Institutional Market Watch: Dubai Residential, September 2026 Edition

September 2026 Dubai residential sales recorded 10,906 transactions worth AED 24.61bn, with average pricing at AED 1,804 per sq.ft and off-plan accounting for 66.8% of deals. The report also covers Abu Dhabi, yields, segment stances, micro-market deep dives and risk assessment.

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The September 2026 edition of MENA HOMES Institutional Market Watch delivers a data-driven view of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi residential markets, built on official Dubai Land Department (DLD) sales and rental records and Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) sales records.

Dubai: Steady Pricing Despite Softer Deal Flow

Dubai recorded 10,906 residential transactions worth AED 24.61 billion in September 2026. While transaction count eased 6.3% month on month, total value held broadly flat (+0.3%) and average price per sq.ft rose 0.7% to AED 1,804, signalling resilient pricing and stronger ticket sizes. The Dubai Liquidity Index stood at 93.7.

Off-Plan Remains the Market Engine

Off-plan sales accounted for 66.8% of transactions (7,282 deals, AED 13.37 billion), while the ready market contributed 3,624 deals worth AED 11.24 billion, providing meaningful depth in completed stock. Apartments dominated activity with 8,950 transactions (AED 15.24 billion), while villas rebounded 11.8% month on month and land transactions rose 21.3%.

Abu Dhabi: Off-Plan Led and Liquid

Abu Dhabi recorded 2,118 transactions worth AED 9.92 billion, with off-plan representing 76.2% of activity. A liquidity index of 104.4 shows activity above the previous month. Villas captured the largest value pool at AED 6.3 billion, with liquidity concentrated in Yas Island and Al Hidayriyyat.

Yields & Micro-Markets

Dubai's headline gross rental yield reached 8.7%, led by apartments at 9.05% versus 4.67% for villas. Jumeirah Village Circle, Madinat Al Mataar and Majan stand out as the most active corridors, while Business Bay and Al Hebiah Fifth offer selective, income-led opportunities.

What's Inside the Report

Market snapshot and executive summary
Ready vs off-plan dynamics for Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Market structure, liquidity rankings and top projects
Pricing, gross yields and segment strategy
Micro-market project deep dives
Residential market risk assessment
Methodology and data appendix

Download the full 17-page report for detailed tables, project highlights and investor allocation guidance.

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.