Dubai’s real estate market experienced a moderation in May 2026. Some buyers are adopting a wait-and-see approach, but the market’s fundamentals remain strong and stable.
Transaction activity remained steady across residential and commercial segments, supported by ongoing demand for off-plan developments, premium properties, and strategically positioned neighborhoods. The market recorded strong sales values and volumes, highlighting Dubai’s appeal as the world’s most attractive real estate investment destination amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Key Highlights
- 13,813 total transactions (including sales, mortgages, and gifts)
- AED 51.81 billion transaction value (including sales, mortgages, and gifts)
- 13,510 residential transactions, valued at AED 37.11 billion (including sales, mortgages, and gifts)
- 303 commercial transactions, valued at AED 14.17 billion (including sales, mortgages, and gifts)
According to the data released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for May 2026, the Dubai real estate market recorded 10,483 sales, valued at AED 29.46 billion.
A total of 7,605 off-plan property sales, valued at AED 16.17 billion, were recorded this month. The ready properties segment saw 2,878 sales, amounting to AED 13.29 billion in value. Off-plan covers 72.6% of the total sales, while ready properties cover 27.4% of the total sales.
The residential segment remained the primary driver of the market activity, contributing 10,332 sales worth AED 24.63 billion. The market recorded 151 commercial sales with a combined value of AED 4.83 billion.
The mortgage market demonstrated strong momentum, recording 2,411 transactions valued at AED 17.55 billion. Additionally, 737 gift transactions were registered, worth AED 4.80 billion.
Sales Breakdown by Property Type
| Property Type | Total Sales | Total Sales Value in AED |
| Unit | 9,272 | AED 17.86 billion |
| Building | 623 | AED 2.80 billion |
| Land | 588 | AED 8.80 billion |
Top-Performing Areas by Volume in May 2026
| Area | Volume (Total Sales) |
| Madinat Al Mataar | 1,209 |
| Majan | 822 |
| Dubai Land Residence Complex | 569 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | 566 |
| Business Bay | 400 |
Top-Performing Areas by Value
| Area | Value in AED |
| Business Bay | AED 2.71 billion |
| Madinat Al Mataar | AED 1.38 billion |
| Palm Deira | AED 1.28 billion |
| Palm Jumeirah | AED 1.17 billion |
| Trade Center First | AED 1.14 billion |
Most Expensive Apartments Sold in May 2026
The following are the most expensive apartments sold in May 2026:
- Solaya (5, 7) at Jumeirah First: AED 112.6 million
- Solaya (4, 6) at La Mer: AED 106 million
- Casa AHS at Dubai Water Canal: AED 101 million
Most Expensive Villas Sold in May 2026
The following are the most expensive villas sold in May 2026:
- A villa at Palm Jumeirah Club Villas: AED 60 million
- A villa at Karl Lagerfeld Villas by Taraf at Wadi Al Safa 3: AED 41.1 million
- A villa in MBR District 1, Phase 1: AED 21 million
Best-Selling Projects in May 2026
| Project | Type | Units Sold | Value in AED |
| Azizi Venice 14 | Apartment | 505 | AED 406.94 million |
| Binghatti Skyflame 1 | Apartment | 443 | AED 311.63 million |
| Binghatti Skyflame 2 | Apartment | 193 | AED 124.81 million |
| Lunaya | Villa | 89 | AED 754.10 million |
| Reportage Hills | Villa | 47 | AED 95.12 million |
| Verdana 3 | Villa | 36 | AED 49.97 billion |
Market Outlook
May 2026 reflected a moderating phase in Dubai’s real estate sector. The market recorded healthy transactions amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Despite this moderation, the market fundamentals remained strong, underscoring the strength and stability of Dubai’s property sector.
Looking ahead, the market is expected to maintain an upward trajectory, supported by continued infrastructure development, increasing population, and strong engagement from global investors. As conditions stabilize, Dubai’s real estate market is expected to regain momentum and maintain its sustained growth trajectory in 2026.
