Dubai Real Estate Trends 2026: Villas Lead as Market Enters a Mature Growth Phase

Monday, 29 December 2025

Dubai’s real estate market is heading into 2026 with strong fundamentals, steady demand, and evolving growth patterns, as experts highlight villas, long-term residency, and selective development as key drivers.

Key Highlights:

Dubai’s residential transaction value surpassed AED 500 billion in 2025, supported by robust population growth
Villas and townhouses emerge as top performers, driven by limited supply and strong family demand
Apartment market enters a more balanced phase, offering buyers greater choice and stability
Developers shift focus from volume to quality, location, and sustainable long-term value
Affordable luxury homes priced between AED 1 million and AED 3 million see the strongest end-user demand
Golden Visa programme continues to strengthen long-term ownership and community living
UK buyers remain a major force, joined by strong interest from India, Europe, GCC, and North America
Oversupply risks are localised, with population growth supporting healthy absorption
Off-plan projects attract long-term investors, while secondary market appeals to income-focused buyers