Dubai's residential property market recorded $12.36 billion in sales across 15,369 transactions in February, a figure that reflects the sector's continued strength and the emirate';s position as one of the world's most active real estate hubs. The broader market, including residential and commercial activity, reached AED 60.6 billion in total sales value with 16,959 transactions, marking a 5 percent increase in volume and an 18.14 percent rise in value compared with February 2025.

Market performance in February 2026

The month delivered strong momentum across all segments. According to Dubai Land Department data, the market's expansion was driven by sustained investor confidence, population growth, and a steady pipeline of new developments. Total sales reached AED 60.6 billion, reflecting the highest February performance on record and reinforcing Dubai's reputation as a stable, high‑liquidity market.

Key figures:

16,959 total transactions across residential and commercial sectors

AED 60.6 billion in total sales value

5 percent year‑on‑year increase in transaction volume

18.14 percent year‑on‑year increase in sales value

Residential segment overview

Within the residential category, the market recorded $12.36 billion in sales from 15,369 transactions, reflecting strong demand for apartments, villas, and townhouses. Apartments continued to dominate activity, supported by both end‑users and investors seeking high‑yield opportunities.

Breakdown of residential transactions:

Apartments: the largest share of sales

Villas and townhouses: steady demand driven by families and long‑term residents

Strong absorption of new launches across multiple master communities

This distribution aligns with the broader trend of buyers prioritizing lifestyle‑driven communities, flexible payment plans, and long‑term residency incentives.

Off‑plan and ready property trends

Off‑plan sales remained the primary engine of growth, accounting for 10,526 transactions, or 62 percent of all sales in February. Ready properties represented 38 percent, totaling 6,437 transactions. The dominance of off‑plan reflects developer‑led momentum, attractive pricing structures, and confidence in long‑term capital appreciation.

Gift transactions also contributed to overall activity, with 738 transfers valued at AED 6.86 billion, indicating continued inter‑family and corporate restructuring activity.

Year‑on‑year comparison

The February 2026 results highlight a market that continues to expand despite global economic uncertainty. Compared with February 2025:

Transaction volume increased by 5 percent

Total sales value rose by 18.14 percent

Apartment sales grew from 11,385 transactions to 12,820, with value rising from AED 21.7 billion to AED 26.6 billion

These figures underscore Dubai's ability to attract both regional and international capital, supported by strong economic fundamentals and government‑backed initiatives.

Factors driving market strength

Several structural forces continue to support Dubai's real estate expansion:

Population growth driven by business migration, remote workers, and long‑term residency programs

Investor‑friendly regulations, including Golden Visa pathways

High rental yields compared with global gateway cities

Robust developer activity, with new launches across waterfront, suburban, and luxury districts

Improved mortgage availability, supporting end‑user demand

These elements combine to create a market with depth, liquidity, and long‑term stability.

Outlook for the coming months

The strong February performance suggests that 2026 is on track to become another record‑setting year for Dubai real estate. Off‑plan launches are expected to remain a major driver of activity, while established communities may see price stabilization as new supply enters the market. Investor sentiment remains positive, supported by economic diversification, infrastructure expansion, and Dubai's global positioning.