Ready homes in Dubai see quarterly increase with 9,765 deals in Q3 2026

Ready-to-move-in deals in Dubai increased 11 percent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to 9,765 in Q3 2026. Out of the total 34,626 residential sales in the third quarter, ready homes accounted for 28 percent, property consultancy Morgan’s International Realty revealed in Dubai's Residential Market Report.

Dubai real estate recorded 34,626 residential sales worth Dh73.67 billion in Q3 2026. Transaction volume declined four percent QoQ and 37.5 percent year-on-year (YoY), while sales value fell 17 percent and 52.2 percent, respectively.

Average transacted prices in the ready home segment reached Dh1,914 per square foot, up 18 percent QoQ and 21 percent YoY.

On the other hand, off-plan sales posted a drop of nine percent in volume. Price per square foot dropped nine percent quarterly and 14 percent from Q4 2025.

Off-plan, however, accounted for 72 percent of residential transactions in Q3 2026, with 24,861 transactions worth Dh46.81 billion. Ready units made up the remaining 28 percent with 9,765 deals worth Dh26.86 billion. Despite the quarterly growth, the volume dropped significantly by 44 percent from Q3 2025.

Overall, the Q3 residential volume signals that activity has returned to earlier levels. At 34,626 transactions, quarterly residential sales volume was broadly comparable with late-2023 levels. Total sales value of Dh73.67 billion was within the range recorded during 2022 and early 2023.

Elias Hannoush, Founder and CEO of Morgan’s International Realty, said, “Dubai’s residential market is showing greater differentiation. Completed homes gained activity this quarter while off-plan sales slowed. In our view, end users are an important source of support: their decisions are anchored in where and how they want to live, even when the wider environment is uncertain.

“The next phase will test pricing discipline. Sellers and developers will need to pay closer attention to what buyers can choose from today, how their properties compare and the supply approaching completion.”

As much as 60 percent of buyers expressed confidence and optimism about market conditions in the next five years, according to UAE Market Sentiment Survey by digital real estate portals Bayut and Dubizzle. Comprising over 2,000 responses, the survey inferred that the market is approaching maturity and stability. In the next 12 months, 46 percent anticipated price rise, while 34 percent expected price stability.

The platforms further found that price per square foot remained steady in affordable and mid-tier areas, with minute fluctuations under three percent in the third quarter of 2026. Luxury and ultra-luxury areas also showed broadly limited movement with most change remaining within two percent, although some communities recorded larger increases.

Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Bayut and Board Member of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said, “What stands out this quarter is the range of communities attracting interest, from affordable apartments to established family neighbourhoods and prime waterfront homes. Across many of the popular areas in our report, asking prices have remained broadly steady, giving people more room to compare their options and plan their next move.”

In the apartment sector, Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island were the most searched locations in the ultra-luxury segment. Average asking price per square foot for Palm Jumeirah ultra-luxury apartments increased by 3.4 percent QoQ to Dh3,490.

Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Hills Estate dominated inquiries for luxury apartments, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Business Bay remained popular destinations for mid-tier apartments. JVC recorded an average price per square foot of Dh1,419, while Business Bay recorded Dh2,158.

Dubai Silicon Oasis led the affordable category. Studios averaged Dh556,000.

Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Al Barari and Palm Jumeirah featured among the popular communities across the luxury and ultra-luxury villa segments. Four-bedroom villas recorded an average asking price of Dh44.1 million on Palm Jumeirah.

Damac Lagoons was a popular choice for mid-tier villas that recorded average price per square foot of Dh1,499. Damac Hills 2, Rukan and Dubai South were most searched for affordable villas.

“Our combined UAE survey adds another dimension to that picture. Six in ten buyers surveyed were very confident or cautiously optimistic about the market over the next five years, and nearly half of renters had considered buying a home. That speaks to confidence in the UAE’s long-term prospects,” Khan added.

Upward market trends indicate long-term growth in the real estate sector. Both public and private entities are contributing to Dubai’s appeal as a global property hub and strengthening investor confidence. With the newly-approved Urban Centres Development Plan by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the real estate sector will receive a substantial development push from over Dh2 billion in investments as the emirate focuses on building sustainable integrated communities.

Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that six main urban centres and 42 sub centres will be targeted under this plan, accounting for 12 percent of Dubai’s urban area. Development in these centres will propel their real estate value to Dh20 billion.

The plan will prioritise three key aspects: quality of life, economic returns and infrastructure and cost efficiency. It aims to increase the proportion of residents in areas around metro stations to 74 percent and raise public services coverage to 85 percent.

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