Market note: Dubai, Q3 2026

A sober reading of the latest data we have verified. These are agency and research-firm figures built on different methodologies: they should not be added up or compared line by line.

Sales: off-plan carries more weight

According to betterhomes' Q3 2026 report (15 October 2026), July–September saw 24,560 off-plan transactions against 10,055 in the secondary market. Secondary sales rose 16% quarter on quarter and their share of sales value rose from 30% to 37% (AED 27.1 billion).

Prices: broadly steady, with differences between areas

In September 2026 the median price was AED 1,404 per sq ft for apartments (+2.2% year on year) and AED 1,638 for villas and townhouses (+4.1%), per betterhomes. For the second quarter, Cushman & Wakefield instead reported prices down 4% quarter on quarter (Khaleej Times, 9 August 2026): the two figures cover different periods and methods.

Rents: more supply, strong demand

betterhomes reports median rents easing slightly between June and September (apartments −3.8%, villas and townhouses −2.3%) and record leasing demand, with enquiries up 45% on the quarter. For the second quarter, Cushman & Wakefield reported average rents down 6%.

New supply on the way

Cushman & Wakefield counted more than 13,200 homes completed in the second quarter and roughly 32,000 units expected in the second half of 2026, with a pipeline running to 2030. It also warned that contractor capacity and supply chains could affect handovers.

What it means for off-plan buyers

A normalising market with more supply rewards selection: developer, area, distinctive units and a sustainable payment plan matter more than the market average. That is why this site talks about areas and projects, not promised returns. The simulators use editable assumptions: they are not forecasts.

Sources

General information for illustration only: not legal, tax or financial advice, nor a forecast. We will update this note with each new quarterly report.

Last updated: 6 November 2026