Dubai Residential Property Sales Reach Dh139.1 Billion in Q1 2026 Amid Strong Off-Plan Demand
Saturday, 16 May 2026
Dubai recorded Dh139.1 billion in residential property sales during the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong off-plan demand, growing luxury transactions, and continued investor confidence. Market activity remained healthy as buyers focused on long-term opportunities, attractive payment plans, and high-yield communities across the emirate.
Key Highlights
- Dubai recorded Dh139.1 billion in residential property sales during Q1 2026
- A total of 44,200 residential transactions were completed in the first quarter
- Overall transaction volume increased by 4.6% year-on-year
- Total sales value rose by 21.5% compared to Q1 2025
- Off-plan properties accounted for 73% of all residential transactions
- More than 32,300 off-plan units were sold during the quarter
- Off-plan sales generated Dh105.5 billion in total value
- Nearly 92% of off-plan purchases were made directly from developers
- In March 2026, developer-led off-plan sales increased to 94% of total off-plan transactions
- Apartments represented over 80% of sales in both off-plan and ready property segments
- Townhouses accounted for 13% of off-plan transactions
- Villas represented 6.5% of off-plan property sales
- Dubai South led off-plan apartment sales with 2,340 transactions
- Jumeirah Village Circle topped ready apartment sales with 1,036 transactions
- DAMAC Islands 2 recorded 2,762 off-plan villa and townhouse sales
- Average residential prices reached Dh1,683 per square foot in Q1 2026
- Residential prices increased by 9.6% year-on-year
- Rental rates rose 10.2% annually, reflecting sustained tenant demand
- Around 149,000 rental contracts were registered during the first quarter
- Apartment rental yields averaged 7.2% across Dubai communities
- Villa and townhouse rental yields averaged 5%
- Luxury homes priced between Dh20 million and Dh50 million generated Dh28.2 billion in sales across 740 transactions
- Ultra-luxury properties above Dh50 million achieved Dh10.2 billion in sales from 100 transactions
- Combined luxury and ultra-luxury property sales reached Dh38.4 billion through 840 transactions
- Developers delivered 12,900 residential units during the quarter, the highest quarterly delivery volume in three years
- Around 22,900 new residential units across 90 projects were launched in Q1 2026
- Approximately 77,500 residential units are expected to be delivered across Dubai during 2026
