Prime Highlights
- Abu Dhabi recorded its strongest-ever first quarter, with residential sales reaching AED38.1 billion ($10.4 billion).
- Strong demand for off-plan properties drove market activity, with sales value jumping more than 211% year-on-year.
Key Facts
- More than 8,100 residential transactions were completed during the January–March period, up nearly 124% from a year earlier.
- Off-plan properties accounted for around 90% of total sales value and over 80% of homes sold in Q1 2026.
Background
Abu Dhabi recorded its highest-ever first-quarter residential sales in 2026, reflecting continued strength in the emirate’s property sector.
According to property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell, residential sales reached AED38.1 billion ($10.4 billion) during the January-March period, generated through more than 8,100 transactions. Sales value increased by over 211% compared with the same period last year, while transaction volumes rose nearly 124%.
The off-plan segment remained the main driver of activity. More than 6,600 off-plan homes changed hands during the quarter, accounting for about 90% of total sales value and more than 80% of all residential transactions. Demand continued to benefit from new project launches and sustained interest from both local and overseas buyers.
The ready property market also expanded, recording around 1,500 transactions, an increase of nearly 15% from a year earlier.
Andrew Laver, Head of Abu Dhabi at Cavendish Maxwell, said the market carried forward the momentum seen in 2025, delivering the strongest first-quarter performance for both sales values and transaction numbers since records began.
The emirate added approximately 2,400 residential units during the first three months of the year, taking total housing stock to more than 320,000 homes. Developers are expected to deliver another 13,500 units before the end of 2026, with further supply planned over the following two years.
Property values continued to rise across major communities. Apartment prices rose more than 17% year-on-year, while villa prices increased nearly 11%. Rental rates also recorded steady growth during the quarter.
Apartments made up more than 70% of residential sales during the quarter. Al Reem Island recorded the highest number of apartment transactions, while Al Hudayriyat Island led villa and townhouse sales.
