Dubai property market: an exceptional first half of 2026

The Dubai real estate market recorded one of the best first halves in its recent history. Over the first six months of 2026, total residential transaction volume reached one of the highest levels ever observed for an equivalent period, confirming the growth trajectory of recent years.

This momentum remains very largely driven by the off-plan segment, which continues to capture the majority of sales. Buyers, whether first-time investors or owners of several properties, continue to favour the staged payment plans offered by developers, which spread the financial effort over the whole construction period — and sometimes beyond, with the growing use of post-handover payment plans.

A notable feature of this first half: the "ready-to-move" market (completed properties) also saw a clear pickup in activity, with one of the strongest monthly accelerations of recent years. This rebound reflects renewed interest in immediately available properties, particularly among buyers who want to move in or rent out without delay, in a context where new handovers sometimes struggle to keep pace with demand.

The luxury segment also confirms its good health. Sales of very high-end residences — premium villas, branded residences, waterfront properties — remain structurally under pressure in the city's most sought-after districts, where supply stays limited against still-strong international demand.

For market observers, these figures mark less a new phase of speculative euphoria than a consolidation: Dubai appears to be entering a phase of maturity, where growth remains strong but rests on more structured fundamentals — a reinforced regulatory framework, widespread use of escrow accounts, better-informed buyers.

For an investor considering a first purchase or looking to diversify an existing portfolio, this context remains favourable: the depth of the market offers a wide choice of districts and property types, at various stages of development. I support my clients in selecting the best-positioned projects in light of these trends, taking into account each person's investment horizon and objectives.