Dubai Real Estate Sales Reach $48.11bn in Q1 2026 Amid Strong Growth

Dubai, UAE: Dubai’s real estate market recorded 47,996 sales transactions worth $48.11 billion (AED176.7 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase in transaction volume and a 23.4 percent rise in value.

The latest data highlights continued momentum across the emirate’s property sector, supported by sustained investor confidence and a steady pipeline of new developments.

A market report issued by fäm Properties indicated that sales activity remained robust throughout the quarter, with March in particular demonstrating the market’s ability to maintain performance despite broader regional dynamics.

The market continues to show clear resilience even against a backdrop of regional uncertainty. The investor confidence we’re seeing now is built on strong fundamentals, transparency and long-term growth drivers that remain firmly in place,

said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.

Off-plan segment drives majority of transactions

The off-plan segment continued to dominate Dubai’s real estate market in Q1, accounting for 70 percent of total transaction volume and 71 percent of overall value. This reflects ongoing demand for newly launched projects and the strength of developer-led supply.

Data from DXBinteract shows that in March alone, the off-plan market recorded 10,303 transactions valued at AED31.2 billion ($8.49 billion), representing year-on-year increases of 5.4 percent in volume and 8.9 percent in value.

Apartments remained the most active segment during the quarter, with 36,428 transactions worth AED75.2 billion ($20.48 billion), marking a 10.5 percent increase in value.

Villa transactions also recorded strong performance, rising 17.9 percent year-on-year in volume to 8,261 deals valued at AED59.1 billion ($16.09 billion). Meanwhile, commercial property transactions, including offices and retail units, surged by 69.1 percent in value to AED10.2 billion ($2.78 billion), despite a slight decline in transaction volume.

Plot sales showed moderate growth, increasing by 3.2 percent in volume to 1,193 transactions and by 14.3 percent in value to AED31.9 billion ($8.69 billion).

Mortgage activity also strengthened, with transaction volumes rising 7.5 percent year-on-year to 11,829 deals.

In the primary market, villa prices recorded significant growth, with median values rising 35.3 percent year-on-year to AED4.1 million ($1.12 million). Off-plan apartment prices increased more modestly by 3.1 percent to AED1.4 million ($381,000), while plot prices declined by 23.6 percent, indicating a shift in buyer preference towards ready and built properties.

In the resale market, villa prices rose 16.2 percent to AED4.3 million ($1.17 million), now standing 35.1 percent above 2014 levels. Apartment resale prices also increased by 6.3 percent year-on-year, while plot resale values declined significantly by 38.3 percent.

Mortgage transactions reached AED59.8 billion ($16.29 billion) in value, representing a 46 percent increase year-on-year. Cash transactions continued to dominate the resale market, accounting for 67 percent of activity.

High-value transactions and emerging hotspots

Among the most notable transactions of the quarter was a property sale valued at AED422 million ($115 million) at Aman Residences Tower 2, alongside a AED350 million ($95 million) villa transaction in Jumeirah First.

Emerging communities continued to drive transaction volumes, led by Al Barsha South Fourth, which recorded 3,162 deals worth AED4 billion ($1.09 billion). Dubai South followed with 2,889 transactions valued at AED5.4 billion ($1.47 billion), while Al Yelayiss 1 recorded 2,885 transactions totaling AED12.9 billion ($3.51 billion).

Other active areas included Wadi Al Safa 5 and Wadi Al Safa 3, reflecting continued demand in developing residential zones offering competitive pricing and new supply.

Dubai Creek Harbour recorded the highest average apartment price at AED2.94 million ($800,000), while Nad Al Sheba First achieved the highest price per square foot at AED3,567 ($972).

In the villa segment, Me’Aisem Second led with an average price of AED15.83 million ($4.31 million), followed by Me’Aisem First at AED12.21 million ($3.33 million). Nad Al Sheba First recorded the highest villa price per square foot at AED2,301 ($626).

Dubai South continued to demonstrate broad market appeal, with average apartment prices at AED1.29 million ($351,000) and villas averaging AED4.25 million ($1.16 million).

Overall, Dubai’s real estate market continues to demonstrate strong performance across segments, supported by investor demand, expanding supply pipelines, and a stable regulatory environment.

The continued dominance of off-plan sales, combined with rising villa prices and active transaction volumes, reinforces the emirate’s position as a leading global real estate investment destination.