Developers maintain stable off-plan prices as sales volumes and absorption rates fluctuate.

Developers maintain stable off-plan prices as sales volumes and absorption rates fluctuate.

The Dubai real estate market has seen a stabilization of off-plan property prices, maintaining their levels through 2026. According to fäm Properties, this trend comes amidst adjustments in sales volumes and absorption rates, indicating a resilient market despite external geopolitical influences.

Current Price Trends in Off-Plan Properties

Since July 2023, out of 717 off-plan projects launched, only 44 have experienced price reductions of 5% or more, as noted in recent market analysis. Furthermore, a mere 28 projects—representing around 4%—are currently selling below their initial launch price. The first signs of price adjustments were observed in June, driven by local market conditions. Despite these minor reductions, the overall real estate sector has demonstrated significant resilience.

An analysis of the 574 projects launched since 2025 reveals that the median project sold over 73.8% of its units while being priced 4.2% above the median price for its area. Conversely, projects priced at least 20% above their regional median only managed to sell about 60% of their units, indicating that local pricing alignment plays a critical role in a project’s sales success.

Shifts in Apartment Sales Dynamics

In the first eight months of 2026, registered apartment sales reached 62,147, reflecting a 6% decline compared to the same timeframe in 2025. However, this decline varied across apartment types. Particularly noteworthy is the surge in studio apartment sales, which climbed by 26% to total 21,728 transactions. On the other hand, sales of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments dropped by 18%, 16%, and 13%, respectively.

Dubai South has emerged as a significant player in this landscape, showcasing an impressive 185% increase in studio transactions that accounted for 11,147 sales in the first eight months of 2026. This emphasis on studio apartments could be a response to shifting buyer preferences, making them more attractive in the current market.

Impacts of Pricing on Sales Performance

Firas Al Msaddi, Founder and CEO of fäm Properties, pointed out that pricing strategies are increasingly influencing how quickly projects are sold. While there has been hesitation among developers to lower their headline prices, the competitive landscape has made it essential for properties to be priced competitively against similar offerings. Al Msaddi emphasized that more than 90% of projects have kept their original launch pricing, indicating market adjustments are largely reflected in changes to sales volumes rather than widespread price cuts.

The relationship between pricing and property absorption rates is becoming increasingly critical. Developers competing across a broad spectrum of projects and locations must recognize that properties priced in line with current market levels tend to exhibit higher median sales absorption rates compared to those that are significantly overpriced. This trend highlights the importance of market alignment in achieving sales success in Dubai’s dynamic real estate environment.