Abu Dhabi is expected to see around 30 residential property launches over the next three months, bringing an estimated Dhs 33 billion to Dhs 45 billion in new inventory to the market before the end of 2026.
The expected wave of launches could give homebuyers and property investors more options, while increasing the importance of comparing prices, locations, amenities and long-term value, according to an analysis by Metropolitan Capital Real Estate.
Abu Dhabi property launches gather pace
The anticipated launches would mean a new residential project entering the market roughly every three days, as developers seek to meet demand in the emirate.
More than Dhs 40 billion worth of residential property has found buyers since January, according to developer reports and Metropolitan’s analysis of registry data.
Modon’s Hudayriyat Golf Estates recorded more than Dhs 13 billion in sales, followed by Ohana’s Manchester City Yas Residences Phase 1 at about Dhs 6 billion. Aldar’s Talay, Talay Beach and Yas Riva Reserve together recorded more than Dhs 5 billion.
Other projects included Eagle Hills’ Ramhan Island, with about Dhs 2 billion in sales, ORA’s BAYN at Dhs 1.8 billion and Modon’s Tara Park at Dhs 1.4 billion. More than 40 other launches accounted for approximately Dhs 14 billion.
Buyers become more selective
Despite the volume of new projects, the market is increasingly being shaped by buyers comparing the quality and value of individual developments rather than responding solely to launch announcements, Metropolitan said.
Evgeny Ratskevich, chief executive of Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, said the growing number of projects was changing the way buyers assessed their options.
“What we are seeing in Abu Dhabi is not simply a large number of new projects coming to market. It is a sign of how quickly the market itself is maturing. With around 30 launches expected over the next 90 days, buyers will have more choice than ever and that changes the conversation,” he said.
Buyers are increasingly weighing location, design, community facilities, branding, pricing and a developer’s track record when deciding where to invest.
Off-plan homes remain dominant
Off-plan properties continued to account for most residential transactions in Abu Dhabi. According to Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre data and Metropolitan’s analysis, about 82 per cent of transactions between January and mid-September involved properties purchased before completion.
Resale activity also increased, rising by approximately 34 per cent year-on-year. Off-plan resales nearly tripled, while repeat-sale prices increased by about 20 per cent for apartments and 12 per cent for villas.
Buyers from 116 nationalities have participated in the market, highlighting its international reach, according to Metropolitan.
Mr Ratskevich said the market was moving towards greater differentiation between projects as buyers focused more closely on what individual developments offered.
“Abu Dhabi is increasingly becoming a product market. The projects that will perform are not necessarily those that sell out the fastest, but those that offer the right combination of location, quality, pricing, lifestyle and long-term value,” he said.
New rules and financing options
Regulation has also played a role in supporting confidence in Abu Dhabi’s property market, according to the company.
Transactions are processed through DARI, the emirate’s digital real estate platform, while Madhmoun provides a framework for verified property listings. Payments for off-plan properties are held in escrow accounts under the applicable rules.
A framework introduced in September also allows eligible buyers who have paid 50 per cent of an off-plan property’s value to finance the remaining balance during construction. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre has also expanded the number of investment zones to 50, according to Metropolitan’s analysis.
What to expect from Abu Dhabi property in 2027
Metropolitan expects buyers to place greater emphasis on established communities and complete districts, including access to schools, marinas, leisure facilities and transport links, rather than focusing exclusively on individual buildings.
Branded and serviced residences are also expected to become more prominent, while financing options and partnerships between developers and banks could broaden access to the market.
Infrastructure projects, including Etihad Rail and new bridges, are expected to contribute to the emirate’s development and attract further investment, the company said.
Mr Ratskevich said the growing number of launches would make it increasingly important for buyers to assess developments individually.
“In a market this active, not every project will win and that is a sign of health, not risk,” he said. “The buyers who do well in 2027 will be the ones who ask which product is right for them, not how fast it sold.”
