Industry experts predict off-plan transactions will rise further as new launches and investor appetite drive growth in high-return segments.
The off-plan property market in Dubai is poised to strengthen its dominant position in 2026, with industry leaders forecasting a rise in both transaction share and volume as developers launch major new projects.
According to real estate analysts and executives, off-plan sales accounted for approximately 70% of residential transactions in 2025 and are expected to grow by an additional 10–15% in the coming year. The trend is fueled by continued investor interest in higher returns and a pipeline of new developments in key growth areas.
“Off-plan remains the driving force of Dubai’s residential real estate market,” said Himanshi Trivedi, Deputy Director for Off-Plan Sales at Metropolitan Premium Properties. “As major developers roll out large-scale projects in 2026, particularly in high-growth corridors such as Dubai South, Dubai Islands, and new master-planned phases, we anticipate further acceleration.”
Data from Betterhomes shows that off-plan transactions represented 65% of total sales volume and 53% of total value in 2025, with apartments leading demand. Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes, noted, “Demand is clearly tilting toward new supply, especially in the apartment segment.”
The off-plan segment has seen exponential growth since the pandemic, with sales volumes in 2024 reported to be four times higher than pre-Covid levels. In 2025 alone, developers launched an average of 400 off-plan units per day, totaling approximately 145,000 new units over the year.
John Lyons, Managing Director at Espace Real Estate, highlighted the market’s broader resilience: “Dubai’s real estate market continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth in the second half of 2025, buoyed by sustained demand across off-plan, ready, and commercial assets.”
Leading developers in the second half of 2025 included Binghatti, which launched over 13,000 units, followed by Damac Properties and Emaar.
For investors, off-plan properties continue to offer attractive returns compared to ready units, while end-users entering the market near project completion can benefit from potential savings compared to renting.
With strong momentum and a busy launch calendar ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be another landmark year for Dubai’s off-plan real estate sector.
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