Abu Dhabi Residential Property Sales Reach AED 21.5 Billion in Q3 2026

Abu Dhabi's residential real estate market recorded AED 21.5 billion in property sales during the third quarter of 2026, with 6,085 residential transactions completed between July and September, according to the latest residential market research.

Despite a moderation in transaction volumes, the total value of residential property sales increased by 32% compared with Q3 2025, highlighting continued demand for higher-value properties across the emirate.

The results reflect a shift in buyer preferences towards luxury villas, premium apartments and off-plan developments, supported by Abu Dhabi's growing international appeal, infrastructure investment and expanding residential communities.

Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market Records AED 21.5 Billion in Q3 2026

Abu Dhabi's property market maintained its resilience throughout the third quarter of 2026, with residential transactions demonstrating continued interest from local and international buyers.

Although the number of transactions declined by 19% compared with Q2 2026 and 7% compared with the same quarter last year, the overall sales value increased significantly on an annual basis.

This reflects a changing market dynamic, with higher-value property purchases contributing a greater share of residential sales.

Key Abu Dhabi Q3 2026 Residential Market Figures:

• Total Residential Sales Value: AED 21.5 billion

• Total Residential Transactions: 6,085

• Annual Sales Value Growth: 32%

• Quarter-on-Quarter Transaction Change: -19%

• Year-on-Year Transaction Change: -7%

• Off-Plan Share of Transactions: 81%

• Luxury Transactions Above AED 10 Million: 582

The figures demonstrate that while overall transaction activity has moderated, demand remains concentrated in premium residential developments and properties offering long-term value.

Off-Plan Properties Account for 81% of Residential Transactions

Off-plan properties continued to dominate Abu Dhabi's residential real estate market during Q3 2026, accounting for approximately 81% of all residential transactions.

The average off-plan transaction value reached AED 5 million, representing an increase of 15% compared with the previous quarter and 40% compared with Q3 2025.

By comparison, the average transaction value for ready properties stood at approximately AED 2.8 million.

The figures highlight continued buyer interest in newly launched residential developments, particularly projects offering modern designs, premium amenities, desirable locations and structured payment plans.

As developers introduce new residential communities and luxury projects across Abu Dhabi, off-plan properties remain a significant component of the emirate's property market.

Luxury Property Sales Strengthen in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's luxury residential market recorded particularly strong activity during the third quarter of 2026.

A total of 582 residential transactions exceeded AED 10 million, representing a 35% increase compared with Q2 2026 and a 104% increase compared with the same period last year.

Off-plan properties accounted for approximately 95% of these luxury transactions, demonstrating the importance of premium developments within the higher-value segment.

The growth reflects demand for exclusive villas, waterfront residences, luxury apartments and branded residential properties.

Buyers are increasingly considering factors such as location, development quality, amenities, privacy and long-term investment potential when selecting premium residential properties.

Abu Dhabi Apartment and Villa Prices Continue to Rise

Residential property prices in Abu Dhabi recorded further annual growth during Q3 2026, supported by demand across established and emerging communities.

Average apartment prices reached approximately AED 22,700 per square metre, representing an annual increase of 9%.

Meanwhile, average villa and townhouse prices reached approximately AED 18,200 per square metre, reflecting an 8% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

These figures indicate continued price growth across both apartment and villa segments, although performance may vary depending on location, property type, development quality and available supply.

Demand for spacious residences, premium communities and waterfront properties remains an important factor influencing Abu Dhabi's residential market.

Residential Sales Reach AED 96.8 Billion in the First Nine Months of 2026

Beyond the third-quarter performance, Abu Dhabi's residential property market recorded substantial activity during the first nine months of 2026.

Residential sales reached approximately AED 96.8 billion between January and September, accounting for around 83% of the emirate's total property sales value during that period.

According to Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre data cited in market reporting, villa sales represented the largest share of residential sales value.

The breakdown included:

• Villa Sales: AED 53.8 billion, representing 55.6% of residential sales value.

• Apartment Sales: AED 43 billion, accounting for 44.4% of residential sales value.

These figures highlight the significant contribution of both villas and apartments to Abu Dhabi's property market.

The continued demand for residential properties also reflects the emirate's expanding population, growing business environment and increasing attractiveness to international investors.

International Buyers Continue to Support Abu Dhabi's Property Market

Abu Dhabi continues to attract interest from international property buyers, supported by its economic stability, investment environment and expanding selection of residential developments.

Foreign buyers, including expatriate residents and non-resident investors, accounted for approximately 70% of residential sales value during the first half of 2026, compared with 64% during the corresponding period in 2024.

The figures demonstrate the increasing importance of international participation in Abu Dhabi's residential property sector.

Factors supporting buyer interest include the emirate's growing business ecosystem, premium lifestyle destinations, modern infrastructure and long-term development plans.

Infrastructure Investment Supports Abu Dhabi's Long-Term Growth

Major infrastructure and development investments continue to play an important role in Abu Dhabi's property market.

The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre oversees more than 600 active projects with a combined value exceeding AED 200 billion, supporting the emirate's ongoing development across infrastructure and related sectors.

These investments, alongside major residential and mixed-use developments, are expected to contribute to Abu Dhabi's long-term economic growth and urban expansion.

The emirate's evolving tourism, cultural, entertainment and business destinations are also strengthening its appeal as a place to live, work and invest.

Residential areas such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island and Zayed City are expected to remain important locations for future property development.

Abu Dhabi Rental Market Records Increased Activity in Q3 2026

The rental sector also experienced increased activity during the third quarter.

Abu Dhabi recorded approximately 50,500 residential rental transactions, representing a 29% increase compared with Q2 2026.

Lease renewals accounted for approximately 68% of rental activity, while rental performance varied across different residential communities.

The figures reflect continued activity within Abu Dhabi's residential leasing market, supported by the emirate's expanding population and demand for housing.

For property investors, rental demand remains an important consideration when assessing potential investment opportunities, alongside purchase prices, service charges and long-term ownership costs.

Abu Dhabi Residential Property Market Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Abu Dhabi's residential property market is expected to continue evolving as new developments enter the market and buyers become increasingly selective.

Market projections indicate that approximately 68,000 additional residential units could be introduced by 2030, with a significant proportion expected across Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island and Zayed City.

The expansion of residential supply will create additional options for buyers and investors, while increasing the importance of evaluating individual projects based on location, pricing, quality and delivery timelines.

Continued infrastructure investment, economic diversification and international demand are expected to remain important factors supporting the emirate's property sector.

However, future market performance will also depend on the pace of new supply, buyer demand and broader economic conditions.

Abu Dhabi's Q3 2026 Results Highlight Demand for Premium Residential Properties

Abu Dhabi's residential real estate market demonstrated continued resilience in Q3 2026, recording AED 21.5 billion in sales despite a decline in overall transaction volumes.

The 32% annual increase in residential sales value, combined with strong activity in luxury and off-plan properties, highlights the growing importance of higher-value transactions within the market.

With continued infrastructure development, expanding residential communities and increasing interest from international buyers, Abu Dhabi remains an important destination within the UAE's property market.

For buyers and investors, the latest figures reinforce the importance of evaluating property opportunities based on location, development quality, market conditions and long-term investment objectives.