Dubai Property Sales Hit Record AED 72.4 Billion in January 2026

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Off-plan values soar 128% as Dubai real estate hits historic AED 72.4 billion monthly high.

Dubai recorded AED 72.4 billion in property sales during January 2026, marking a 63% year-on-year increase and the highest monthly total on record.
Off-plan properties in the primary market drove growth with values surging 128% compared to January 2025, significantly outpacing ready property gains of 49%.
Total transaction volumes rose 23% year-on-year, supported by 42% growth in primary market deals despite a marginal 1% decline in secondary volumes.
Property Finder data shows more than 85% of transactions are attributed to end-users rather than speculative investors, indicating mature market dynamics.
Secondary market values increased 38% year-on-year despite lower transaction counts, reflecting higher average prices and sustained demand for completed properties.
The Dubai Land Department reported total real estate transactions including mortgages and transfers reached approximately AED 111 billion for the month.

Primary Market Momentum Underpins Record Transaction Values

Dubai's real estate sector opened 2026 with unprecedented strength as Property Finder, one of the region's leading portals, confirmed that transaction values reached approximately AED 72.4 billion (USD 19.7 billion) in January. The performance represents the strongest January on record and the highest single-month sales total in the emirate's history, driven predominantly by accelerated activity in off-plan properties and continued investor confidence in new project launches.

Market data indicates that the surge was supported by approximately 17,451 property transactions spanning residential and commercial segments, with apartments and villas continuing to dominate overall activity. The Dubai Land Department's broader transaction registry, which includes mortgage registrations and non-sale transfers, recorded a total of around AED 111 billion for January, underscoring the depth of market engagement across multiple transaction categories.

Off-Plan Segment Posts 128% Value Increase

The primary market, encompassing newly launched and under-construction projects, delivered the most significant contribution to January's record. Off-plan values within this segment jumped roughly 128% year-on-year, far exceeding the 49% increase recorded for ready properties in the same market category. This divergence highlights a pronounced shift of capital toward early-stage developments, likely driven by flexible payment structures, perceived upside potential, and strong marketing of branded residential communities.

In contrast, the secondary market posted robust but more moderate gains, with overall values rising 38% year-on-year. However, off-plan allocations within the secondary segment declined by around 9%, suggesting that investors are prioritising direct purchases from developers rather than resale arbitrage. The data indicates that value creation is currently concentrated at the project launch stage rather than in short-term flipping of pre-construction units.

Transaction Volumes Show Broad-Based Growth

Total transaction volumes increased by approximately 23% year-on-year in January 2026, reflecting heightened market participation across buyer segments. The primary market accounted for the bulk of this growth, with deal counts rising roughly 42% compared to January 2025. Meanwhile, secondary market volumes edged slightly lower by about 1%, though this marginal decline was offset by higher average ticket sizes and sustained price performance in established communities.

Apartments remained the dominant asset class, underpinned by affordability, lifestyle appeal, and persistent rental demand in mid-market and emerging districts. Villas and townhouses also maintained strong momentum, benefiting from continued interest in family-oriented master-planned developments and premium residential enclaves that gained traction during the post-pandemic period.

End-User Demand Signals Market Maturity

According to Property Finder, more than 85% of transactions are now attributed to end-users, marking a notable shift away from purely speculative cycles toward owner-occupier and long-term investor activity. This dynamic is reinforced by population growth, expatriate inflows, and Dubai's strengthened positioning as a regional hub for business and lifestyle. First-time buyers are also playing an increasing role, supported by policy initiatives aimed at improving access to mortgage finance and home ownership pathways.

Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, described January as delivering a historic milestone with record-breaking transaction values. He highlighted the continued appetite for high-quality off-plan projects alongside strong rental demand, stating that the level of engagement reflects a market that is mature and resilient, capable of sustaining momentum while adapting to evolving buyer priorities.

Regulatory and Infrastructure Context

The January performance unfolds against a regulatory backdrop that supports foreign ownership, long-term residency pathways, and transparent land registration through the Dubai Land Department's digital platforms. Visa reforms, including various investor and long-term residence categories, continue to encourage high-net-worth individuals and skilled professionals to establish longer-term bases in the emirate, indirectly supporting housing demand.

Infrastructure expansion, ongoing development of new master communities, and sustained investment in transport and urban amenities are cited by analysts as structural drivers underpinning confidence in Dubai's property sector. These factors contribute to perceptions of long-term stability and growth potential, reinforcing the investment thesis for both developers and end-users.

Market Outlook and Implications

The record AED 72.4 billion figure suggests that Dubai entered 2026 with significant momentum across primary and secondary segments. The 128% surge in off-plan values signals robust appetite for new inventory and implies that developers may continue to bring substantial project volumes to market throughout the year. At the same time, the 38% rise in secondary market values, despite slightly lower volumes, indicates that established communities and ready stock remain attractive to buyers seeking immediate occupancy.

Persistent rental demand, particularly for apartments, suggests that yields remain a key component of the investment case, while the growing prominence of end-users and first-time buyers points to increased market depth and reduced reliance on short-term speculative activity. Stakeholder commentary frames January 2026 as both a record month and a signal of sustained investor confidence in Dubai's evolving real estate landscape.