Dubai Real Estate Starts 2026 Strong with AED 60.8 Billion in February Property Sales

Dubai’s property market has continued its impressive growth in 2026, recording AED 60.8 billion in total sales during February. The latest figures highlight strong investor confidence, healthy market liquidity, and consistent demand across both the primary and secondary real estate markets.

With both transaction value and deal volume increasing year-on-year, the market is building momentum beyond the levels seen in early 2025 — a year that ultimately set record-breaking benchmarks for Dubai’s real estate sector.

Primary Market Continues to Drive Growth

Developer sales remained the dominant force in Dubai’s property market during February.

The primary market recorded 11,351 transactions worth AED 42.1 billion, significantly outperforming the secondary market, which saw 5,628 resale transactions totaling AED 18.6 billion.

This strong performance highlights the continued demand for off-plan properties and newly launched developments. Investors are particularly attracted to flexible payment plans, long-term capital appreciation potential, and the expansion of new residential communities across the city.

Cash Buyers Boost Secondary Market Liquidity

Dubai’s resale market also showed strong performance, supported by a high level of cash transactions. More than 69% of resale deals were completed in cash, reflecting the financial strength of buyers entering the market.

The high percentage of cash purchases indicates several important market trends:

• Strong financial positioning among investors

• Growing participation from international buyers

• Reduced dependence on mortgage financing

• Continued trust in Dubai as a wealth preservation destination

This level of liquidity demonstrates the depth and maturity of Dubai’s real estate market.

Year-on-Year Growth Signals Continued Expansion

Dubai’s real estate sector continues to expand at a steady pace. February’s total sales value increased by 18.4% compared to the same period last year, while transaction volume grew by 5.1%, reaching 16,979 deals.

Looking at the first two months of 2026:

• Total sales reached AED 133.3 billion

• Transaction volume climbed to 34,452 deals

• Overall sales value increased by 38.8% year-on-year

These numbers show that the market is not only maintaining momentum but also broadening across multiple real estate segments.

Commercial Property Sector Gains Momentum

Dubai’s commercial real estate market recorded one of its strongest performances in February.

Office and retail transactions totaled 804 deals worth AED 4.1 billion. This represents an impressive 81.5% increase in transaction volume compared to last year.

The surge reflects growing business expansion, corporate relocations, and increasing demand for high-quality office spaces across Dubai’s key business districts.

Segment Performance Overview

Apartments

• 12,916 transactions

• AED 26.6 billion in value

• 13.4% growth in transaction volume year-on-year

Plots

• 446 transactions

• AED 11.2 billion in value

• 25.3% increase in volume

Villas

• 2,802 transactions

• AED 18.8 billion in value

• Volume declined by 29.3% year-on-year, although luxury villa sales remain strong

Meanwhile, the average price per square foot rose by 12.2% to AED 1,740, indicating steady capital appreciation across the market.

Top Performing Areas in February 2026

Several key communities led market activity during the month:

• Jumeirah Village Circle – 1,146 transactions worth AED 1.5 billion

• Dubai South – 993 transactions worth AED 1.8 billion

• Al Yelayiss 1 – 936 transactions worth AED 5.5 billion

• Wadi Al Safa 5 – 936 transactions worth AED 1.7 billion

• Wadi Al Safa 3 – 764 transactions worth AED 2.0 billion

These areas continue to attract investors due to competitive pricing, infrastructure development, and large-scale master-planned projects.

Luxury Market Continues to Set Records

Dubai’s high-end real estate segment remained a major contributor to February’s performance.

The most expensive villa transaction was a luxury property in La Mer, sold for AED 350 million.

The highest-value apartment deal reached AED 226 million at The Alba Residences on Palm Jumeirah.

Properties priced above AED 5 million represented 12.68% of all transactions, highlighting sustained demand within the luxury and ultra-luxury segments.

Balanced Demand Across Price Segments

Dubai’s property market continues to show balanced demand across multiple price brackets:

• 24.1% of transactions were below AED 1 million

• 32.41% between AED 1–2 million

• 18.14% between AED 2–3 million

• 12.67% between AED 3–5 million

• 12.68% above AED 5 million

This distribution demonstrates strong participation from both investors and end-users across different property categories.

Five-Year Growth Trend

Dubai’s February property sales have grown significantly over the past five years:

• 2021 – AED 7.4 billion

• 2022 – AED 15.5 billion

• 2023 – AED 27.2 billion

• 2024 – AED 36.9 billion

• 2025 – AED 51.3 billion

• 2026 – AED 60.8 billion

This steady progression reflects the expanding depth of the market and the continued confidence of global investors in Dubai’s real estate sector.

Outlook for 2026

Dubai’s property market continues to demonstrate resilience, strong liquidity, and long-term growth fundamentals.

High developer sales, strong cash participation, rising commercial demand, and consistent price appreciation suggest that the market’s foundation remains solid.

If current momentum continues, 2026 could potentially challenge — and even surpass — the record-breaking performance seen in previous years.