Dubai: Property markets in Abu Dhabi & Dubai showed resilience in April, holding steady despite seasonal slowdowns & regional uncertainties. Latest data indicates stable demand, firm pricing & continued development momentum across both emirates.
Abu Dhabi Records Steady Activity With April Uptick
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) reports that residential market activity has been steady over the last eight weeks, with April showing signs of strength. In comparison to previous months of this year, more than 3,200 residential units were sold throughout the month, resulting in a transaction value of more than Dh13 billion.
“Over the past eight weeks, market activity followed a pattern consistent with normal variation, with strong activity in January & February, moderation in March & April recording activity levels similar to earlier in the year,” ADREC said.
The figures suggest the market is moving within expected seasonal trends rather than showing signs of weakness. Sales of ready homes—a key indicator of immediate demand—also remained stable. In April, 529 ready units were transacted, totalling approximately Dh1.6 billion, broadly in line with historical averages.
Price trends further underline stability. Nearly 90% of real estate listings either experienced price hikes or remained unchanged. When reductions were noted, they were usually less than 10%, suggesting that there were few corrections rather than a widespread softening.
The rental market continues to grow steadily. Since the start of the year, active residential leases have increased weekly thanks to excellent occupancy rates. Major developers are continuing to introduce new off-plan projects into the market, which is indicative of ongoing confidence in medium-term demand.
Dubai Sees Strong Value Growth Led By Premium & Off-plan Sales
Dubai’s residential market has remained firm through recent uncertainty, with average sales prices rising 21.1% year-on-year as of April 2026 to Dh2.21 million. On a quarterly basis, prices have largely remained flat, according to Property Finder.
“The market is absorbing pressure without losing ground,” it noted. Residential rents have adjusted from their January–February peaks, declining 6.7% in Dubai to an annual average of Dh140,000. “They remain flat year-on-year. This is a correction from a period of exceptional demand, not a change in direction,” it further added.
Off-plan activity continues to dominate market performance. In April alone, off-plan apartment sales reached Dh19.7 billion across 8,812 transactions, based on Dubai Land Department data compiled by Al Masdar Al Aqaari.
This builds on a strong first quarter, during which total property sales touched Dh176.7 billion from around 48,000 transactions, as per fäm Properties.
The increasing gap between transaction volume & value is a noteworthy trend. Due to rising prices & a growing proportion of premium homes, the overall sales value has climbed significantly than the number of deals, which has grown moderately.
Nearly 70% of all transactions & value in Q1 came from off-plan assets, which were made possible by developers' flexible payment plans & an increasing number of launches.
High-ticket transactions are playing an increasingly significant role. Deals exceeding Dh100 million—including units at Aman Residences Dubai & Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai are pushing overall market averages higher & signalling growing demand for luxury developments.
According to Springfield Properties, pricing remains firm across both off-plan & secondary markets, particularly in villa communities & newly launched projects.
Outlook Remains Stable Across Both Emirates
Across Abu Dhabi & Dubai, the broader trajectory remains consistent. Demand levels are steady, pricing continues to show resilience & development pipelines remain active.
While Dubai is witnessing stronger value growth driven by premium & off-plan segments, Abu Dhabi’s market reflects stability across volumes, pricing & leasing.
Overall, the data suggests that the UAE’s property market is successfully navigating short-term fluctuations while maintaining its underlying strength.
For more information, get in touch with us at Vserve Real Estate Dubai
