Dubai Real Estate Shows Strong Resilience as 85% of Landlords Hold Assets

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Dubai’s property market continues to demonstrate strength, with 85% of landlords retaining their assets and steady transaction activity reinforcing long-term investor confidence.

Key Highlights

Dubai real estate market remains resilient, with 85% of landlords choosing to hold their properties
Data from Smart Bricks highlights strong investor confidence despite evolving global conditions
Residential listings increased modestly from 105,300 to 110,800, reflecting stable market behaviour
Absence of sharp listing spikes indicates long-term investment outlook rather than short-term reactions
Survey of 600+ landlords shows only a small percentage open to selling below expectations
Majority of property owners remain confident in Dubai’s long-term growth potential
Between February 28 and March 16, over 6,000 residential transactions recorded, valued at Dh20.2 billion
Around 63% of transactions concentrated in the off-plan segment, reflecting sustained developer-led demand
Ready property market driven by end-users and income-focused investors targeting rental returns
Market activity becoming more selective, focusing on quality assets and strong fundamentals
Continued liquidity in the market with capital actively flowing into well-positioned developments
Global consultancies like CBRE and Knight Frank highlight population growth and strong rental yields
Dubai attracts a diverse international investor base from Europe, Asia, and high-net-worth individuals
Strong macroeconomic fundamentals support investor confidence, including fiscal stability and policy agility
Insights from S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings reinforce UAE’s economic strength
Investors increasingly focusing on asset-level fundamentals such as location, tenant quality, and supply dynamics
Off-plan developments with strong developers and flexible payment plans continue to attract capital
Secondary market shows steady, income-driven demand rather than speculative activity
Prime and well-located properties maintain strong performance and consistent demand
Market behaviour aligns with historical trends of stability during global shifts
Dubai continues to position itself as a safe and attractive destination for global real estate investment
Government policy continuity enhances trust and strengthens market confidence
Long-term investors remain focused on capital appreciation and stable rental income
Market outlook reflects adaptability, maturity, and sustained growth potential
Dubai’s real estate sector continues to evolve into a more structured, transparent, and performance-driven market