Dubai: Dubai added 24,800 homes during the first half of 2026, giving buyers and tenants more choice as the residential market moved into a period of steadier growth following two years of elevated activity.
The number of completed homes increased almost 38% from the same period last year and 12% from the second half of 2025, according to Cavendish Maxwell.
Residential sales prices eased 2.6% from the first quarter, while rental rates declined 2.5%. Prices remained nearly 2% higher than a year earlier, with rents up 7.8% annually.
The rise in handovers marked Dubai’s strongest half-year delivery period in several years, with projects launched during the recent market expansion reaching completion.
New launch activity moderated, with 28,000 units released across 124 projects during the first half, compared with 102,000 units across 410 launches a year earlier.
Cavendish Maxwell said the slowdown began during the first quarter after record launch volumes in 2024 and 2025, while regional uncertainty led some developers to delay projects during the second quarter.
“Dubai’s residential market is showing clear signs of transitioning to a new cycle following exceptional levels of activity over the last two years,” said Ronan Arthur, Director and Head of Residential Valuations at Cavendish Maxwell.
The Arabian Business article shares four key lessons from UAE real estate leaders for young professionals: build a strong reputation, stay disciplined, think long-term rather than chasing quick sales, and focus on creating genuine value for residents and investors.
Dubai's commercial real estate market is expected to maintain its growth momentum, supported by a shortage of premium office space, high occupancy rates, rising rents and strong off-plan investment, according to a top executive at UAE-based Tomorrow World Properties.
Dubai’s residential property market is shifting from focusing mainly on location and investment returns to prioritising lifestyle and quality of living. Buyers increasingly want homes with wellness facilities, green spaces, walkability, social areas, and convenient access to retail and leisure. Developers are responding by creating lifestyle-led and mixed-use communities that combine residential, wellness, retail, education and leisure facilities. The article highlights that features such as meditation gardens, cycling routes, biophilic design and community spaces are becoming important differentiators.
