12/05/2026
The UAE real estate market is entering a new phase in 2026. This is no longer simply a growth cycle, but a period of identifying new entry points for capital. In Q1 2026, total transaction volume reached AED 252 billion (+31% year-on-year), with more than 48,000 transactions recorded.
While market activity remains strong, the key shift is taking place in investor behavior. According to Savills, around 45% of buyers plan to acquire property within the next 12 months, while another 30% remain in a wait-and-see position. This indicates significant pent-up demand that could be activated once external uncertainty begins to ease.
At the same time, the market remains balanced, with no major pressure on pricing. More than 60% of owners are not considering selling their assets, while only around 4% are prepared to exit the market at this stage. As a result, access to high-quality assets and professional transaction support are becoming increasingly important.
Abu Dhabi is further strengthening its position as one of the UAE’s leading capital growth hubs. In Q1 2026, transaction volume in the emirate reached approximately AED 70 billion, with property prices forecast to grow by up to 16%. Major project launches in March and April added further momentum to the market.
The luxury and ultra-luxury segment remains the most resilient, with a record number of transactions involving properties priced above $5 million recorded during the first quarter of 2026.
Key characteristics of the current market phase:
• demand continues to accumulate rather than decline
• no large-scale price correction is taking place
• Abu Dhabi is strengthening as a major capital growth center
• a new investment entry window is emerging
At NF Group Middle East, we believe that as the market becomes more selective, the key driver of capital growth is the precision of investment timing and portfolio structure.
NF Group Middle East brings strong expertise in building real estate investment strategies across the UAE market, helping investors make decisions based on analytics, market logic, and long-term asset potential.
Receive a personalized consultation from NF Group Middle East experts today.