Abu Dhabi recorded 6,085 residential property transactions worth AED21.5 billion in the third quarter of 2026, according to a report from property consultancy Savills Middle East released on Monday.
Transaction volumes fell 19% from the second quarter and 7% from a year earlier. The total value of sales was 32% higher than in the third quarter of 2025.
Sales above AED10 million rose to 582 in the quarter. That was 35% more than in the previous quarter and 104% more than a year earlier. Off-plan units made up 95% of those deals.
Across the whole market, off-plan properties accounted for 81% of residential transactions. The average off-plan deal was worth AED5 million, up 15% from the second quarter and 40% from a year earlier. The average ready-property deal was AED2.8 million.
Average apartment prices reached AED22,700 per square meter, up 9% from a year earlier. Villa and townhouse prices averaged AED18,200 per square meter, an increase of 8%.
The emirate recorded 50,500 rental transactions in the quarter, up 29% from the second quarter. Renewals accounted for 68% of rental activity.
“What we’re seeing is a shift towards higher-value purchases, particularly in the off-plan and luxury segments, where demand remains strong,” said Rachael Kennerley, Director of Research at Savills Middle East.
Foreign buyers, including resident expatriates and non-resident investors, accounted for 70% of residential sales value in the first half of 2026, up from 64% in the first half of 2024, Savills said.
About 68,000 residential units are expected to enter the Abu Dhabi market by 2030, concentrated on Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island and Zayed City. Savills said the supply pipeline will remain an important factor for market performance.
