Dubai property sales reach Dh176.7 billion in Q1 2026, off-plan demand and prices hold firm

Dubai: Dubai’s property market maintained strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with total sales reaching Dh176.7 billion across nearly 48,000 transactions, reflecting continued investor appetite and steady price growth.

Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.

Data from fäm Properties showed transaction values rose 23.4% year on year, while volumes increased 5.5%, pointing to a market where price strength is driving overall growth.

A separate analysis by Springfield Properties reported Dh138.7 billion in transactions across 44,150 deals, with value growth outpacing volume, reinforcing the trend of higher-value transactions shaping the market.

Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.

Off-plan leads activity

Off-plan properties remained the dominant force, accounting for around 70% of total transactions and value, driven by a steady pipeline of new launches and competitive pricing in emerging communities.

March activity alone recorded over 10,300 off-plan transactions worth Dh31.2 billion, reflecting continued demand despite broader regional uncertainty.

Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the market continues to hold firm, supported by strong fundamentals and long-term growth drivers.

“The market continues to show clear resilience even against a backdrop of regional uncertainty,” he said.

Prices remain firm across segments

Pricing trends remained strong across both apartments and villas, with premium assets continuing to attract buyers.

Springfield Properties said average residential prices reached Dh1,949 per square foot, with off-plan apartments averaging Dh2,100 and secondary villas holding at Dh2,354 per square foot.

Villa prices showed sharper gains in some segments, with median values in the primary market rising significantly, reflecting sustained demand for larger homes.

Demand driven by investors and end-users

Market activity continues to be supported by a mix of long-term investors and end-users, with buyer behaviour shifting toward more selective and value-driven decisions.

“The market is holding firm, supported by a depth of demand driven by long-term investors and end-users who view Dubai as a strategic destination for capital,” said Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties.

He added that buyers are becoming more deliberate in their approach, focusing on pricing alignment, product quality and long-term community value.

Key areas attract activity

Transaction volumes remained concentrated in key residential hubs including Dubai South, Jumeirah Village Circle and emerging districts offering new supply and competitive pricing.

Areas such as Al Barsha South Fourth and Al Yelayiss also saw strong activity, driven by new developments and investor interest in growth corridors.

Luxury transactions continued to feature at the top end of the market, with high-value sales reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global destination for prime real estate.

Rental demand stays strong

The rental market also showed resilience, with over 139,000 transactions recorded, reflecting continued population growth and tenant inflows.

Rising demand for housing is supporting both rental activity and long-term investment in residential assets.

The latest data points to a market that remains stable and supported by strong fundamentals, even as global conditions shift.

Sustained off-plan demand, rising prices and steady transaction volumes indicate that Dubai’s property sector continues to attract capital, with momentum likely to carry into the coming quarters.