from AED12.78 million a year earlier, while apartment values averaged AED1.79 million, down 3 percent annually from AED1.85 million.

The villa index declined 4.2 percent quarter-on-quarter to 293.7 points, with most villa communities remaining stable and none recording growth. Selected communities saw downward value adjustments, including quarterly declines of up to 11 percent on Palm Jumeirah.

Apartment values declined 3.7 percent quarter-on-quarter, bringing the index to 169.1 points. Quarterly gains were recorded in International City (2.4 percent), Dubai Sports City (1.4 percent) and Al Quoz Fourth (1.1 percent), while other apartment communities posted declines of up to 13.2 percent over the quarter.

Meanwhile, office capital values resumed their growth trajectory in Q2 2026, supported by improving market sentiment and a limited pipeline of new supply. Dubai’s industrial property sector maintained its upward momentum, underpinned by resilient demand for logistics space and the continued expansion of e-commerce activity.

Prime Properties Record Mixed Performance

Dubai’s prime and high-end residential real estate segment recorded slightly stronger annual capital growth in Q2, driven primarily by continued villa price appreciation over the past year. However, prime residential prices declined for a second consecutive quarter, suggesting that the upper end of the market is beginning to stabilize after an extended period of strong growth.

The segment’s ValuStrat Price Index reached 234 points in Q2 2026. Prime property values rose 1.1 percent year-on-year but fell 4.5 percent quarter-on-quarter. The prime villa sub-index reached 325.3 points, up 7.1 percent annually, though down 2.7 percent over the quarter.

Premium apartments recorded more subdued performance, with values declining 4.9 percent year-on-year and 6.4 percent quarter-on-quarter, bringing the index down to 178.3 points.

Record Supply Pipeline Expected to Reach 129,066 Units

The residential supply pipeline for 2026 is estimated at a record 129,066 units, comprising approximately 82 percent apartments and 18 percent villas and townhouses. However, given persistent construction delays, these projections remain subject to downward revisions, consistent with trends observed in previous years.

Total estimated completions as of the second quarter stood at 15,039 apartments and 5,218 villas, equivalent to 15 percent of preliminary estimates for the whole of 2026.

In Q2 2026, villa completions were led by 2,179 homes in DAMAC Lagoons and 614 homes in Jebel Ali Village. Apartment deliveries were concentrated in Jumeirah Village Circle with 1,273 units, Sobha Hartland with 965 units, and Dubai Creek Harbour with 794 units.

Key building completions during the quarter included Samana Santorini with 157 apartments, Ellington House II in Dubai Hills with 166 properties and Regalia in Business Bay with 913 units.

The stabilization comes as rental contract activity hit record levels and UAE property markets mature across the Emirates. The residential market’s recovery trajectory aligns with broader indicators suggesting Dubai’s property sector is transitioning from correction to consolidation, supported by sustained demand across commercial and industrial segments.

July 21, 2026
Dubai Ready-Home Transactions Surge 46.8% in Strongest Monthly Rise Since 2023

The emirate’s residential market recorded robust transaction activity in June even as the ValuStrat Price Index edged down to 220 points from 222.1 in May, bringing the cumulative decline in values since February 28 to 10%.

Annual price growth remained broadly stable at 0.1%, with villa values easing to 293.7 points and apartment values slipping to 169.1 points against a January 2021 base of 100.

Off-Plan Dominates Market Activity

Registration for Oqood, Dubai Land Department’s official system for off-plan properties, rose 32% month-on-month and accounted for 75% of all residential sales in June, though registrations were 16% lower on an annual basis.

The top property developers by transaction volume were Azizi (28.6%), Damac (7%), Binghatti (6.8%), Emaar (6.6%), Nakheel (3.8%), and Ellington (3.6%). Leading off-plan locations included Azizi Venice (26.1%), Dubailand Residence Complex (4.3%), Jumeirah Village Circle (4.1%), Jumeirah Islands (3.2%), and Majan (2.9%).

Ultra-Prime Segment Remains Active

A total of 19 ready-property transactions exceeded Dh30 million in June, including five deals priced above Dh50 million. These ultra-prime sales were concentrated across Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, Emirates Hills, Al Barari, Jumeirah Islands, Downtown Dubai, and DIFC.

Villas and Apartments Show Mixed Performance

Villa capital values declined 1.2% month-on-month, while apartment values dropped 0.6%. On an annual basis, the strongest villa gains were recorded in Jumeirah Islands (17.9%), Emirates Hills (10.7%), The Meadows (10%), The Villa (7.8%), and Mira (5.7%).

However, declines were seen in Mudon (-5%), Victory Heights (-4%), International City (-3.2%), and Dubai Hills Estate (-2.8%). None of the villa communities tracked by the VPI posted monthly gains in June.

Dubai’s older freehold villa communities are now valued 188% above post-pandemic levels and 76% above the 2014 market peak.

The apartment VPI was down 3% year-on-year. DIFC led annual gains at 8.1%, followed by Dubai Sports City (6.6%), Dubai Silicon Oasis (6.4%), and Al Quoz Fourth (6%). By contrast, Burj Khalifa (-16.7%), Jumeirah Beach Residence (-13%), and Town Square (-5.7%) posted the sharpest annual declines.

International City Phase 2 (0.1%) was the only community to register a marginal monthly gain. Overall, older freehold apartment prices remain 70% above post-pandemic levels but 8% below the 2014 market peak.

The June performance comes as the UAE property market enters a mature phase, with investor sentiment remaining broadly positive despite continued appetite for premium assets and waterfront developments.

July 16, 2026
Dubai Property Market Holds Steady as Buyers Prioritize Value

Despite ongoing regional uncertainty and cautious buyer sentiment, Dubai’s real estate market continues to demonstrate resilience, with little evidence of the distressed deals many had anticipated. Recent data from leading property platforms indicates that while buyer behaviour has become more measured, underlying demand remains robust, with millions of property searches and sustained engagement from serious buyers actively progressing toward transactions.

Industry experts say the shift reflects a more mature and balanced market rather than the onset of a downturn.

We’re seeing a clear evolution in how buyers approach decisions. There’s more analysis, more comparison, and more negotiation — but not the kind driven by distress. Buyers want fair value, not fire sales.

Luke Remington, Managing Director at haus & haus, explained the current market dynamics.

Across Dubai’s most sought-after villa communities — including Dubai Hills Estate, Palm Jumeirah, and Arabian Ranches — demand continues to outpace supply. These areas, favored by end-users and long-term investors, are experiencing minimal pricing pressure, with sellers holding firm due to strong financial positions.

On the apartment side, prime locations such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay remain highly active, particularly for one- and two-bedroom units. While some flexibility has emerged in mid-market segments with increasing inventory, price reductions remain moderate and selective.

Negotiation has returned, but that’s a sign of a healthy market. Buyers are making offers below asking, but transactions are still closing within 5% to 15% of peak values. That’s typical of a functioning, stable environment — not a distressed one.

Calum White, CEO and Founder of White & Co., emphasized the market’s stability.

A key factor underpinning the market’s stability is seller behavior. Unlike previous downturns, there is limited urgency among property owners to liquidate assets. Most sellers are well-capitalized and willing to wait for the right offer, contributing to price support across key segments.

Many expected uncertainty to trigger a wave of discounted inventory, but that hasn’t materialised. Instead, we’re seeing a more disciplined market where both buyers and sellers are adjusting expectations without panic.

Fibha Ahmed, Vice President of Property Sales at Bayut, noted the absence of distressed inventory.

This recalibration is also evident in transaction dynamics. Agents report longer decision cycles, increased property viewings, and more structured negotiations. Buyers are prioritizing quality, location, and developer credibility — particularly in the off-plan segment — over short-term pricing advantages.

The conversation has shifted from timing the market to understanding value within it. That’s a much healthier foundation for long-term growth.

Remington added regarding the evolving buyer mindset.

The market’s resilience aligns with broader trends documented earlier this year. Dubai’s property market recorded over Dh180 billion in Q1 2026, with ultra-luxury deals surging 62.6% year-on-year. Meanwhile, commercial property prices jumped 28% between February and March 2026 despite regional tensions.

While some buyers continue to wait for a potential dip, current indicators suggest that Dubai’s market is stabilizing rather than softening. Pricing remains supported by consistent demand, limited distress, and a steady inflow of both local and international investors.

As the market enters this more balanced phase, industry leaders agree that opportunities still exist — but they are driven by informed decision-making rather than market-wide discounts. In this environment, Dubai’s property sector is not retreating — it is refining, offering a clearer alignment between price, value, and buyer expectations.

May 5, 2026
Dubai Records Dh422 Million Apartment Sale Amid Regional Tensions

A luxury apartment spanning 31,201 square feet at Aman Residences Dubai on the Jumeirah Peninsula has been sold for Dh422 million ($115 million), marking one of the most significant property transactions in the emirate’s history amid heightened regional uncertainty.

The deal, confirmed by fäm Properties, was completed off-plan and valued at Dh13,525 per square foot according to DXBinteract, the data platform developed in partnership with Dubai Land Department.

Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the transaction reflects fundamental structural strength in Dubai’s real estate sector.

“The sale of an ultra-luxury unit at this level is particularly relevant in the current circumstances. It underlines the fact that the Dubai real estate market is structurally stronger than it has ever been. Over 70 per cent of transactions are now end-user driven, not speculative. The buyer base is globally diversified,” Al Msaddi stated.

He emphasized that mortgage activity has doubled in four years and the regulatory environment has matured, with market fundamentals remaining unchanged despite regional events.

The transaction comes as Dubai’s ultra-prime segment continues to demonstrate resilience. The sale represents the third most expensive apartment ever recorded in the emirate.

Market analysts point to shifting buyer dynamics supporting the sector’s evolution. End-users transitioning from rental to ownership, continued international capital participation, and expansion of freehold corridors across strategic districts have broadened the participation base.

Al Msaddi noted that UAE authorities’ commitment to safety and security sends a powerful message to investors globally. “It’s a sale which says so much about the UAE as a whole, and in this case, in particular, about Dubai as one of the world’s leading destinations for wealthy real estate investors,” he added.

The market’s momentum is supported by disciplined supply pipelines and phased project launches that continue to reinforce pricing stability across key communities. More than 70 per cent of current transactions are driven by end-users rather than speculation, with a globally diversified buyer base providing additional market stability.

This transaction reinforces Dubai’s position as a safe-haven real estate market, demonstrating that high-value property activity continues despite external pressures, with investors maintaining confidence in the emirate’s long-term prospects and governance framework.

March 5, 2026
Dubai Real Estate Sales Surge 18% to $16.5 Billion in February 2026

Dubai’s real estate sector maintained exceptional momentum through February 2026, with transaction values climbing 18.14% year-on-year despite evolving market dynamics across property segments. According to Dubai Land Department data, total sales reached 16,959 deals generating AED60.60 billion ($16.5 billion), representing a 5% increase in volume compared to February 2025.

Off-plan properties dominated market activity, accounting for 10,526 transactions or approximately 62% of total sales, while ready properties recorded 6,437 deals representing 38% of the market.

Apartments Drive Residential Growth

The apartment segment emerged as the primary growth driver, with transactions rising from 11,385 sales worth AED21.7 billion in February 2025 to 12,820 deals totaling AED26.6 billion in February 2026. The villa market experienced a sharp contraction, with transactions declining from 3,966 deals valued at AED19.7 billion to just 1,563 sales worth AED6.4 billion year-on-year.

Commercial property demonstrated exceptional performance, with transactions surging from 443 sales valued at AED1.2 billion to 717 deals totaling AED9.54 billion—a near eight-fold increase in value.

“Hitting over AED60 billion in sales volume solidifies Dubai’s position as one of the globe’s most resilient and desirable real estate hubs. This surge is driven by a balanced blend of end-user demand and enduring investor confidence,” said Tara Khan, Sales Director of Kelt and Co Realty.

Khan noted that the market has reached a mature phase with steady price growth, strategically managed supply, and buyer involvement across both emerging and established communities.

Transaction Activity Concentrated in Key Districts

By volume, Jumeirah Village Circle led with 1,146 transactions, reaffirming its status as one of Dubai’s most active residential hubs. Al Yelayiss 1 followed with 916 deals, Madinat Al Mataar recorded 828 transactions, while Dubai Land Residence Complex registered 750 sales and Business Bay closed the top five with 733 deals.

In value terms, Al Yelayiss 1 dominated with AED5.38 billion in sales, followed by Al Yelayiss 5 at AED2.41 billion and Me’Aisem Second at AED2.27 billion. Business Bay generated AED2.21 billion, while Palm Jumeirah reached AED1.89 billion, driven by continued demand for ultra-prime waterfront properties.

Ultra-Luxury Transactions Define Upper Tier

Among apartments, The Alba Residences by Omniyat topped the list with a AED225.97 million sale, followed by Peninsula Dubai Residences – Tower 2 at AED210 million. Solara Tower Dubai recorded a transaction worth AED113.66 million, while Passo by Beyond achieved AED98 million and Como Residences closed at AED63.5 million.

In the villa segment, EOME at Palm Jumeirah led with a sale valued at AED115 million. Zaya Zuha Island at The World Islands featured multiple transactions at AED68.58 million, while Amali Island at The World Islands recorded a sale of AED68.4 million.

The February performance follows Dubai’s landmark 2025, when the emirate’s population exceeded four million residents as property transactions approached Dh900 billion. The market has transitioned toward structured capital allocation, with strategic capital now accounting for approximately 40% of transactions.

Market fundamentals remain supported by expanding business activity and tight inventory, particularly in the office sector where limited Grade A supply continues to drive investment activity across commercial segments.

March 2, 2026
Dubai Rents Cool as New Supply Reshapes Market

Fresh data from Allsopp & Allsopp and industry analysts confirms the market is entering a more balanced phase, with demand remaining robust but rental inflation easing across several key segments. Industry experts characterize the shift as a maturing property cycle rather than a downturn, with rents expected to plateau in many communities as more units are handed over.

Transaction Volumes Surge as Rental Growth Moderates

Data from Allsopp & Allsopp for January revealed a 48 per cent surge in rental transaction volumes alongside a 5 per cent rise in total rental value, indicating that while tenant activity remains strong, rental growth is slowing compared with previous years. The moderation reflects growing supply and increased tenant choice across the emirate.

Year-on-year figures from the Dubai Land Department point to further rebalancing. Rental renewals declined by 15 per cent in volume and 9 per cent in value, while new contracts slipped by 3 per cent in volume and 4 per cent in value, suggesting that tenants are negotiating more actively and exploring alternative options as new inventory enters the market.

Average lettings prices across apartments, villas and townhouses have softened in some locations, with overall rental levels dipping in certain communities. This easing follows a period in which Dubai rents rose sharply amid strong population growth, limited supply and rising demand from global professionals and investors relocating to the emirate.

After several years of consistent rental growth, we’re now seeing the market move into a phase of stabilisation. Demand remains strong, but as more supply comes to market — particularly apartments — the pace of rental increases is slowing. This is a healthy sign that the market is becoming more balanced and sustainable over the long term.

Lewis Allsopp, chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp, emphasized the transition.

Apartment Supply Drives Market Rebalancing

Supply growth is emerging as a key driver of the shift. In the sales market, nearly 80 per cent of recent off-plan transactions have been apartments, with off-plan deals accounting for 78 per cent of total sales value. As these projects reach completion and enter the leasing market, they are expected to exert downward pressure on apartment rents, especially in mid-market and emerging communities.

Apartment rentals have already recorded a year-on-year dip in both volume and value, and further adjustments are anticipated as additional units are delivered. In contrast, villa and townhouse rents remain relatively resilient due to limited new supply and continued demand from families seeking larger homes and lifestyle communities.

Tenant Demand Remains Strong

Despite signs of stabilization, tenant demand remains strong. Allsopp & Allsopp reported a 70 per cent month-on-month increase in listings, a 50 per cent rise in tenant registrations and a 53 per cent jump in property viewings in January, reflecting sustained interest from new residents and relocating professionals. Dubai’s population growth — driven by business expansion, visa reforms and its safe-haven status — continues to underpin rental demand.

According to a recent report by property consultancy CBRE, average residential rents in Dubai rose by around 17 per cent in 2025 but the pace of growth is expected to slow significantly in 2026 as supply increases.

The residential market is transitioning towards a more sustainable trajectory, with rental growth moderating as new completions provide tenants with greater choice.

Knight Frank echoed a similar view, stating that while prime villa and waterfront locations may continue to command premium rents, broader market conditions are shifting towards equilibrium. “Dubai’s strong population growth and economic expansion will continue to support rental demand, but the scale of new supply scheduled for delivery over the next two years is likely to temper rental inflation,” the consultancy said in a recent research note.

Market Entering Recalibration Phase

Market watchers say Dubai’s rental market is entering a phase of recalibration rather than contraction. With demand still supported by economic growth, job creation and continued inflows of global talent, analysts expect rents to stabilise across much of the market through 2026, creating a more sustainable environment for both tenants and landlords.

February 24, 2026