The Dubai real estate market opened 2026 with record momentum. Total sales reached AED 176.7 billion across nearly 48,000 transactions in Q1 2026, according to Dubai Land Department data reported by Gulf News. Transaction values rose 23.4% year-on-year while volumes grew 5.5% — a market where rising prices, not just deal count, are driving growth.
How big was the Dubai real estate market in Q1 2026?
The first quarter of 2026 delivered AED 176.7 billion in total property sales. January alone recorded AED 72.4 billion — the single highest month in the history of Dubai real estate. The 23.4% annual jump in value, against a 5.5% rise in volume, shows buyers are paying more per transaction as prime communities appreciate.
Off-plan vs. secondary market
Off-plan property continued to lead. Off-plan sales rose around 9.5% during the quarter, while secondary (ready) sales fell roughly 8.2%. Off-plan now accounts for close to 70% of all transactions by both volume and value, supported by a steady pipeline of new launches and flexible developer payment plans.
| Q1 2026 metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total sales value | AED 176.7 billion |
| Total transactions | ~48,000 |
| Value growth (YoY) | +23.4% |
| Volume growth (YoY) | +5.5% |
| Off-plan share of sales | ~70% |
What is driving the growth?
Three forces stand out: sustained foreign investor demand, Dubai’s residency incentives such as the Golden Visa, and a wave of competitively priced launches in emerging communities. Even as annual price growth moderated from the 12-18% peak gains of the previous cycle to roughly 9-10%, appetite for well-located off-plan stock remained strong.
Outlook for the rest of 2026
Analysts at Savills expect off-plan transaction volumes to ease slightly in Q2 2026, as most new launches were concentrated in January and February before pausing in March. The broader view remains positive: prices are expected to rise modestly rather than fall, with any correction likely mild and limited to areas of heavy new supply.
Frequently asked questions
Is now a good time to buy property in Dubai?
With price growth moderating to a healthier 9-10% and developers offering flexible payment plans, 2026 is widely viewed as a more balanced entry point than the rapid-growth years that preceded it. Buying decisions should still be based on location, developer track record, and your investment horizon.
Why is off-plan outperforming ready property?
Off-plan units offer lower entry prices, interest-free developer payment plans, and the potential for capital appreciation before handover, which is drawing the majority of investor capital in 2026.
Key takeaways on the Dubai real estate market
- The Dubai real estate market reached AED 176.7 billion in Q1 2026 sales, up 23.4% year-on-year.
- Off-plan property drove close to 70% of all transactions across the Dubai real estate market.
- Price growth in the Dubai real estate market moderated to a healthier 9-10%, signalling a maturing cycle.
- Analysts expect steady, sustainable growth in the Dubai real estate market through 2026 rather than a correction.
For investors tracking the Dubai real estate market, 2026 offers a more balanced entry point than the rapid-growth years before it. Official transaction figures are published by the Dubai Land Department, and working with an experienced local agency helps you act on the data with confidence.
Last updated: June 2026. Prepared by the Realtors DXB research team. Explore current opportunities on our off-plan projects page or contact our advisors.