Abu Dhabi Residential Sales Reach Record AED38.1 Billion in Q1 2026
Abu Dhabi's residential property market delivered its strongest first-quarter performance on record, with home sales reaching AED38.1 billion ($10.3 billion) across more than 8,100 transactions during the first three months of 2026.
Compared to the same period in 2025, total transaction values surged by over 211%, while sales volumes increased by nearly 124%. According to market data, off-plan properties remained the primary driver of activity, accounting for approximately 90% of total sales value and more than 80% of all residential transactions completed during the quarter.
Compared to the same period in 2025, total transaction values surged by over 211%, while sales volumes increased by nearly 124%. According to market data, off-plan properties remained the primary driver of activity, accounting for approximately 90% of total sales value and more than 80% of all residential transactions completed during the quarter.
The off-plan segment recorded exceptional growth, with around 6,600 transactions completed in Q1 2026. Strong demand from both local and international investors, combined with a steady pipeline of new project launches, continued to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as one of the region's most attractive real estate investment destinations.
The ready property market also demonstrated positive performance, with completed property transactions increasing by nearly 15% year-on-year to reach approximately 1,500 sales.
Market momentum remained strong despite seasonal factors, with March alone recording around 2,500 residential sales. Off-plan transactions accounted for roughly 2,100 of these sales, representing a significant increase compared to the same month in 2025.
Abu Dhabi's housing supply continued to expand, with approximately 2,400 residential units delivered during the first quarter, bringing the emirate's total housing stock to more than 320,000 homes. An additional 13,500 units are expected to be delivered before the end of 2026, with further growth anticipated through 2027 and 2028.
Property Prices Continue to Rise
Residential property prices across Abu Dhabi maintained their upward trajectory during Q1 2026. Apartment prices increased by more than 17% on average, while villa prices rose by nearly 11% compared to the previous year.
Yas Island recorded the strongest apartment price growth, approaching 20%, followed closely by Al Reem Island. Al Raha Beach and Al Reef also experienced notable increases, reflecting continued demand for established waterfront and community-focused developments.
In the villa market, Yas Island led annual price growth with an increase exceeding 15%, while Saadiyat Island recorded gains of more than 12%.
Rental values also continued to strengthen, with apartment rents increasing by an average of 10.5% across the emirate. Yas Island achieved the highest rental growth among apartment communities, while Al Reef led villa rental increases.
Apartments Lead Residential Transactions
Apartments represented more than 70% of all residential sales during the quarter, accounting for approximately 5,700 transactions. This marks a 130% increase compared to Q1 2025 and highlights the growing demand for apartment living and investment opportunities.
Al Reem Island emerged as the leading destination for apartment sales, recording nearly 2,000 transactions. Yas Island followed with more than 1,500 sales, while Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, and Fahid Island also ranked among the emirate's top-performing residential locations.
For villas and townhouses, Al Hudayriyat Island led the market with over 1,000 transactions, followed by Ramhan Island, Ghantout, Al Shamkhah, and Zayed City.
The strong start to 2026 builds on Abu Dhabi's record-breaking performance in 2025 and reinforces the emirate's growing appeal among homebuyers, investors, and international property seekers.
Source: Arabian Business
