Real Estate

Dubai’s residential property market has continued to demonstrate resilience despite ongoing global uncertainty, with new data from Property Finder showing sustained buyer confidence, stable transaction activity, and strong performance across key real estate segments.

According to Property Finder data for April 2026, average residential sale prices in Dubai increased 21.1% year-on-year to AED 2.21 million, while remaining largely stable on a quarterly basis. The figures suggest that the market continues to absorb external pressures without losing momentum.

Meanwhile, residential rental prices in Dubai adjusted downward from peak levels recorded earlier in the year, declining 6.7% from January-February highs to an annual average of AED 140,000. However, rents remain broadly flat compared to the same period last year, indicating what analysts describe as a market correction rather than a slowdown in demand.

The commercial real estate sector continued to post even stronger performance, with commercial rents rising 21.2% year-on-year to AED 200,000, while commercial property sale prices increased 12.9% annually. The trend reflects continued investor confidence and the UAE’s ability to attract businesses and capital despite broader economic uncertainty.

Brokerage Leaders Signal Confidence

Industry leaders across Dubai’s brokerage sector say buyer sentiment has strengthened in recent weeks, particularly in established and supply-constrained communities.

Sam McCone, Managing Partner of McCone Properties, said market momentum has begun shifting positively after an initial period of caution linked to regional uncertainty.

“During the beginning of this conflict, there were a lot of people uncertain about where the market was heading,” McCone said. “Now we’ve seen that sentiment shift, with buyers increasingly looking at ways to capitalize on opportunities, while sellers are once again achieving prices close to February levels.”

McCone noted that established communities such as Downtown Dubai are seeing renewed buyer activity, as investors tend to prioritize well-established areas during periods of uncertainty.

“When you come back out of a difficult period, people always choose to invest in established, well-known communities,” he added.

Strategic Acquisitions Reflect Long-Term Confidence

Abdulla Al Ajaji, Founder and CEO of Driven Properties, highlighted the company’s recent acquisitions as a sign of confidence in Dubai’s long-term market fundamentals.

In April alone, Driven Properties acquired two full residential buildings — one located in City Walk and another in Meydan’s Polo Residences — directly on its balance sheet.

“These are times when asset prices can become much lower than their intrinsic value,” Al Ajaji said. “This is where we make moves.”

He identified established locations with limited future supply, including Downtown Dubai, City Walk, Jumeirah Bay, La Mer, and the Canal District, as some of the most resilient investment areas in the current environment.

Property Finder Data Aligns With Market Activity

Cherif Sleiman said buyer activity on Property Finder’s platform has remained stable despite recent geopolitical tensions.

“In the weeks since the conflict escalated, we saw search intent on Property Finder stay steady,” Sleiman said.

According to the platform’s data:

1. Sale searches accounted for 48% of total platform activity
2. Villa searches increased to 42% of total sale searches, up from 39% a year earlier
3. Primary market transactions grew 18% year-on-year

Sleiman noted that search behavior often signals market trends before transactions materialize, adding that demand is increasingly consolidating within established communities with limited supply.

“That alignment between platform data and on-the-ground activity gives both the market and investors a reliable foundation to act from,” he stated.

The insights were shared as part of Bold Call, Property Finder’s new video series featuring perspectives from leading UAE brokerage executives on evolving market conditions.

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