Dubai Property Market Records AED92.9 Billion in Q3 Sales as Off-Plan Demand Holds Strong
Primary-market transactions continued to lead Dubai’s property activity, while rental registrations also increased during the third quarter
Dubai’s real estate market maintained strong momentum during the third quarter of 2026, with 37,429 property sales transactions generating AED92.9 billion ($25.3 billion), according to a market analysis by fäm Properties.
Off-plan transactions continued to account for the larger share of sales activity, highlighting sustained demand for newly launched and developer-led projects across the emirate.
During Q3, Dubai’s primary market recorded 25,441 sales worth AED52.6 billion, significantly exceeding the 11,988 resale transactions valued at AED40.3 billion.
Cash remained an important source of activity in the secondary market. More than 67% of resale transactions were completed through cash purchases during the quarter.
September brings further growth across key segments
The market also recorded notable increases across several property segments in September.
Plot transactions rose 28.8% month on month, reaching 237 deals with a combined value of AED3.8 billion.
Commercial property activity also strengthened, with transactions involving offices, shops and other commercial assets climbing 27.7% to 539 deals, representing AED2.2 billion in value.
Villa sales increased 3.9% during the month, reaching 1,428 transactions worth approximately AED8.6 billion.
Apartments continued to account for a substantial portion of the market, with 9,055 apartment transactions worth AED14.8 billion recorded in September.
Dubai South continues to lead off-plan activity
Dubai South retained its position as the leading area for primary-market sales volume for the seventh consecutive month.
The district recorded 737 off-plan transactions worth AED980.5 million, reinforcing its position among Dubai’s most active areas for new-project sales.
The distribution of transactions also showed activity across a broad range of price points. Properties priced below AED1 million accounted for 34.1% of sales, while properties between AED1 million and AED2 million represented 32.4%.
Another 14.6% of transactions fell within the AED2 million to AED3 million range, while properties priced between AED3 million and AED5 million made up 10.3%. Homes and properties valued above AED5 million represented 8.3% of total sales.
Dubai rental market continues to expand
The rental market also recorded strong activity during September.
According to DXBinteract data, Dubai’s freehold areas registered 48,639 rental contracts during the month, representing a 22.6% increase compared with August.
New tenancy contracts rose 25.6% year on year to 25,345, while renewal contracts increased 7.6% to 23,294.
Across the first nine months of 2026, freehold areas recorded 298,984 rental contracts, up 6.8% from the corresponding period of 2025.
The figure puts Dubai’s rental market on course for another strong annual performance after the emirate registered 377,926 contracts during the whole of 2025.
Premium transactions highlight continued luxury demand
High-value properties also continued to attract buyers.
The most expensive villa transaction recorded in September reached AED260 million at Eome, while the month’s highest-value apartment sale was a AED71 million transaction at Como Residences on Palm Jumeirah.
The figures indicate that demand remains active at the premium end of Dubai’s residential market alongside strong activity in more accessible price brackets.
Apartments remain popular among tenants
Al Warsan First was the most active freehold rental area during the first nine months of 2026, recording 28,825 registered tenancy contracts.
Apartments remained particularly popular among tenants. One-bedroom properties accounted for 124,113 contracts, or around 42% of all tenancy agreements registered during the period.
Overall, the latest figures point to a market where off-plan sales continue to provide the main engine for transaction activity, while resale properties, luxury homes and the rental sector continue to attract substantial demand across different segments.
