Abu Dhabi’s ready property continues to outperform off-plan market
Abu Dhabi’s residential market continued its shift towards ready properties in the first half of 2025, with approximately 3,300 sales transactions, including around 2,300 ready sales and just over 1,000 off-plan sales.
The real estate brokerage and consultancy firm Cavendish Maxwell reported that off-plan activity declined in the first half of 2025, falling by 49.5 per cent from the second half of 2024 and by 69.9 per cent from the first half of 2024, as fewer new project launches resulted in limited inventory for buyers.
Although off-plan volumes during the first two quarters of 2025 were below those of previous quarters, Cavendish Maxwell said the second quarter saw a modest uptick in activity.
It said off-plan transaction numbers are expected to be revised upward, potentially increasing total first-half 2025 sales activity.
“This relative scarcity of off-plan options redirected demand towards ready properties, allowing them to grow their share in the first half of 2025. While the volume of ready sales was lower than in the second half of 2024, it remained 26.9 per cent higher year-on-year, highlighting the strength of end-user and investor demand in the absence of fresh off-plan supply,” the consultancy said in its quarterly report.
In terms of residential sales value, data showed that the first half of 2025 saw transactional values reach approximately Dh8.9 billion, a 33 per cent decline compared to the same period last year, largely due to subdued off-plan activity. However, while the number of ready property transactions fell compared with the second half of 2024, their total sales value increased. Over the same period, the average transaction price for ready properties rose from Dh2.1 million to Dh2.5 million.
“The first half of 2025 has presented a nuanced picture of the real estate market. While overall activity has moderated compared to the same period in 2024, demand for completed projects remains robust. This sustained interest has driven continued price appreciation across both apartment and villa segments, underscoring the resilience of end-user and investor appetite,” said Andrew Laver, associate director, commercial valuation for Abu Dhabi at Cavendish Maxwell.
2,400 units delivered
Cavendish Maxwell data showed that the residential supply in Abu Dhabi city gradually rose, with around 2,400 units delivered in 2025. The development pipeline is expected to pick up pace, with approximately 10,400 units projected for completion by year-end and over 11,000 units scheduled for delivery in 2026.
“However, on-the-ground deliveries are expected to progress more slowly than planned, keeping supply below near-term demand. Concurrently, the Government’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, combined with steady population growth driven by international migration, continues to fuel robust demand for family-oriented, quality homes with modern amenities. Furthermore, strengthening economic conditions across the UAE and broader GCC region are bolstering investment appetite, providing additional support for residential property demand,” it said.
Laver added that the upcoming launches are likely to reinvigorate supply and stimulate broader market engagement.
This article was originally published in Khaleej Times.
