Dubai residential property transactions reach 44,100 in Q1 as off-plan market strengthens

Dubai’s residential property market recorded 44,100 transactions in the first quarter of 2026, driven by continued growth in the off-plan segment, according to Cavendish Maxwell.

The total number of residential transactions rose 4.2 per cent year-on-year between January and March.

Off-plan sales, which accounted for 73 per cent of all transactions during the quarter, increased 10.3 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The ready property segment moved in the opposite direction, declining 9.2 per cent year-on-year.

March was the weakest month of the quarter, with 12,700 residential transactions, down 10.5 per cent from March 2025.

“While March was the softest month of the quarter with 12,700 transactions – down 10.5 per cent compared to March 2025 – it is too early to confirm that the dip is directly related to regional tensions,” Ronan Arthur said.

“Property sales data typically takes several weeks to be reflected in official statistics, so March’s figures are a mix of deals signed before and after the conflict began. Q2’s statistics, which will be available in the coming months, will give a much clearer picture of market direction.”

Ready property sales in March fell 35 per cent from a year earlier, while off-plan transactions remained broadly stable, rising 0.6 per cent.

The figures add to signs that Dubai’s property market continues to be supported by demand for new developments, even as activity in the secondary market slows.

The latest data follows a series of reports pointing to sustained demand for off-plan homes across Dubai, where developers have continued to launch new projects amid strong investor interest.

This article was originally published in Arabian Business.