Abu Dhabi residential sales jump 32% to Dh21.5 billion in Q3 2026
Abu Dhabi’s residential property market recorded 6,085 transactions worth Dh21.5 billion in Q3 2026, according to property consultancy Savills Middle East’s latest Market in Minutes report. Although transaction volumes declined 19 percent quarter-on-quarter and seven percent year-on-year, total sales value increased 32 percent compared with Q3 2025.
Abu Dhabi’s residential property market recorded 6,085 transactions worth Dh21.5 billion in Q3 2026, according to property consultancy Savills Middle East’s latest Market in Minutes report. Although transaction volumes declined 19 percent quarter-on-quarter and seven percent year-on-year, total sales value increased 32 percent compared with Q3 2025.
Off-plan properties accounted for 81 percent of residential transactions, with the average transaction value reaching Dh5 million, up 15 percent quarter-on-quarter and 40 percent year-on-year. The average value of ready-property transactions stood at Dh2.8 million.
The luxury segment recorded 582 transactions exceeding Dh10 million, marking a 35 percent quarterly increase and a 104 percent rise year-on-year. Off-plan properties represented 95 percent of these transactions.
Rachael Kennerley, Director of Research at Savills Middle East, said, “Abu Dhabi's residential market continues to demonstrate resilience, even as transaction volumes moderate from the levels recorded earlier this year. What we're seeing is a shift towards higher-value purchases, particularly in the off-plan and luxury segments, where demand remains strong.
“Buyers are becoming increasingly selective, with greater emphasis on location, quality and long-term value. Abu Dhabi's expanding lifestyle offering, infrastructure investment and growing international profile continue to support interest from both local and overseas buyers.”
Average apartment prices reached Dh22,700 per square metre, up nine percent year-on-year, while villa and townhouse prices averaged Dh18,200 per square metre, an annual increase of eight percent.
The rental market recorded 50,500 transactions during Q3, up 29 percent from the previous quarter. Renewals accounted for 68 percent of rental activity, while new rental rates varied across major residential communities.
Foreign buyers, including resident expatriates and non-resident investors, accounted for 70 percent of Abu Dhabi’s residential sales value in H1 2026, compared with 64 percent in H1 2024.
Approximately 68,000 additional residential units are projected to enter the market by 2030, with supply concentrated in Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island and Zayed City. Savills expects economic fundamentals, infrastructure investment and demand for premium developments to support the market, while the expanding supply pipeline remains a key factor to monitor.
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