Dubai’s residential real estate market held firm in November, with both sales and leasing activity showing continued confidence as Dubai heads into 2026, according to the latest data from betterhomes.
Average property prices rose 2.5 per cent month on month to AED1,950 per square foot, extending the upward trend seen throughout the fourth quarter.
Off-plan deals drive market growth
Dubai recorded 17,812 sales transactions worth AED46 billion during the month, reflecting only a small seasonal dip of 2.9 per cent in volume. Off-plan projects remained the dominant force, accounting for 12,429 deals and maintaining 70 per cent of total market share, while the secondary market logged 5,383 sales.
Developer activity was led by Emaar across both off-plan and title-deed transactions. Betterhomes reported a 3 per cent rise in buyer demand, with interest continuing to focus on established apartment communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Business Bay and Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), alongside villa destinations including Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Land and Mohammed Bin Rashid City.
“November showed strength without the noise,” said Louis Harding, CEO at betterhomes. “With prices up 2.5 per cent, AED46 billion transacted and buyer leads growing 3 per cent, the sales market is moving with confidence driven by real demand and well-positioned projects.”
Dubai rentals show market stability
Leasing activity also demonstrated stability. Dubai registered 45,771 rental transactions in November, with renewals strengthening to 59 per cent of all contracts as more tenants opted to stay in place heading into year-end. New rental agreements totalled 18,873. Betterhomes said enquiry levels followed the usual seasonal pattern as residents delayed relocation decisions until early 2026.
Rents continued to shift unevenly across the city. Dubai Festival City villas saw a 4.5 per cent rise, while Dubai Hills Estate recorded a 2 per cent increase, supported by sustained family demand. Payment flexibility remained a feature of the market, with four-cheque leases accounting for 34 per cent of contracts and single-cheque payments for 27 per cent.
Demand for rentals clustered around popular apartment hubs such as JVC, Business Bay and Dubai Silicon Oasis, alongside villa communities including Dubai Hills Estate, Damac Hills 2 and The Valley.
“The leasing market moved with clarity and consistency in November,” said Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes. “With renewals making up nearly 60 per cent of all activity and strong interest across our core communities, tenants are prioritising neighbourhoods that support everyday living as we head into the new year.”
Betterhomes expects the steady performance in both sales and leasing to provide a stable platform for 2026, supported by ongoing population growth, market liquidity and active engagement from developers and tenants across Dubai’s most sought-after districts.
