Market Snapshot

Dubai's property market opened March 2026 on a moderately quieter note. In Week 1, a total of 2,402 sales transactions were recorded, generating a combined value of AED 8.29 billion. While transaction volumes slipped 45% versus the first week of February and 17% versus January, the comparatively smaller dip in overall value confirms that high-value deals remained active throughout the period.

Steady pricing indicators, healthy absorption across the off-plan segment, and a rental market driven predominantly by lease renewals all point to a healthy market undergoing a natural pace correction — not a demand downturn. At HouzzHunt Real Estate, we see this as a market maturing toward a more balanced and sustainable growth trajectory.

Overall Transaction Summary

Key Market Indicators at a Glance

Sales Market: Off-Plan Continues to Lead

The off-plan segment remained the primary driver of transaction activity in Week 1, recording 1,657 deals worth AED 5.31 billion — representing approximately 69% of total sales volume and 64% of total value. Flexible developer payment plans and strong forward-looking investment sentiment continue to underpin robust demand for under-construction properties.

The secondary/ready property market contributed 745 transactions valued at AED 2.98 billion, providing continued liquidity in established communities and reflecting stable end-user demand across key master-planned neighborhoods.

Residential Market: Apartments Lead Volume, Villas Command Premium Pricing

Residential real estate remained the backbone of overall market activity, with 2,270 transactions totaling AED 6.99 billion and an average rate of AED 1,923 per square foot.

Off-plan apartments averaged AED 2,109 per square foot while off-plan villas came in at AED 1,405 per square foot — reflecting the premium placed on urban, amenity-rich communities. In the ready market, villas averaged AED 2,025 per square foot, exceeding both ready apartment pricing and off-plan villa rates, as end-users are willing to pay a meaningful premium for move-in-ready family homes in established neighborhoods.

Serviced and hotel apartments recorded the highest per-square-foot rate across all categories at AED 2,735, underscoring niche but robust appetite within the hospitality-linked residential segment.

Mortgage Activity: A Clear Signal of End-User Confidence

Mortgage transactions are among the most reliable indicators of genuine owner-occupier demand. Week 1 recorded 633 mortgage deals totaling AED 2.57 billion — representing 26% of total sales transactions and 31% of total sales value.

The overwhelming majority of mortgage activity was concentrated in completed properties, with just five off-plan mortgage transactions recorded during the week. Within the residential mortgage segment, 533 transactions worth AED 1.25 billion were completed at an average rate of AED 1,076 per square foot — well below the broader residential average — indicating strong activity in the mid-range value bracket.

Apartments accounted for 338 mortgage transactions while villas captured 166 deals. The meaningful participation of villas in mortgage activity reinforces the theme of family-driven end-user purchases underpinning the ready housing market. Off-plan acquisitions, meanwhile, remain largely equity-funded — a healthy sign of disciplined leverage within the investment segment.

Rental Market: Renewals Dominate, Pricing Strengthens

Dubai's residential rental market recorded 11,479 contracts with a combined value of AED 1.03 billion during Week 1. Renewals significantly outpaced new leases — 7,627 renewals versus 3,852 new agreements — pointing to high tenant retention, sustained occupancy, and landlord pricing power.

New apartment leases averaged AED 156 per square foot annually, while renewed leases averaged AED 176 per square foot — pointing to gradual upward rent adjustments at renewal. Villa rentals reflected even stronger pricing momentum, with renewed leases averaging AED 836 per square foot compared to AED 693 per square foot for new leases.

Across all property types, 18,013 rental contracts were recorded totaling AED 1.61 billion. While volumes declined 23% compared with February, rental values surged 47% versus January — a clear indicator of strengthening occupier demand and landlord confidence.

Commercial Market: Steady Confidence in Office and Retail

Commercial property sales held firm with 63 transactions valued at AED 397 million and an average rate of approximately AED 2,903 per square foot.

Off-plan offices achieved an average of AED 3,242 per square foot — surpassing ready office pricing — which reflects investor conviction in Dubai's commercial growth story. Commercial leasing remained active with 6,480 contracts totaling AED 571 million at AED 183 per square foot on average. Retail renewals averaged AED 294 per square foot versus AED 234 per square foot for new leases, signaling that established businesses are choosing to hold their positions rather than relocate.

Community Spotlight: Where the Market Is Moving

Top Off-Plan Apartment Communities

JVC maintained its standing as Dubai's most liquid mid-market off-plan hub. The marginal price dip reflects healthy normalization rather than weakening fundamentals. Dubai South recorded the strongest price growth at +5%, underscoring growing investor conviction in this emerging corridor aligned with Dubai's long-term urban expansion roadmap. Motor City and Dubailand also posted moderate price gains, signaling sustained appetite for well-priced suburban communities with strong infrastructure prospects.

Top Ready Apartment Communities

JVC again outperformed expectations with a 7% price gain in the secondary market, demonstrating consistent liquidity across both primary and resale segments. Dubai Marina stood out with a remarkable 26% price jump, reflecting sustained demand for its established waterfront lifestyle. Discovery Gardens and International City continued to attract value-conscious buyers, while Business Bay and Downtown Dubai experienced short-term pricing adjustments — yet retain their premium positioning in the market.

HouzzHunt Market Takeaway: Week 1, March 2026

The opening week of March 2026 reinforces our view that Dubai's property market is entering a more measured and sustainable phase — one defined not by explosive volume growth, but by quality transactions, resilient pricing, and genuine end-user participation.

Three key structural pillars continue to support the market:

• Strong off-plan absorption spread across a diverse range of developers and mid-market communities
• Mortgage-led ready property purchases reflecting authentic owner-occupier demand
• A renewal-dominant rental market signalling high occupancy levels and landlord confidence in long-term income

At HouzzHunt Real Estate, we are committed to helping you navigate Dubai's evolving property landscape with clarity, precision, and market-backed intelligence. Whether you are looking to invest, buy your dream home, or find the perfect rental, our team is here to guide every step of your property journey.