Dubai residential property sales totalled 66,900 transactions between January and May 2026, with off-plan purchases accounting for nearly three-quarters of activity despite a softer market in May.
DUBAI: The Dubai residential property sales market recorded 66,900 transactions between January and May 2026, according to new data released by property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell. Off-plan purchases continued to dominate activity, accounting for approximately 74% of all residential transactions during the five-month period.
The report highlights a moderation in market momentum during May, with activity slowing across both off-plan and ready property segments. Around 9,500 residential transactions were completed during the month, compared with 17,600 recorded in May 2025. The figure was also 27% lower than April 2026 levels.
Transaction values reflected a similar trend. The total value of residential sales during the first five months of the year reached more than AED196.2 billion, down from AED217.8 billion during the same period in 2025. In May alone, transaction values stood at AED22 billion compared with AED54.8 billion a year earlier.
Industry analysts noted that the timing of the Eid Al Adha holiday may have influenced market activity. The week-long break at the end of May is estimated to have reduced transaction volumes by approximately 3,000 sales, contributing to the monthly decline.
Despite the slowdown, Dubai residential property sales remain at historically healthy levels, supported by continued demand for new developments and investor interest in off-plan projects. However, buyers appear to be adopting a more cautious approach amid evolving regional and global economic conditions.
Ronan Arthur, Director and Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell, said off-plan sales had remained relatively resilient during the first four months of 2026 before experiencing a notable decline in May. He added that the ready property market has recorded sharper year-on-year declines since March.
While market activity has moderated compared with last year’s exceptional performance, experts believe Dubai residential property sales continue to demonstrate resilience, with strong fundamentals supporting long-term growth across the emirate’s residential sector.
