Dubai’s real estate market continued its upward momentum in the first quarter of 2026, recording Dh176.7 billion from 47,996 property transactions, reflecting sustained investor confidence despite regional geopolitical tensions 📈.
According to data released by fäm Properties, the sector posted a 5.5% year-on-year increase in transaction volume and a 23.4% rise in total value during March, highlighting the resilience of the emirate’s property landscape.
The off-plan segment remained the key driver of market activity, contributing 70% of total sales volume and 71% of overall transaction value in Q1. Insights from DXB Interact, based on figures from the Dubai Land Department, showed that March alone recorded 10,303 off-plan sales worth Dh31.2 billion, reflecting steady buyer demand.
Emerging residential communities continued to attract strong interest, particularly in Al Barsha South Fourth, followed by Dubai South, Al Yelayiss 1, Wadi Al Safa 5, and Wadi Al Safa 3 — locations increasingly preferred for affordable housing and new project launches.
Apartments dominated market performance with 36,428 transactions worth Dh75.2 billion, marking a 10.5% annual increase in value. Meanwhile, villa sales reached 8,261 transactions totaling Dh59.1 billion, reflecting a 17.9% rise in volume 🏡.
Commercial real estate also recorded notable gains, with transaction values rising 69.1% to Dh10.2 billion, despite a slight dip in deal volume. Plot transactions grew modestly by 3.2% in volume, while their total value climbed 14.3% to Dh31.9 billion.
In the primary market, villa prices increased significantly by 35.3% year-on-year, reaching a median value of Dh4.1 million, while off-plan apartment prices rose to Dh1.4 million. Resale villa prices also strengthened, increasing 16.2% annually, supported by strong end-user and investor demand.
Mortgage activity remained healthy during the quarter, recording 11,829 transactions worth Dh59.8 billion, up 7.5% year-on-year. However, cash buyers continued to dominate, accounting for 67% of resale transactions, reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as a liquidity-driven global investment hub 💰.