Dubai’s real estate market has continued its strong performance in the first quarter of 2026, recording 47,996 sales transactions worth Dhs 176.7 billion.
This marks a 5.5% increase in transaction volume and a 23.4% rise in value compared to the same period last year. The property sector showed notable resilience, especially in March, with significant activity in both the off-plan and resale segments.
Off-plan segment leads sales
The off-plan sector dominated the market in Q1 2026, accounting for 70% of the total transaction volume and 71% of the value. This is in line with Dubai’s robust pipeline of new developments from major property developers. In March alone, the off-plan market recorded 10,303 transactions valued at Dhs 31.2 billion, reflecting year-on-year increases of 5.4% in volume and 8.9% in value.
“The market continues to show clear resilience even against a backdrop of regional uncertainty,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “The investor confidence we’re seeing now is built on strong fundamentals, transparency and long-term growth drivers that remain firmly in place.”
Growth across property types
Apartments led the way in Q1, with 36,428 sales transactions worth Dhs 75.2 billion, representing a 10.5% increase in value. Villa sales also saw growth, rising 17.9% in volume to 8,261 transactions, totaling Dhs 59.1 billion. Commercial property sales, which include offices and retail units, surged by 69.1% in value to Dhs 10.2 billion, despite a slight decline in transaction volume.
Land plot sales also experienced growth, with a 3.2% increase in volume and a 14.3% rise in value, totaling Dhs 31.9 billion. The volume of mortgage transactions in Q1 rose by 7.5% to 11,829, signaling continued demand in the market.
Price trends and mortgage activity
In terms of price trends, the primary market saw a 35.3% increase in the median price of villas, which rose to Dhs 4.1 million, while off-plan apartments saw a 3.1% increase, reaching Dhs 1.4 million. However, land plot prices fell by 23.6%, possibly due to a shift in buyer preference toward ready properties.
In the resale market, villa prices rose by 16.2% to Dhs 4.3 million, and apartment resale prices increased by 6.3% to Dhs 4.3 million. Meanwhile, land plot resale prices dropped by 38.3% to Dhs 4.8 million.
Mortgage transactions in Q1 2026 amounted to Dhs 59.8 billion, a 46% increase in value, with cash transactions accounting for 67% of the total activity in the resale market, compared to 33% for mortgage-backed purchases.
High-value transactions
The most expensive property sold during Q1 was at Aman Residences Tower 2, which went for Dhs 422 million. The highest-priced villa was sold in Jumeirah First for Dhs 350 million. Emerging communities such as Al Barsha South Fourth attracted the highest transaction volumes, driven by competitive pricing and new off-plan launches.
The first quarter of 2026 demonstrates that Dubai’s real estate market remains a dynamic and resilient sector, with both investors and homebuyers continuing to respond to the city’s evolving landscape.
