One of the most active real estate markets in the region, Dubai maintained steady performance in Q1 2026, recording total sales of AED 138.7 billion across 44,150 transactions. This represents a year-on-year increase of 21.2% in value and 4.35% in volume, showing that while transaction activity continued to grow, value growth was stronger, driven by sustained price increases and a higher share of premium property deals.
Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties, said: “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.”
Market activity continued into Q1, supported by ongoing absorption across new launches and completed inventory, alongside sustained engagement from a diversified buyer base.
“We are seeing a shift in how buyers engage with the market—more deliberate, more informed, and ultimately more aligned with long-term value,” Syed added.
Pricing remained firm across the residential segment, with average values reaching AED 1,949 per square foot.
Off-plan apartments averaged AED 2,100 per square foot, while secondary villas maintained premium positioning at AED 2,354 per square foot, reflecting sustained demand across both new and established communities.
Transaction activity remained concentrated across key residential hubs, including Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, and DAMAC Islands 2, driven by accessibility, pricing alignment, and continued new supply.
The rental market recorded 139,439 transactions with a total value of approximately AED 12.2 billion, reinforcing underlying demand supported by continued population growth and tenant inflows.
“Dubai continues to stand out globally, not just for its growth, but for its ability to sustain momentum and attract capital even as broader market conditions evolve,” Syed noted.
Buyer behaviour reflects increasing selectivity, with investors and end-users prioritising pricing alignment, product quality, and long-term community fundamentals.
