Dubai’s real estate market achieved a remarkable AED90.62 billion ($24.68 billion) in transactions during Q3 2026, driven primarily by off-plan sales, which accounted for AED41.58 billion across 23,457 transactions. This surge reflects a broad spectrum of activity across various price points and locations, underscoring the sector’s resilience and growth potential.
According to data, residential sales reached AED72.58 billion from 33,949 transactions, while the secondary market contributed AED30.83 billion from 10,442 transactions. Notably, the secondary market saw a 24.22% increase in value compared to Q2, with transaction volumes rising by 22.52%, indicating a robust recovery and expanding buyer interest.
Active Residential Segments and Locations
Properties priced below AED3 million represented 84.28% of transactions in Q3, with the largest share (44.04%) falling between AED1 million and AED3 million. Homes priced below AED1 million accounted for 40.24%, highlighting the accessibility of Dubai’s residential market.
Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties, noted, “Dubai’s continued expansion is creating a new generation of residential communities, and off-plan remains central to that growth.” He emphasized that the diverse range of developments across the city is meeting the housing needs of a growing population.
Dubai South emerged as the most active residential area, recording 5,165 transactions at an average price of AED1,690 per square foot. Jumeirah Village Circle and Downtown Jebel Ali followed, with 2,312 and 1,890 transactions, respectively. Other notable areas included Business Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Marina, which also saw significant activity.
Commercial Market Performance
In addition to residential transactions, Dubai’s commercial real estate market demonstrated strength, recording AED18.04 billion across 2,789 transactions. Land sales dominated this segment, valued at AED6.91 billion, while office transactions totaled AED4.35 billion from 1,123 deals. Whole-building transactions accounted for AED3.64 billion, reflecting a growing interest in commercial properties.
Overall, land, offices, and whole buildings constituted 82.6% of the commercial transaction value, indicating a healthy demand for various asset types.
Outlook for Future Growth
As Dubai enters the final quarter of 2026, the market is poised for continued growth, supported by a strong pipeline of new residential developments and ongoing expansion in business districts. Increased supply is expected to enhance buyer choice, intensifying competition among projects and emphasizing the importance of location, pricing, and quality.
Syed concluded, “Dubai’s real estate story continues to be supported by the growth of the city itself. New residents, businesses, and infrastructure are creating demand across residential and commercial property, while the development pipeline is expanding the range of opportunities available to investors.”
For further insights into the Dubai real estate market, refer to Economy Middle East.
For more updates on real estate developments, visit our Real Estate section.
