Abu Dhabi recorded 6,085 residential sales worth AED 21.5 billion in the third quarter of 2026, according to Savills' Market in Minutes report. The number of sales fell 19% on the second quarter and 7% on a year earlier, but their value rose 32% year on year.
Off-plan homes made up 81% of sales, and buyers paid more for them. The average off-plan sale was AED 5 million, up 40% on a year earlier.
01The quarter in figures
| Abu Dhabi residential, Q3 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Sales | 6,085, down 19% on Q2 and 7% on Q3 2025 |
| Value | AED 21.5bn, up 32% on Q3 2025 |
| Off-plan share of sales | 81% |
| Average off-plan sale | AED 5M, up 15% on Q2 and 40% on Q3 2025 |
| Average ready sale | AED 2.8M |
| Sales above AED 10M | 582, up 104% on Q3 2025 (95% off-plan) |
| Apartment prices | AED 22,700 per sq m, up 9% |
| Villa and townhouse prices | AED 18,200 per sq m, up 8% |
| Rental transactions | 50,500, up 29% on Q2 (68% renewals) |
Savills Middle East, Market in Minutes, as reported on 19 October 2026. Price changes are year on year.
Foreign buyers, both residents and investors abroad, accounted for 70% of sales value in the first half of 2026, up from 64% two years earlier.
"Abu Dhabi's residential market continues to demonstrate resilience," said Rachael Kennerley, director of research at Savills Middle East. She pointed to "a shift towards higher-value purchases, particularly in the off-plan and luxury segments".
02Where the new homes are coming
About 68,000 new homes are expected by 2030, with supply concentrated on Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island and Zayed City.
03What it means if you are buying
Fewer, larger deals. Volumes are down while values rise, so the market is being carried by higher-priced off-plan homes. Mid-market buyers may find developers more willing to talk about payment plans.
Compare the islands. Most of the pipeline is on Saadiyat, Al Reem Island and Yas Island; see what is selling on each, with prices and handovers, in our area guides.
Prices per square metre are rising. Apartments are up 9% and villas 8% in a year, so check the price per sq ft of the unit you are offered against the area average.
SourcesWhere this story comes from.
Sources
- Khaleej Times: Abu Dhabi property buyers shift towards luxury, off-plan homes as sales volumes decline, 19 October 2026
Corrections
- No corrections to this story. If something has changed or is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and log the change here.
20 Oct 2026, 12:27 GST · Reported by OffPlan Insider Newsdesk, checked against the developer's own material before publication.
