Dubai off-plan property accounts for 71% of home sales as luxury demand reshapes market

Dubai’s off-plan property market accounted for 71 per cent of H1 2026 transactions as luxury demand, branded residences and population growth fuel sales.

Dubai’s off-plan property market accounted for 71 per cent of all real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, highlighting continued investor confidence in the emirate’s development pipeline and long-term growth prospects.

According to international real estate developer MERED, Dubai recorded 87,800 real estate transactions worth AED291.7bn ($79.4bn) during the first six months of the year, with demand supported by population growth, expanding infrastructure and increasing interest in luxury residential developments.

The developer said approximately 121,000 new residents moved to Dubai during H1 2026, helping sustain housing demand and reinforcing the city’s position as a global destination for investment, business and talent.

MERED said growing demand for off-plan properties is reshaping the luxury residential sector, with developers increasingly competing on architecture, design quality and lifestyle offerings rather than location alone.

According to the company, more than 31,000 residential units are scheduled for delivery by 2030, representing eight per cent of total new residential supply.

Dubai real estate supply

Dubai also recorded 296 home sales above $10m during H1 2026, generating $5.1bn and setting a new first-half record, MERED said.

Transaction volume increased 16 per cent compared with H1 2025, while total sales value rose 14 per cent, reflecting continued international demand for the city’s high-end residential market.

Dubai remains the world’s leading market for branded residences, according to MERED.

The developer said the emirate has 64 completed branded residential developments, with 87 more in the pipeline.

Branded homes in Dubai command an average 64 per cent premium over comparable non-branded properties, increasing pressure on developers to differentiate projects through design, quality and long-term value.

Off-plan and branded real estate confidence

Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, said: “Off-plan property buyers commit before they can experience the finished product, so confidence must be earned through architectural quality, functionality and delivery credibility. As Dubai’s off-plan market continues to expand, these are the qualities that will define the next generation of luxury residences and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most desirable places to live and invest.”

MERED said construction of its ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina in Internet City has reached approximately 125m and Level 22, with completion scheduled for Q3 2027.