Dubai Property Sales Hit $77.9bn in H1 2026, Second-Best Half on Record
In short
Dubai's real estate market closed the first half of 2026 with AED286 billion ($77.9 billion) in sales across more than 86,000 transactions, the second-strongest half-year on record behind 2025. Analysts read the softer comparison with last year's peak as a shift toward steadier, more selective growth rather than a slowdown.
A Record-Adjacent First Half
Dubai's property market generated AED286 billion ($77.9 billion) in sales during the first half of 2026, the second-highest half-year total in the emirate's history. Only the first half of 2025, at AED326.6 billion, ranks higher, a year market participants already described as exceptional rather than a new baseline.
Transaction volume backs up the headline figure: more than 86,000 deals closed in the period, split between 71,500 residential unit sales, 7,296 building transfers and 7,129 land plots. The spread across segments points to broad-based demand rather than activity concentrated in one product type.
Ready Homes Outweigh Off-Plan in Value, Not Volume
Ready properties accounted for the larger share by value: AED146.7 billion across 27,200 transactions, implying a considerably higher average ticket. Off-plan sales moved more units, 58,800 transactions worth AED139.8 billion, consistent with its role as the lower-entry-point route into the market for many buyers.
| Segment | Value (AED) | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| Ready homes | 146.7bn | 27,200 |
| Off-plan | 139.8bn | 58,800 |
Reading the Comparison to 2025
Walid Al Zarooni, CEO of W Capital, framed the ranking as a sign of strength rather than a slip: recording the second-best half-year ever, against an exceptional prior-year comparison, reflects continued genuine demand, high confidence among local and international investors, and solid economic fundamentals.
The half was not without a wobble. A regional security episode between February and March briefly weighed on residential values, producing a modest quarterly dip, the first since 2020. The market had largely recovered by April, with transaction volumes back above the same period in 2025 and mortgage registrations at their highest level of the year, an indicator that financing demand held firm.
Outlook for the Second Half
Analysts are pointing to full-year 2026 price growth of 5 to 8 percent, with villas and the ultra-prime segment expected to outperform mid-market apartments, where incoming supply is gradually rebalancing the market. That pattern, less speculative momentum and more selection on location, project quality and developer track record, is typical of a maturing market rather than a cooling one.
- AED286bn ($77.9bn): total H1 2026 sales
- 86,000+ transactions in the half
- 71,500 residential units, 7,296 buildings, 7,129 land plots
- AED146.7bn ready homes versus AED139.8bn off-plan
- 5-8%: analysts' full-year 2026 price growth estimate
Original source
Article based on Dubai real estate maintains historical momentum ever, expert — Zawya · 3 Jul 2026. Reading, analysis and commentary are original.
Frequently asked
How much did Dubai's real estate market sell in the first half of 2026?
AED286 billion ($77.9 billion), the second-best half-year in the emirate's history behind the AED326.6 billion record set in the first half of 2025.
How many property transactions closed in Dubai in H1 2026?
More than 86,000, made up of 71,500 residential unit sales, 7,296 building transfers and 7,129 land transactions.
Do ready homes or off-plan properties sell more in Dubai?
Ready homes lead by value, AED146.7 billion across 27,200 transactions. Off-plan moves more deals, 58,800, at a lower average ticket, totaling AED139.8 billion.
Did regional instability affect Dubai's property market in 2026?
Yes, a February to March security episode caused a modest quarterly dip in residential values, the first since 2020. The market had recovered by April, with volumes back above the same period in 2025.
What do analysts expect for the second half of 2026?
Full-year price growth of 5 to 8 percent, with villas and the ultra-prime segment set to outperform mid-market apartments.
Ready homes or off-plan for your next move in Dubai?
H1 2026 data shows two markets running on different logic: higher ticket and more certainty on ready homes, lower entry point on off-plan. The right call depends on your budget and horizon. Let's map it to your case.