Dubai’s residential market may be entering a new phase in 2026, as the focus begins to shift from record project launches toward construction completions and handovers.
In this Property News International recap, we examine new data from Cavendish Maxwell, which shows 24,800 residential units were delivered in Dubai during the first half of 2026, nearly 38% more than the same period last year.
At the same time, new launches slowed sharply, with 28,000 units across 124 projects introduced in H1 2026, compared with 102,000 units across 410 launches during the same period last year.
Sales activity is also becoming more measured. Cavendish Maxwell recorded 79,300 transactions worth $60.3 billion, while sales prices and rental rates both declined by around 2.5% in Q2 compared with Q1. Data from Reliant Surveyors also points to increasingly selective buyers, with pricing, quality, location, infrastructure, and long-term value playing a greater role in purchasing decisions.
With significantly more supply expected, 2026 could mark a transition from a launch-led market toward a more delivery-driven property cycle.
Watch the full video to understand what the latest data could mean for Dubai’s residential market, developers, investors, and buyers.
