Dubai Real Estate Market Report May 2026 by Provident

Dubai real estate market report for July shows continued buyer interest across the property market. A total of 13,872 property transactions worth AED 34.5 billion were recorded during the month. Off-plan properties continued to account for most transactions, while ready properties contributed a larger share of total sales value. Buyer activity also remained strong across both residential and commercial real estate, reflecting demand from a wide range of purchasers.

Whether you're an investor, homeowner, first-time buyer or industry professional, this Dubai property market report takes a closer look at the latest sales figures, pricing trends and buyer activity across the emirate.

Key Takeaways

• Dubai recorded 13,872 property transactions worth AED 34.5B in July 2026, with an average price of AED 1,680 per sq. ft.
• Properties priced below AED 1M accounted for 43% of all transactions, highlighting continued demand from buyers seeking more affordable homes.
• Off-plan properties remained the preferred choice, contributing 69% of total transactions.
• Apartments continued to attract the largest share of buyers, while plots recorded the strongest month-over-month growth in both the off-plan and secondary markets.
• Cash purchases represented 67% of all transactions, with mortgages accounting for the remaining 33%, reflecting a market supported by both cash buyers and financed purchasers.
• Commercial properties continued to attract investor interest as Dubai expands its supply of modern Grade A office and mixed-use developments across the city.

Dubai Property Market Trends in July 2026

Real estate data for July 2026 point to a resilient and strong market where transaction activity remained steady across all the segments. The average price per sq. ft., reached AED 1,680, reflecting a greater share of purchases at lower price points. 

The data below provides an overview of the market before looking at how different property types and buyer preferences influenced July's performance.  

This data includes DLD and DIFC direct sale transactions. Mortgage registrations and gift transfers are not included in the figures above.

While transaction volume remained strong, the average price per sq. ft. indicates that buyers were more active in lower-priced properties during July. This becomes clearer when looking at the price range breakdown later in the report, where properties below AED 1M accounted for the largest share of transactions. 

At the same time, sales across apartments, villas, commercial properties and plots continued to contribute to the market's overall performance.

Sales Volume by Property Type

Apartments continued to be the most popular property type in July, accounting for 11,759 transactions worth AED 17.8B. Their share of total sales remained well ahead of every other property type, showing that apartments continued to attract the largest number of buyers.

Villa transactions declined 13.1% month over month, although they still generated AED 7.8B in sales from just 1,322 transactions. This highlights the higher value of villa sales, where fewer transactions can still contribute a significant share of the market's total sales value.

Commercial properties and plots recorded the strongest monthly growth, increasing 8% and 16.5%, respectively. While these segments accounted for a smaller share of overall transactions, their month-over-month growth suggests continued buyer interest beyond the residential market.

Property Sales Volume by Price Range

This breakdown reflects transaction volume only and does not include mortgage transactions. 

Properties priced below AED 1M accounted for 43% of all transactions in July, making them the most popular price range during the month. When combined with properties priced between AED 1M and AED 2M, nearly three-quarters of all sales took place below AED 2M. This shows that many buyers continued to focus on homes with lower entry prices.

As property prices increased, transaction volumes gradually declined. Properties priced between AED 2M and AED 3M accounted for 11% of sales, while those between AED 3M and AED 5M represented 8%. Properties priced above AED 5M made up the remaining 7% of transactions.

Overall, the July data shows that buyer activity was concentrated in the more affordable end of the market, while higher-priced properties continued to attract a smaller but consistent share of transactions.

Off-Plan vs Secondary Market Share

Off-plan properties continued to account for most transactions in July, making up 69% of total sales volume. This shows that new developments remained the preferred choice for many buyers, supported by the steady pipeline of projects across Dubai.

The secondary market represented 31% of total transactions, but its share of sales value reached 41%. This means ready properties contributed a larger share of the money spent than their transaction volume alone would suggest, indicating that buyers in the secondary market were purchasing higher-value properties on average.

Together, these figures show that both segments played an important role in July. Off-plan properties remained the more popular choice by transaction volume, while the secondary market accounted for a larger share of total sales value.

Cash vs Mortgage Transactions

Cash buyers continued to account for the largest share of property purchases in July, funding 67% of all transactions. This shows that cash remained the preferred method of purchase across Dubai's property market.

Mortgage-backed purchases represented the remaining 33% of transactions, showing that financing continued to support a significant share of buyer activity. While cash buyers remained in the majority, one in every three property purchases involved a mortgage, highlighting the continued role of bank financing in the market.

The balance between cash and mortgage transactions points to a market supported by both investors with readily available capital and buyers choosing to finance their purchases.

This analysis captures true capital deployment in the resale market. Refinance and primary market registrations are excluded to prevent artificial inflation of transaction volumes.

How Dubai’s Off-Plan Market Performed in July 2026

Off-plan properties continued to account for most transactions in July, showing that buyers remained interested in newly launched developments across Dubai. 

With 9,585 transactions worth AED 20.5B, the off-plan segment continued to make up the largest share of the market, reflecting steady demand for properties still under construction. 

The average off-plan price reached AED 1,720 per sq. ft., slightly above the market-wide average of AED 1,680 per sq. ft. 

This indicates that buyers continued to pay a premium for newly launched properties, which often come with modern designs, flexible payment plans and the potential for price growth before completion. 

The following sections take a closer look at which property types and communities contributed most to July's off-plan activity.

Off-Plan Sales by Property Type

Apartments remained the most popular off-plan property type in July, accounting for 8,617 transactions worth AED 12.6B. Although apartment sales declined 5.5% from the previous month, they continued to make up the largest share of off-plan activity.

Off-plan villa sales recorded the largest monthly decline, falling 39.4% to 501 transactions. Even with fewer sales, villas generated AED 2.8B, showing that buyers continued to spend more per transaction than they typically do on apartments.

Plots were the only property type to record month-over-month growth, with sales increasing 8.1%. While land transactions remained limited at 133 sales, they generated AED 3.8B, highlighting continued interest in development opportunities and long-term investment.

Average Sale Prices

Off-plan apartment and villa prices were lower than the same period last year, while plot prices moved in the opposite direction. The average off-plan apartment sold for AED 950K, down 27.7%, while villas averaged AED 3M, a 47.1% decline.

In contrast, the average price of off-plan plots climbed to AED 7.4M, an increase of 93.9% year over year. Unlike apartments and villas, where a larger number of transactions can influence the average price, plot sales are typically limited in number. As a result, a small number of high-value land transactions can have a much greater impact on the average price.

Top 5 Performing Off-Plan Areas by Sales Volume

If you're looking to invest in Dubai's growing off-plan market, these communities recorded the highest sales volumes in July:

• Dubai South
• Jebel Ali
• Wadi Al Safa 4
• Al Barsha South Fourth
• Jabal Ali First

Off-Plan Commercial Performance in July 2026

Off-plan commercial properties recorded 349 transactions worth AED 1.3B in July. While commercial assets represented a smaller share of the off-plan market, interest in this segment continues as developers introduce new commercial projects across Dubai.

Recent launches have placed greater emphasis on modern commercial buildings designed for businesses looking for high-quality workspaces, reflecting the city's continued business growth. 

How Dubai’s Secondary Market Performed in July 2026

The secondary market continued to attract buyers looking for ready properties, recording 4,287 transactions worth AED 14B in July. While it accounted for a smaller share of total transactions than the off-plan market, the secondary market contributed a larger share of total sales value, showing continued demand for completed properties. 

The average price in the secondary market reached AED 1,460 per sq. ft., lower than the market-wide average of AED 1,680 per sq. ft. This reflects the mix of properties sold during the month, with buyers continuing to purchase homes across a range of established communities. 

The following sections break down how apartments, villas, commercial properties and plots performed in the ready property market.

Secondary Market Sales by Property Type

Apartments remained the most popular property type in the secondary market, with 3,142 transactions worth AED 5.2B. This shows that ready apartments continued to attract buyers looking for completed properties that could be occupied or rented out immediately.

Villa sales also increased during the month, rising 4.1% to 821 transactions. Although villas accounted for fewer sales than apartments, they generated almost the same total sales value at AED 5B, reflecting their higher average selling prices.

Plots recorded the strongest month-over-month growth, increasing 26.2%. While transaction volume remained relatively low at 135 sales, the segment generated AED 3.1B, showing continued demand for land purchases in the secondary market.

Average Sale Prices

The average price of ready apartments reached AED 1.1M in July, 4.2% lower than the same period last year. Villas averaged AED 3.8M, with prices remaining unchanged year over year.

Plots recorded the largest change, with the average sale price falling 31% to AED 7M. Since plot transactions are generally lower in volume than apartments and villas, the average price can change noticeably from one year to the next depending on the size, location and value of the plots sold.

Top 5 Performing Secondary Areas by Sales Volume

If you're looking to buy a ready property, these communities recorded the highest secondary market sales volumes in July:

• Al Barsha South Fourth
• Business Bay
• Marsa Dubai
• Al Merkadh
• Jabal Ali First

Secondary Commercial Performance in July 2026

The secondary commercial market recorded 166 transactions worth AED 581.9M in July. While transaction volume remained relatively modest compared to the residential market, completed commercial properties continued to attract buyers looking for assets that could generate immediate rental income or be occupied without a construction wait.

The steady level of activity also reflects the role of the secondary market in meeting demand from businesses and investors seeking established commercial properties in mature business districts across Dubai.

Dubai Rental Market Trends in July 2026

Dubai's rental market continued to offer options across different budgets and property types in July. Apartments recorded an average annual rent of AED 65,900, making them the most affordable choice among the three segments. Villas averaged AED 175,000 per year, reflecting the additional space and amenities they typically offer. 

Commercial properties recorded an average annual rent of AED 58,700. As Dubai continues to attract new businesses and expand its commercial districts, demand for quality office and retail space remains an important part of the city's property market. 

Dubai Property Investment Trends by Property Type

Apartments attracted the largest share of investment in July, accounting for 52% of total sales value. This reflects continued buyer interest in a property type that appeals to both investors and end users, supported by a wide range of projects across different price points.

Villas represented 23% of total investment, while plots accounted for 20%. Although land transactions were lower in volume, they continued to account for a significant share of total sales value, showing that developers and long-term investors remained active in the market.

Commercial properties made up the remaining 5% of total investment. While smaller than the residential segments, commercial assets continued to attract buyers looking to benefit from Dubai's expanding business environment.

Dubai Luxury Property Market in July 2026

Dubai's luxury property market continued to record high-value transactions in July, with several apartment and villa sales exceeding AED 60M. The transactions below highlight some of the month's most expensive residential sales and the communities that continued to attract high-net-worth buyers.

Top Luxury Apartment Transactions in July 2026

Luxury apartment transactions were led by Aman Residences Tower 2 at Jumeirah Second, which sold for AED 166M. Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Second featured prominently throughout the list, reflecting continued demand for waterfront homes and branded residences in some of Dubai's most exclusive locations.

Top Luxury Villa Transactions in July 2026

Luxury villa transactions remained concentrated in well-established communities such as Emirates Hills, Palm Jebel Ali and Signature Villas. The highest villa sale reached AED 73M, showing continued demand for large standalone homes that offer privacy, space and premium locations. 

Expert Insight: Is Dubai Property Market Slowing Down in 2026?

The July 2026 Dubai property market continued to record strong transaction activity, although buyer behavior shifted toward lower-priced properties. A total of 13,872 transactions worth AED 34.5B were completed during the month, with 43% of all sales taking place below AED 1M. This suggests that market activity was supported by a broad base of buyers rather than a concentration of high-value transactions.

The off-plan market remained the larger of the two segments, accounting for 69% of total transactions. However, the secondary market represented 41% of total sales value despite making up just 31% of transaction volume. This highlights continued demand for ready properties, where buyers were willing to spend more per transaction for completed homes and commercial assets.

Buyer preferences also varied across property types. Apartments remained the most popular choice in both the off-plan and secondary markets, while plots recorded some of the strongest month-over-month growth. At the same time, villa transactions slowed in the off-plan market but continued to generate substantial sales value, reflecting the higher prices associated with this segment.

Another notable trend was the continued dominance of cash purchases, which accounted for 67% of all transactions. Mortgage-backed purchases represented the remaining 33%, showing that financing continues to play an important role in supporting buyer activity while cash buyers remain the largest contributor to the market.

The July 2026 data reflects a market with the following defining characteristics:

• Buyer activity concentrated below AED 1M
• Continued preference for off-plan properties, particularly apartments
• Strong contribution from the secondary market despite lower transaction volume
• Cash purchases continuing to account for most transactions
• Growing interest in plots across both the off-plan and secondary markets
• Continued demand for commercial assets as new Grade A developments enter the market