Dubai has strengthened its position as a leading destination for ultra-high-net-worth property investment, recording significantly more luxury real estate transactions than London, according to betterhomes’ Q2 2026 market report.
The report shows Dubai recorded 296 property transactions worth more than Dhs36.7 million ($10 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with just 16 such deals in London during the same period. The figures highlight the emirate’s growing appeal among global high-net-worth investors.
Luxury property
According to Harry Martin, Director of Off-Plan & Capital Markets at betterhomes, the 296 transactions in Dubai had a combined value of Dhs18.7 billion ($5.1 billion). In comparison, London’s 16 transactions were worth around £250 million, or about $337 million based on current exchange rates.
Based on these figures, Dubai recorded more than 18 times the number of ultra-luxury property transactions than London and over 15 times the total transaction value during the first quarter of the year.
H1 outlook
While Dubai’s full first-half 2026 figures have not yet been released, Martin said the market is on track to record close to 300 transactions valued above Dhs36.7 million during the period.
A comparable projection for London is not available. However, on a UK-wide basis, fewer than 40 transactions are expected in the same price bracket during the first half of 2026, despite covering a much larger market than London alone.
Market trends
The report also noted that Dubai’s luxury property segment, covering homes priced at Dhs15 million and above, experienced a slowdown alongside the broader real estate market.
Luxury transactions declined 59 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, compared with a 31 per cent decline across the overall property market. Despite the slowdown, Dubai maintained a clear lead over London in the ultra-high-net-worth segment in terms of both transaction volume and value.
“It’s a striking metric: real evidence of where ultra-high-net-worth individuals are choosing to put their capital,” said Martin.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
