October brought renewed activity to the UAE's property market, with residential sales values rising in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Buyer interest extended across apartments, villas and prime residences, reflecting the range of opportunities available in each emirate.
Data from the Dubai Land Department and the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre offers a closer look at the trends shaping both markets, as they continue to attract investors with varied objectives and long-term perspectives.
A Month of Stronger Sales Performance
Dubai recorded 11,974 sales transactions worth AED 35.01 billion in October. Sales value increased by 18% compared with September, while transaction volume rose by 5.4%.
The stronger growth in value relative to transaction volume indicates an increase in the average transaction size, reflecting a greater contribution from higher-value property sales.
Growth Across Off-Plan, Secondary Market and Ready-to-Move Properties
Off-plan properties continued to account for the larger share of market activity, recording 7,609 transactions valued at AED 19.2 billion. The secondary market also maintained a strong showing, with 4,289 transactions worth AED 15.6 billion.
Ready-to-move apartment sales recorded a particularly notable increase, rising 25.7% to AED 5.28 billion, their highest monthly value since February. Jumeirah Village Circle led in transaction volume, followed by Business Bay and Liwan.
The activity across these communities highlights continued demand for established locations offering connectivity, amenities and accessible residential options.
Rising Demand Across Villas and Prime Residences
Demand for larger homes strengthened in October, with villa sales reaching 1,356 transactions valued at AED 9.1 billion.
Transaction volume increased by 62% compared with the previous month, pointing to a stronger month for family-sized residential properties.
The prime segment also recorded notable activity, with 66 residential transactions above AED 25 million, carrying a combined value of AED 2.78 billion.
Palm Jumeirah led the sales value at AED 1.08 billion, while the month's most expensive apartment sale was recorded at Silena on Dubai Islands, achieving AED 58 million.
The figures highlight the continued position of waterfront and landmark addresses within Dubai's luxury residential market.
Abu Dhabi Records a Rise in Residential Sales
Abu Dhabi recorded 2,809 residential sales worth AED 12.97 billion in October, marking a 30% increase in sales value compared with September and a 35% rise year on year.
Hudayriyat Island emerged as the capital's leading off-plan destination, recording 603 transactions valued at AED 4.46 billion.
The luxury segment also maintained notable momentum, with 44 residential transactions above AED 25 million, carrying a combined value of AED 1.75 billion.
The month's highest-value home sale reached AED 100 million. Activity across villas, townhouses and premium residential communities further highlights Abu Dhabi's appeal among buyers seeking space, privacy and an elevated lifestyle.
What October's Market Activity Signals for Investors
October's figures reflect the breadth of activity across both emirates, with buyers showing interest in off-plan and ready properties, from accessible residential options to ultra-prime addresses. Established districts and emerging destinations also contributed to the month's performance.
As new developments expand the range of properties available across the UAE, investors have greater choice when aligning a purchase with their individual objectives, whether focused on rental income, long-term capital appreciation or a future residence.
The Right Guidance for Your Next Move
As 2026 draws to a close, Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to offer a diverse range of opportunities across the residential market.
Whether you are considering your first investment, refining an existing portfolio or looking for a place to call home, the right guidance can help you make a more informed decision.
At Prima Luxury, our property advisors offer tailored insights to help you navigate the market and identify opportunities aligned with your objectives.
Connect with Prima Luxury to arrange a private consultation.
Sources
Arabian Business - DXBinteract figures on October sales count and value, off-plan and resale split, villa and apartment sales, and the Silena apartment sale.
Arabian Business - Dubai Land Department analysis of ready apartment sales, including the 25.7 per cent rise and the leading areas.
Economy Middle East - Sales above AED 25 million and Palm Jumeirah's lead by sales value.
Arabian Business - Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre figures on October residential sales, Hudayriyat Island's off-plan lead and sales above AED 25 million.