Dubai real estate sales rise 5.6% year‑on‑year to AED 214.94bn through April 23, 2026
Dubai real estate sales climbed 5.6% year‑on‑year to AED 214.94 billion between January 1 and April 23, 2026, underpinning continued investor confidence. The surge in Dubai real estate sales was supported by robust transaction volumes and steady mortgage activity, signaling resilience despite regional geopolitical tensions.
Year-to-date sales and transaction totals
Dubai recorded AED 214.94 billion in property sales from January 1 to April 23, 2026, up 5.6% from AED 203.5 billion in the same period of 2025. A total of 59,333 sale transactions were executed over the period, contributing to a broader tally of 76,840 real estate dispositions across all transaction types.
The year‑to‑date sales accounted for 31.49% of the total value of transactions achieved in 2025, when the market recorded roughly AED 682.49 billion for the full year. Cumulative activity across all disposition types pushed the total value of transactions since the start of 2026 to AED 306.66 billion.
Mortgage and gift transactions maintain momentum
Mortgage activity remained substantial, with mortgages totaling AED 71.85 billion through approximately 14,900 deals from January 1 to April 23, 2026. This level of lending underscores sustained access to finance and continued buyer appetite for leveraged purchases in Dubai’s market.
Gifts and transfers also represented a meaningful share of activity, with AED 19.87 billion recorded across 2,608 gift transactions during the same period. Together, mortgage and gift flows contributed materially to the overall value and liquidity of the market in the opening months of 2026.
Weekly market snapshot: AED 15.61bn in disposals
In the most recent week covered by Dubai Land Department data, total real estate dispositions topped AED 15.61 billion across 4,329 transactions. Sales alone amounted to AED 10.98 billion via 3,057 sale contracts, with residential units leading volume at 2,657 deals.
Mortgage activity in the week included 997 loans valued at AED 3.3 billion, split across residential units, buildings and land transactions. Gift transactions reached AED 1.33 billion through 257 deals, reinforcing the varied nature of market demand tracked by the Dubai REST application.
Developer and market commentary on resilience
Hassan Hijazi, vice chairman of HRE Development, said the performance reflects growing maturity and resilience in Dubai’s property market. He highlighted supportive factors such as economic strategy, upgrading infrastructure and a flexible regulatory framework as key drivers sustaining investor confidence.
Michael Bilton, chief executive of Merid Real Estate, pointed to the market’s strong fundamentals and institutionalised delivery mechanisms as reasons behind steady sales. Both executives cited adherence to delivery timelines by reputable developers as central to maintaining market credibility and long‑term stability.
Investor mix and rental yield appeal
Market participants reported a notable increase in demand from international buyers, a trend that has diversified the investor base and reduced reliance on any single source of capital. Analysts said this broader investor mix helps cushion the market against localized shocks and cyclical swings.
One advantage repeatedly cited is Dubai’s attractive rental returns, with select prime areas delivering yields in the 6–8% range. These yields, combined with clear regulatory frameworks and infrastructure upgrades, continue to position Dubai as an appealing destination for cross‑border capital.
Outlook for the second quarter and beyond
Market commentators expect the momentum to continue into the second quarter of 2026, with heightened interest in high‑quality projects located in strategic areas. Developers with strong track records of execution are likely to attract the lion’s share of investment as buyers emphasise delivery certainty.
The combination of steady sales growth, active mortgage markets and international buying interest points to a market that is increasingly institutionalised and resilient. Observers say that as long as delivery discipline and regulatory clarity are maintained, Dubai’s property market should sustain its positive trajectory.
The reported figures and weekly breakdown are based on transaction data published via the Dubai REST application of the Dubai Land Department and statements from sector executives, reflecting a market that continues to attract diverse capital while delivering consistent sales momentum through April 23, 2026.
