Published on 1 October 2026 from Dubai Land Department data, the figures show 165,018 real estate transactions worth AED 574.12 billion between January and September 2026. Sales reached around AED 379.4 billion, the second-highest total in the market's history, behind 2025.
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Dubai real estate transactions in 2026 reached 165,018 deals worth a total of AED 574.12 billion between 1 January and 30 September. These figures come from an analysis of data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the emirate's land authority, published on 1 October 2026. Of that total, sales account for around AED 379.4 billion: the second-highest nine-month figure ever recorded, after 2025.
September 2026 alone saw 16,490 transactions worth AED 50.78 billion. Business Bay remains the area with the most sales.
Key takeaways
- Between January and September 2026, Dubai recorded 165,018 real estate transactions worth AED 574.12 billion, according to Dubai Land Department data published on 1 October 2026.
- Property sales in Dubai reached around AED 379.4 billion in the first nine months of 2026, across 123,416 transactions: the second-highest level in history, after 2025.
- Sales of completed (ready-to-move-in) properties in Dubai totalled AED 196.08 billion from 1 January to the end of September 2026.
- In September 2026, Dubai recorded 16,490 real estate transactions worth AED 50.78 billion.
- The AED 574.12 billion in transactions from January to September 2026 represents around 62.5% of the AED 919 billion recorded over the whole of 2025.
Dubai real estate transactions in 2026: the second-best nine months on record
With around AED 379.4 billion in sales from January to September 2026, Dubai posts the second-best total in its history for this period, behind 2025. Across all transaction types (sales, mortgages, gifts), volume reached AED 574.12 billion over 165,018 transactions. That is already around 62.5% of the AED 919 billion recorded across 2025 as a whole.
September confirms the pace, with 16,490 transactions worth AED 50.78 billion. The market is not living off one exceptional quarter: activity stays strong throughout the year, driven by a diverse buyer base and robust demand for homes and new launches. To place these figures in their cycle, our analysis of the Dubai property market, its trends and outlook offers the full picture.
The ready property market carries real weight
Sales of completed properties have reached AED 196.08 billion since the start of 2026. That number matters. It shows the market is not limited to off-plan reservations (buying a property before it is built): many buyers pay cash or take a mortgage for apartments and villas that already exist, either to live in or to rent out.
For an investor, a ready market this deep is the best indicator of liquidity. It is where an off-plan purchase gets resold on handover.
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Business Bay, the most active area
Business Bay recorded the most sales of any area in the first nine months of 2026. Located between Downtown and the Dubai Water Canal, it combines residential towers, offices and serviced residences. It draws owner-occupiers, long-term rental investors and short-term rental operators alike.
Because so many buyers and sellers are active there, resale times are shorter and benchmark prices easier to establish. Our Business Bay profile details its sub-areas, property types and ongoing projects.
What it means for investors
For us, the most useful figure is not the record volume: it is liquidity. A market that logs more than 16,000 transactions in a single month and nearly AED 200 billion in ready property sales over nine months offers a genuine exit route. This matters most for off-plan buyers who want the option to sell on handover. The most active areas, led by Business Bay, make resale easier and allow pricing against recent comparables. Our buy-and-resell strategies in Dubai explain how to prepare that step from the moment you reserve.
The tax framework remains a major advantage. In Dubai, individuals pay no tax on rental income or on property capital gains. Depending on the amount invested, the purchase can also open access to the Golden Visa. Activity volume, however, says nothing about how any individual property will perform. The choice of building, developer, floor and payment plan is what separates two purchases in the same area.
Lucretia helps you choose the area and project that fit your goal: rental income, capital growth or a home. To get started, visit our Invest in Dubai page, then let's discuss your situation in a tailored consultation.
Source: emirates247.com — 2026-10-01
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About the author
Jean-Pierre MARTINI
Director of Technology & Innovation
With over 15 years of experience in corporate strategy, marketing and project management, Jean-Pierre has helped dozens of companies with their business development across several industries. An entrepreneur by training, he founded and led several companies, ranging from specialized retail to innovative digital solutions. Since 2021, he has turned his focus to real estate and the Dubai market, advising investors on their wealth strategies. Currently at Lucretia, his role includes managing technological innovation, optimizing business processes, and developing team skills. He also ensures client follow-up and provides personalized strategic advice to investors.
