AED 90.62bn across 36,738 transactions: Dubai's Q3 2026 in one number

Dubai's property market registered AED 90.62bn across 36,738 residential and commercial transactions in the third quarter of 2026, according to Springfield Properties' quarterly market data, carried by Zawya, with Cavendish Maxwell's separate residential count landing at a very similar level. Residential sales made up the bulk, at AED 72.58bn from 33,949 transactions. Within that, off-plan homes accounted for AED 41.58bn across 23,457 transactions, and the secondary market for AED 30.83bn across 10,442.

Commercial activity reached AED 18.04bn from 2,789 transactions, with volumes broadly in line with the second quarter. Land was the largest commercial category by value at AED 6.91bn, while offices were the most frequently traded asset, with 1,123 transactions worth AED 4.35bn. Eighty-seven whole-building sales generated AED 3.64bn, lifting their share of commercial value to 20.18% from 13.40%.

The residential split is the detail worth holding on to. Off-plan contributed roughly two thirds of residential transactions by count but a noticeably smaller share by value, because secondary sales carry higher average tickets. Ready homes in established communities are still where much of the capital concentrates, even as developers drive the transaction count.

The commercial numbers tell a quieter story about confidence. Whole-building purchases and land acquisitions are long-horizon commitments, usually made by developers, family offices and institutional buyers. A rising share for those categories suggests well-capitalised participants are positioning for the next cycle of projects. The price-band data adds a final layer: homes under AED 3m made up 84.28% of transactions, up from 82.45% in the second quarter.

Buyers comparing off-plan and ready options should look past the headline count. Off-plan dominates by number, but the secondary market carries a large share of value, which means established communities still offer depth, liquidity and verifiable pricing. Choosing between the two is about timeline and use, not about which segment is winning the quarter.

Investors and sellers should read the commercial shift as a forward signal. Land and whole-building acquisitions feed the launch pipeline of 2027 and beyond, so the next wave of supply is being assembled now. Owners of prime ready stock remain well placed, while those holding mid-market off-plan units should plan exits around handover dates rather than assume new-launch momentum will carry resale prices.