Tag: ready properties

  • Dubai Posts Second-Highest Half-Year Real Estate Sales at $77.88 Billion

    Dubai Posts Second-Highest Half-Year Real Estate Sales at $77.88 Billion

    The sales figures included 71,500 residential unit deals, 7,296 building transactions, and 7,129 land sales, falling just short of the record AED326.6 billion achieved in the first half of 2025.

    Sales of ready-built properties accounted for the largest share of total sales, topping AED146.7 billion through 27,200 transactions, comprising 18,300 residential units, 1,738 buildings, and 7,135 land plots. Off-plan property sales reached AED139.8 billion through 58,800 transactions, divided into 53,270 residential units and 5,563 buildings.

    The value of mortgage transactions exceeded AED102 billion through more than 22,000 deals in the first half of 2026, while gift transactions amounted to AED31.4 billion through 4,501 transfers.

    The total value of real estate transactions in Dubai during the first six months reached approximately AED419.94 billion through 112,850 transactions. In the second quarter alone, sales exceeded AED110 billion from 38,300 deals, with mortgages totaling AED42.6 billion and gifts reaching AED16 billion.

    “The results achieved by Dubai’s real estate market during the first half of 2026 confirm the sector’s resilience and ability to continue growing,” said Walid Al Zarooni, W Capital CEO. “Recording the second-highest half-year sales in the market’s history, despite being compared to an exceptional year like 2025, reflects the continued genuine demand for real estate, the high levels of confidence among local and international investors, and the strong economic fundamentals underpinning the market.”

    Al Zarooni emphasized that the record performance is no longer a temporary phenomenon, but rather a reflection of a sustainable growth trajectory supported by an ambitious government vision, a flexible legislative framework, world-class infrastructure, a competitive tax environment, and the continued development of high-quality projects that meet the needs of various investor segments.

    These factors have made Dubai one of the most attractive and stable real estate destinations globally, enhancing its ability to attract capital and high-net-worth individuals from various markets, he added.

    Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Dubai’s real estate market holds very positive indicators, given the continued population growth, rising demand for residential units, the expansion of international companies establishing their headquarters in Dubai, and the ongoing launch of new world-class projects.

    Al Zarooni noted that the improvement in global geopolitical conditions and the easing of tensions compared to the past will boost investor confidence and increase global investment appetite, which will positively impact markets characterized by stability and transparency, foremost among them Dubai.

    “All current indicators point to continued strong market performance in the second half of the year, with the potential to reach new record levels in real estate sales and transactions,” Al Zarooni stated.

    The performance aligns with broader trends across the UAE property sector, where large-scale land transactions and record project launches have characterized the first half of the year. Meanwhile, high-supply communities are beginning to offer tenants more negotiating power as delivery volumes rise in select areas.

    Supported by robust economic growth, continued foreign direct investment inflows, sustained expansion in non-oil sectors, and increasing population numbers, 2026 is positioned to be among the best years in the history of Dubai’s real estate market, according to W Capital.

  • UAE Property Demand Holds Firm Despite Regional Uncertainty

    UAE Property Demand Holds Firm Despite Regional Uncertainty

    The UAE’s residential property market continues to demonstrate resilience amid regional geopolitical uncertainty, with underlying demand remaining intact as buyers adopt a more cautious and selective approach rather than withdrawing entirely.

    According to Savills Middle East’s latest investor sentiment survey, conducted among investors, end users, landlords, tenants and prospective residents, nearly 45% of respondents intend to purchase property in the next 12 months, while a further 32% remain undecided. The data points to decision-making delays rather than a fundamental loss of demand.

    “The data clearly shows that demand remains intact,” said Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency at Savills Middle East. “What we are seeing is a shift in behaviour rather than a drop in interest. Buyers are taking more time, becoming more selective and focusing on fundamentals such as location, quality and long-term value.”

    After several years of strong post-pandemic growth, the residential market is now moving into what Savills describes as a more balanced and mature phase. Transaction activity remains high by historical standards, supported by population growth, capital inflows and a strong development pipeline, but momentum has moderated in recent months as buyers take a more cautious approach.

    Importantly, the slowdown is not being driven by distress selling. More than 60% of existing property owners surveyed said they plan to hold or expand their portfolios over the next six months, with only around 4% considering selling. This lack of selling pressure has helped support prices across several segments, even as transaction volumes soften.

    “The absence of widespread selling pressure reflects continued confidence among existing property owners. As a result, the market is moving towards a more balanced and sustainable phase rather than experiencing any structural correction.”

    Pricing expectations, however, have moderated. More than 80% of respondents expect prices to either remain stable or soften over the next year, contributing to longer transaction timelines and increased negotiation, particularly in the apartment segment where supply is perceived to be higher. Savills noted that this has created a gap between buyer expectations and seller pricing, resulting in slower deal-making rather than outright price declines.

    Buyer preferences are also shifting notably. Around 60% of respondents expressed a preference for ready properties, compared with about 23% favouring off-plan homes, reflecting a growing emphasis on certainty around delivery, pricing and immediate usability.

    External factors are playing an increasingly important role in shaping sentiment. Regional and geopolitical uncertainty emerged as the single biggest barrier to market entry, outweighing traditional concerns such as pricing or financing. Even so, Savills said the survey showed little evidence of knee-jerk seller reactions.

    Looking ahead, the firm expects the market to continue adjusting in the near term, with softer transaction volumes and more deliberate deal-making. While secondary apartments may face greater pressure, villas and prime residential assets are expected to remain relatively resilient, supported by the UAE’s long-term fundamentals and population growth.

    The findings align with recent market data showing sustained activity across the emirate. Dubai’s property market has demonstrated resilience with little evidence of distressed deals, while April 2026 sales reached Dh48 billion across nearly 14,000 transactions despite early signs of price moderation.