Abu Dhabi real estate sector to surge as 38,700 new homes expected, best performing areas revealed

Demand for residential property is on the rise in Abu Dhabi, where 38,700 new units are set to come to market by 2028, according to Cavendish Maxwell.

Following a strong performance in 2024, with 9,700 sales transactions worth a total AED26bn ($7.1bn), the residential real estate sector in the UAE capital is poised for further growth this year and beyond.

Optimism is fuelled by increased demand and strategic Government initiatives, according to Cavendish Maxwell’s latest Abu Dhabi Residential Market Performance Report.

Abu Dhabi real estate supply

Some 10,800 new units are due to be delivered this year, with another 6,000 in 2026. By the end of 2028, Abu Dhabi’s total residential inventory will be around 313,700, the research shows.

5,200 new homes were delivered in 2024, mostly at Al Raha Berach, Yas Island, Masdar City and Saadiyat Island, with 275,000 units in total at year end.

Andrew Laver, Cavendish Maxwell Associate Partner, Abu Dhabi, said: “The residential sector in Abu Dhabi is experiencing steady growth, driven by increased demand from local and international investors as well as strategic Government initiatives such as residency incentives.

“Sustainable development and innovative housing solutions will be key in shaping the future of capital’s residential property market, with rising demand and price appreciation further boosted by infrastructure expansion and enhanced community offerings.”

Average sales prices for apartments rose by nearly 11.5 per cent in 2024, with villa prices up by just over 12.5 per cent.

Yas Island commanded the biggest rises at more than 20 per cent for apartments and 13 per cent for villas.

In the rentals market, rates were an average of nearly 13 per cent for apartments and 8 per cent for villas, with Yas Island seeing the highest rises, at 16 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

Cavendish Maxwell predicts further gradual increases this year.

Demand for ready properties surged by almost 50 per cent year-on-year in 2024, while off-plan transactions saw a decline of 13 per cent, largely due to a reduction in new project launches.

Of the 9,700 sales transactions last year, 75 per cent were for apartments, up 63 per cent on the previous year.

Apartment sales transactions reached 7,300 with a total value of AED12.6bn ($3.4bn).

2,400 villas and townhouse, with a combined value of AED13.4bn ($3.6bn), were purchased in 2024 – a drop of 44 per cent in volume and value, driven by limited new projects launches.

However, demand for ready villas and townhouses was up 47 per cent and 26 per cent respectively, reflecting growing confidence among investors and end-users in the completed property market.

Abu Dhabi saw a 34 per cent increase in mortgage transactions in 2024, with nearly 5,000 mortgages, worth a total AED7.1bn ($1.9bn) secured.

Loans for apartments dominated the mortgage market, up 66 per cent in volume and 55 per cent in value on the previous year.

Falling interest rates, increasing investor confidence and attractive financing options from banks fuelled mortgage demand last year, says Cavendish Maxwell.

Almost 40 residential projects were launched in Abu Dhabi last year, bringing 11,000 new units to the market.

Al Reem island saw the highest number of new units (2,000), followed by Saadiyat Island (1,800) and Al Bahyah (1,700).

Aldar Properties dominated the market, launching around 4,000 units across 12 projects, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the capital’s real estate sector.

The performance of this year’s off plan market will hinge on the number of new launches: a decrease in new projects could lead to a decline in volume and value of off plan transactions.

This article is originally published in Arabian Business.