Abu Dhabi recorded Dh21.5 billion in residential sales across 6,085 transactions in Q3 2026, with off-plan units making up 81% of deals, according to Gulf News — Business/Property.
Abu Dhabi's residential market recorded sales worth Dh21.5 billion in the third quarter of 2026 across 6,085 transactions, according to Gulf News — Business/Property, citing a report by Savills Middle East. The number of deals fell 19% quarter on quarter and 7% year on year, but total value was up 32% on the same period last year, pointing to a shift towards higher-priced properties. Off-plan units accounted for 81% of all residential transactions. The average off-plan deal was worth Dh5 million (up 15% on the previous quarter and 40% year on year), against Dh2.8 million for ready properties. The luxury segment stood out: 582 transactions above Dh10 million each were recorded, up 35% quarter on quarter and 104% year on year, and 95% of them were off-plan. Average prices rose year on year: apartments reached Dh22,700 per square metre (+9%), and villas and townhouses Dh18,200 per square metre (+8%). In the rental market, transactions rose to 50,500 in the quarter, up 29% on the second quarter, with lease renewals making up 68% of activity. The report says foreign buyers, including expatriate residents and non-resident investors, accounted for 70% of residential sales value in the first half of 2026. About 68,000 additional residential units are expected to enter the market by 2030, largely in Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island and Zayed City. Savills expects demand to stay supported by economic fundamentals and infrastructure investment, but notes that the volume of new supply will be an important factor for market performance in the coming years.