Dubai recorded AED225.7 billion in residential transactions during the first half of 2026, with off-plan properties accounting for nearly three-quarters of both transaction volume and value, according to Reliant Surveyors.
August 14, 2026 | Tripti Mehta | UAE | Real Estate | 4 Min Read
Image Courtesy: Magnific
Dubai’s residential property market recorded 81,839 transactions worth AED225.7 billion during the first half of 2026, with off-plan properties continuing to dominate activity across the emirate, according to the Reliant Surveyors H1 2026 Dubai Real Estate Market Report.
The report highlights sustained demand for newly launched developments, with off-plan transactions accounting for nearly 75% of both transaction volume and value during the six-month period.
According to the report, Dubai’s off-plan market generated 60,425 transactions worth AED168.2 billion in H1 2026, representing 73.8% of total residential transaction volume and 74.5% of total transaction value. The secondary market recorded 21,436 transactions valued at AED57.5 billion over the same period.
Reliant Surveyors noted that the continued strength of the off-plan segment reflects sustained buyer demand for new developments, supported by flexible payment plans and confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth prospects.
Dubai Residential Sales Performance in H1 2026
| Off-Plan Market | 60,425 | AED168.2 billion |
| Secondary Market | 21,436 | AED57.5 billion |
| Total Residential Market | 81,839 | AED225.7 billion |
Apartments remained the most actively traded residential asset class, recording 68,739 transactions worth AED133.9 billion, accounting for 84.0% of total residential transactions during the first half of the year. Villa sales reached 13,100 transactions valued at AED91.3 billion, reflecting continued demand for larger homes and family-oriented communities across Dubai.
The report indicates that apartments continue to benefit from stronger market liquidity and rental performance, while villas remain attractive to both end-users and investors seeking long-term capital appreciation.
Average apartment sale prices stood at AED1,790.8 per sq ft at the end of June 2026, compared with AED1,852.8 per sq ft in H2 2025. Villa pricing remained broadly stable at AED2,324.7 per sq ft, compared with AED2,330.7 per sq ft during the previous six-month period.
Apartments continued to generate stronger rental returns, with average gross yields reaching 6.93%, compared with 4.48% for villas.
Residential Market Indicators
| Average Sale Price | AED1,790.8 psf (apartments) | AED2,324.7 psf (villas) |
| Gross Rental Yield | 6.93% (apartments) | 4.48% (villas) |
Dubai’s luxury residential segment remained active during H1 2026, recording 1,114 transactions valued above AED20 million, generating approximately AED40.08 billion in sales value. The report found that 76% of luxury transactions were off-plan, while 158 properties changed hands for more than AED50 million.
According to Reliant Surveyors, The Oasis recorded the highest number of luxury transactions with 199 sales, while Dubai Hills Estate generated the highest luxury transaction value at AED6.02 billion. Palm Jebel Ali also ranked among the leading luxury destinations by transaction volume.
The latest figures point to a market that remains highly active while becoming increasingly selective. Although off-plan developments continue to drive transaction activity, buyers are placing greater emphasis on project quality, community infrastructure, developer track record and long-term value creation.
For developers, the data reinforces the importance of delivering differentiated products within integrated communities. For investors and asset owners, the continued dominance of off-plan sales signals sustained confidence in Dubai’s growth trajectory and future residential demand.
Source: Reliant Surveyors H1 2026 Dubai Real Estate Market Report
