Investor takeaway
Do not judge off-plan from one headline
Compare the project, payment plan, handover timing, developer context and the surrounding community evidence before requesting availability.
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
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