Dubai property sales surge to AED176.7B in Q1 2026

Dubai, UAE – April 4, 2026:

Dubai’s real estate sector recorded a robust start to 2026, with total property sales reaching AED176.7 billion in the first quarter, according to data released by fäm Properties. A total of 47,996 transactions were registered, marking a 5.5% year-on-year increase in volume and a notable 23.4% rise in overall value.

Off-Plan Segment Dominates Market Activity

The off-plan segment continued to lead market activity, accounting for approximately 70% of total transactions and 71% of overall value during the quarter. This reflects sustained investor interest in new project launches and long-term growth prospects.

Data from DXBinteract indicates that in March alone, off-plan transactions reached 10,303 deals worth AED31.2 billion, representing annual increases of 5.4% in volume and 8.9% in value.

Apartments Lead, Villas Show Strong Growth

Apartments remained the most actively traded asset class, with 36,428 transactions generating AED75.2 billion, reflecting a 10.5% increase in value year-on-year.

Villa transactions also posted solid growth, rising 17.9% in volume to 8,261 deals, with a total value of AED59.1 billion.

Commercial and Land Segments Show Mixed Trends

Commercial properties, including offices and retail spaces, recorded a sharp 69.1% increase in value to AED10.2 billion, despite a marginal 0.6% decline in transaction volume to 2,048 deals.

Land sales showed moderate growth, with volumes increasing by 3.2% to 1,193 transactions and total value rising by 14.3% to AED31.9 billion.

Mortgage Activity and Transaction Patterns

Mortgage transactions totalled 11,829 during the quarter, reflecting a 7.5% increase in volume. The total value of mortgage deals rose significantly by 46% to AED59.8 billion.

In the resale segment, cash transactions continued to dominate, accounting for 67% of activity, compared to 33% for mortgage-backed purchases.

Price Trends in Primary Market

In the primary market, median villa prices increased sharply by 35.3% year-on-year to AED4.1 million. Off-plan apartment prices saw a more moderate rise of 3.1% to AED1.4 million.

In contrast, land prices declined by 23.6%, indicating a shift in buyer preferences toward ready and under-construction properties.

Secondary Market Shows Similar Pattern

The resale market reflected similar trends. Median villa prices rose by 16.2% to AED4.3 million and are now more than 35% higher than 2014 levels.

Apartment resale prices increased by 6.3% to AED4.3 million, while land resale prices declined significantly by 38.3% to AED4.8 million.

High-Value Transactions Highlight Market Strength

High-end property sales remained a key feature of the market. The most expensive property transaction recorded during the quarter reached AED422 million at Aman Residences Tower 2.

The highest-value villa sale stood at AED350 million in Jumeirah First.

Emerging Areas Drive Transaction Volumes

Emerging communities continued to account for a large share of market activity. Al Barsha South Fourth recorded the highest volume with 3,162 transactions valued at approximately AED4.0 billion.

Dubai South followed with 2,889 transactions worth AED5.4 billion, while Al Yelayiss 1 recorded 2,885 transactions totaling AED12.9 billion.

Other active areas included Wadi Al Safa 5 with 2,694 transactions valued at AED4.5 billion, and Wadi Al Safa 3 with 2,273 transactions worth AED5.3 billion.

Price Variations Across Key Communities

Apartment prices varied across major locations. Dubai Creek Harbour recorded an average price of AED2.94 million with around AED2,559 per square foot.

Dubai Islands averaged AED2.67 million at AED2,782 per square foot, while Business Bay stood at AED2.26 million with AED2,595 per square foot.

Nad Al Sheba First showed higher price density at AED3,567 per square foot, with an average unit price of AED1.4 million. Dubai South remained more affordable, averaging AED1.29 million at AED1,533 per square foot.

Villa Market Pricing Overview

Villa prices also showed wide variation. Me’Aisem Second recorded the highest average price at AED15.8 million, followed by Me’Aisem First at AED12.2 million.

Al Yelayiss 5 villas averaged AED7.89 million, while Nad Al Sheba First stood at AED6.9 million. Dubai South offered comparatively accessible options with an average of AED4.25 million.

Stable Growth Amid Changing Preferences

Overall, Dubai’s real estate market in Q1 2026 demonstrated steady growth in both value and volume. The continued dominance of off-plan developments, rising property values in key segments, and strong investor participation underline the sector’s resilience, even as buyer preferences evolve across property types.