According to a report published by Gulf News on Tuesday (July 7), the value of luxury home sales increased by about 14 percent compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the number of property sales worth over $10 million was 16 percent higher than the first half of 2025 and 49 percent higher than the same period in 2024.
According to Knight Frank, despite regional geopolitical uncertainties, Dubai is still considered one of the most attractive housing markets for the world's high-net-worth investors.
The report said that 165 properties worth over $10 million were sold in the first quarter of the year, and another 131 luxury properties were sold in the second quarter. Additionally, transactions of 26 super-luxury properties worth over $25 million were completed.
Dubai Hills Estate tops luxury areas
In the first half of this year, Dubai Hills Estate was the most active luxury residential area, with 51 properties sold for over $10 million. It was followed by Palm Jumeirah, where 50 such transactions took place. Palm Jebel Ali, which is still under construction, also recorded 40 high-value property sales.
The most expensive transaction during this period was at Aman Residences in the Jumeirah Second area. A six-bedroom apartment there was sold for $114.9 million (422 million dirhams).
Faisal Durrani, Head of Research for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region at Knight Frank, said that Dubai's luxury housing market has been consistently setting new records over the past five years. According to him, most of the recent large transactions were completed before the start of regional conflicts. They were registered later due to administrative processes.
He said that improved infrastructure, global connectivity, a business-friendly environment, high quality of life, education, and healthcare have kept Dubai's housing market in a strong position.
Overall market pace slows slightly
Although the luxury sector continues to grow, Dubai's overall residential market has seen a slight slowdown compared to last year.
According to data from real estate analytics firm Cavendish Maxwell, total sales volume reached 221.3 billion dirhams through approximately 79,200 residential transactions in the first half of 2026. This is about 14 percent lower in transactions and 15.7 percent lower in value compared to the same period last year.
However, the market saw a significant recovery in June compared to May. In June, sales volume reached 25.17 billion dirhams through about 12,315 residential transactions, which is significantly higher than in May.
Ronan Arthur, Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell, said the market saw some slowdown in May due to the Eid al-Adha holidays. In June, that stagnation was overcome, with transactions increasing by nearly 30 percent and investor confidence remaining stable.
More interest in under-construction projects
In June, the highest number of transactions in the housing market occurred in off-plan projects. During this time, 9,442 off-plan transactions took place, accounting for about 76 percent of the total market.
Analyzing data from DXBinteract, Fam Properties reported that in June, transactions for 13,933 properties worth 33.2 billion dirhams were completed. This is 35.5 percent higher in the number of transactions and 14.9 percent higher in value compared to May.
Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of Fam Properties, said that buyer and investor confidence remains strong. Positive trends continue in both the residential and commercial property markets.
