The Abu Dhabi residential property market is poised for a robust yr, with whole off-plan gross sales anticipated to succeed in over AED120 billion ($32.7 billion) in 2026, as purchaser confidence returns and off-plan demand accelerates, supported by a sturdy pipeline.
The Abu Dhabi housing market, in accordance with Metropolitan Capital Actual Property, is predicted to profit from a shift away from short-term hypothesis in direction of finish customers and long-term traders, supported by infrastructure enlargement, stabilising costs and a extra mature investor base.
“Abu Dhabi’s property market is getting into a extra mature part of progress,” mentioned Evgeny Ratskevich, chief government of Metropolitan Capital Actual Property.
“In 2026, exercise might be pushed much less by hypothesis and extra by finish customers and long-term traders looking for stability, high quality of life and predictable returns. The mix of disciplined pricing, infrastructure supply and restricted provide in prime areas helps a sustainable outlook throughout each mid-market and high-end segments.”
Off-plan demand fuels 2026 progress
Off-plan houses are anticipated to be the principle engine of progress. Unit gross sales on this section are forecast to rise by 20-50 per cent yr on yr (YoY) in contrast with 2025, with whole off-plan gross sales worth projected to succeed in AED120-140 billion ($32.7-38.12 billion). Round 11,000 residential items are scheduled for supply, underpinning renewed market exercise after a pointy slowdown in early 2025.
The rebound is being pushed by extra practical pricing, improved cost plans, inhabitants inflows and enhanced connectivity throughout the emirate. Main transport and infrastructure tasks are additionally serving to to strengthen long-term confidence amongst consumers.
Demand for off-plan properties is predicted to stay centered on established and rising way of life locations, together with Yas Island and surrounding areas, Al Reem Island, Al Ghadeer, Masdar City, Saadiyat Island and the Marina District.
These areas proceed to draw consumers on account of their connectivity, facilities and long-term funding fundamentals. Off-plan costs are forecast to rise modestly by 3-6 per cent throughout 2026, reflecting market stabilisation fairly than speedy appreciation.
Within the secondary market, resale costs throughout key Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods are anticipated to extend by 3-5 per cent, with condo costs averaging between AED1,130-1,365 per sq. foot.
Transaction volumes are projected to develop by 10-20 per cent, supported by the restricted provide of prepared items and powerful demand for move-in-ready houses.
Purchaser preferences within the resale section are more and more skewed in direction of bigger flats, villas and townhouses in established communities with sturdy infrastructure, colleges and transport hyperlinks.
The ultra-luxury section is predicted to stay resilient, with steady to modest progress in gross sales and rents. Waterfront villas on Saadiyat and Yas Islands, high-rise penthouses and gated group mansions are forecast to see the strongest demand, pushed by restricted provide and Abu Dhabi’s fame as a secure and steady vacation spot for long-term wealth preservation.
