Dubai's off-plan market carried its record momentum into 2026, with pre-construction sales continuing to dominate residential activity. This report compiles the latest publicly reported figures from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Property Finder, Bayut and Cavendish Maxwell to give a clear, sourced picture of where the off-plan market stands.
Headline numbers — Q1 2026
- Dubai recorded AED 252 billion in total real-estate transactions in Q1 2026, up 31% year-on-year (Dubai Land Department).
- Residential transactions reached 44,100 in Q1 2026, with off-plan sales rising 10.3% year-on-year (Cavendish Maxwell, via Arabian Business).
- Off-plan made up roughly 72% of residential transactions, leaving the ready market with about 28%.
Off-plan vs ready — transacted prices
According to Cavendish Maxwell, Dubai's citywide average transacted prices in Q1 2026 were:
| Segment | Avg price (AED/sq ft) | YoY change |
|---|---|---|
| Off-plan | AED 2,030 | +12.22% |
| Ready | AED 1,691 | +5.62% |
Off-plan prices are not only higher per square foot than ready stock — they're also rising more than twice as fast, reflecting strong demand for new, payment-plan-backed inventory.
Off-plan's share of the market
| Period | Off-plan share of transactions | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full-year 2025 | ~62.6% | Bayut |
| Q1 2026 | ~72–74% | Arabian Business |
Off-plan's grip on the market has tightened, climbing from roughly six in ten transactions in 2025 to around three in four by early 2026.
Monthly momentum
- January 2026 posted the highest monthly transaction value in Dubai's history — about AED 72.4 billion, up ~63% year-on-year, with off-plan around 70% of value (Property Finder).
- Q1 2026 sales reached AED 176.7 billion (Gulf News).
- May 2026 off-plan generated 7,079 transactions worth AED 14.18 billion, remaining the largest contributor to residential activity.
Why off-plan keeps winning
Several structural drivers keep off-plan dominant: a shortage of ready stock against record population growth, flexible developer payment plans (including post-handover terms), the runway for capital appreciation before handover, and buyer protection via RERA escrow accounts. For the full mechanics, see our complete off-plan Dubai guide.
What it means for buyers and investors
With off-plan prices rising faster than ready, early entry into well-chosen launches remains the core strategy — but selectivity matters as the market matures. Compare live launches by area, developer and payment plan on our off-plan projects page, explore communities and developers, and model your numbers with the ROI & payment-plan calculator.
Sources & methodology
This report aggregates publicly reported figures from the Dubai Land Department, Property Finder, Bayut and Cavendish Maxwell for the periods cited. Figures reflect their respective reporting and methodologies and may vary by source and time frame. Provided for information only; not financial advice. Compiled by TRPE Real Estate (RERA 999314).