Dubai real estate: Q3 2026 market update
This Q3 2026 market update looks at Dubai’s property sales from July to September. The city recorded AED 93.54 billion in sales across 37,637 deals. The median price per square foot rose slightly from last year.
Some areas also saw more sales than in Q2. Below, we explain the main figures and what they mean for buyers and sellers. The data covers 1 July to 30 September 2026.
Key Takeaways
Dubai recorded property sales across 149 communities.
The median sale price reached AED 1,687 per square foot.
This price measure rose 0.4% from Q3 2025.
Off plan homes made up 68% of sales by number.
What Does the Q3 2026 market update Show?
Dubai saw a large number of sales during the quarter. Yet each figure tells a different story.
The total sales value shows how much buyers spent on registered sales. The sales count shows how many deals were recorded.
Measure | Q3 2026 result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Total sales value | AED 93.54 billion | Value of registered sales |
Number of sales | 37,637 | Deals recorded in the quarter |
Communities | 149 | Areas where sales took place |
Median price per square foot | AED 1,687 | Middle price in the data |
Change from Q3 2025 | +0.4% | Annual change in median pricing |
Off plan share | 68% | Share of sales by number |
These figures match FORRSA’s summary of Dubai Land Department records. Dubai Land Department, or DLD, keeps the official property register.
The sales total excludes mortgages and gifts. It therefore measures sales, rather than all types of property deals.
The same report shows 36% fewer sales than in Q3 2025. This means gains in some areas came within a slower annual market.
Which Areas Saw More Sales Than Q2?
Four selected areas saw growth in sales counts. These were Palm Jebel Ali, Wadi Al Safa 4, Al Barsha South Fourth and Marsa Dubai.
The Q3 2026 market update shows how much their sales counts changed from the previous quarter.
Area | Q3 sales | Growth from Q2 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Palm Jebel Ali | 224 | 187.2% |
Wadi Al Safa 4 | 1,983 | 118.6% |
Al Barsha South Fourth | 2,537 | 16.8% |
Marsa Dubai | 867 | 14.2% |
Source: DLD records summarised in FORRSA’s Q3 report.
Palm Jebel Ali had the biggest percentage rise among these four areas. However, Al Barsha South Fourth had the most sales in this group.
A high growth rate does not always mean a high sales count. An area with fewer sales can show a large rise from a small base.
Also, these four areas are selected examples. This table does not rank all Dubai communities by sales or value.
For Dubai property investment, use these results as a starting point. Then check the homes that match your budget and needs.
What Do Prices and Off Plan Sales Mean for Buyers?
The median price rose slightly from a year earlier. However, this does not mean every home gained value.
The median is the middle figure when prices are placed in order. The average adds all figures, then divides by their number.
The Q3 2026 market update uses median pricing per square foot. This gives a broad view of recorded sales.
Still, the mix of homes sold can change that figure. More sales of one type of home can shift the result.
To assess Dubai property prices, compare homes with similar features. A citywide figure cannot tell you the fair price of one unit.
Off plan means buying a home before it is complete. These homes made up most sales by number in Q3.
When looking at off plan property in Dubai, ask:
How does the price compare with nearby finished homes?
Can you meet each payment without stretching your budget?
Does the planned handover date suit your needs?
What does the contract say about selling before handover?
For a finished home, inspect its condition and check ongoing costs. These may include maintenance and fees for shared facilities.
If you plan to rent it out, allow for costs and empty periods. Rent alone does not show the income you will keep.
What Should Buyers and Sellers Check in Q4?
Use the Q3 2026 market update to guide research into specific homes. It provides a record of past sales, rather than a forecast.
First, decide what you need from a purchase.
Next, set a budget that includes costs beyond the price. Leave room for ongoing bills and changes in your plans.
Sellers should review recent sales of similar homes. More deals in an area do not prove that every listing should cost more.
Also, check the dates behind each report. A monthly figure should not be compared directly with a full quarter.
The source notes that records may change after publication. Keep the report date when saving figures for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates does Q3 2026 cover?
Q3 2026 runs from 1 July to 30 September. October belongs to Q4.
Do more sales mean higher property prices?
More sales mean more deals were recorded. To check price growth, compare similar homes over the same time periods.
What does the off plan share measure?
It measures the share of sales involving homes bought before completion. It does not measure their share of total sales value.
How can buyers use the Q3 2026 market update?
Buyers can use it to find active areas and ask better questions. They should then check each home’s price, costs and fit with their plans.
Speak With Eivan Properties
Book a free consultation with Eivan Properties to plan your next purchase in Dubai. Tell us your budget, preferred areas and timing. Our team can help you compare homes and understand what to check before you commit. Whether you want a place to live or rent out, start with a plan that suits your needs.
