Dubai's real estate market delivered a powerful start to 2026 with total property sales reaching Dh176.7 billion across nearly 48,000 transactions in the first quarter. The numbers reflect sustained investor appetite and steady price growth despite shifting global conditions.
Data from fäm Properties showed transaction values rose 23.4 percent year on year while volumes grew 5.5 percent. This points to a market where price strength is the primary driver of overall growth rather than a simple surge in deal numbers. A separate analysis by Springfield Properties recorded Dh138.7 billion across 44,150 deals with value growth again outpacing volume.
Off-plan properties continued to dominate the market accounting for around 70 percent of both transactions and total value. A steady pipeline of new launches and competitive pricing in emerging communities kept buyer interest high. March alone saw over 10,300 off-plan deals worth Dh31.2 billion which signals strong momentum heading into Q2.
Firas Al Msaddi CEO of fäm Properties said the market is holding firm despite regional uncertainty. He credited strong fundamentals and long-term growth drivers for keeping activity elevated.
Pricing remained firm across both apartments and villas. Springfield Properties reported average residential prices at Dh1,949 per square foot. Off-plan apartments averaged Dh2,100 per square foot while secondary villas held at Dh2,354 per square foot. Villa prices in the primary market saw sharper gains in certain segments reflecting sustained demand for larger homes.
Farooq Syed CEO of Springfield Properties said buyers are becoming more deliberate in their approach focusing on pricing alignment, product quality and long-term community value. He noted that demand is being driven by a healthy mix of long-term investors and end-users who see Dubai as a strategic destination for capital.
Key residential hubs including Dubai South Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Barsha South Fourth and Al Yelayiss recorded strong transaction volumes driven by new developments and investor interest in growth corridors. The rental market also held up well with over 139,000 transactions recorded reflecting continued population growth and tenant inflows.
The overall picture heading into Q2 2026 is one of a resilient market supported by deep demand and firm pricing fundamentals.