How many new residential units are expected in Abu Dhabi by 2028?

Abu Dhabi is projected to receive approximately 53,300 new residential units between now and the end of 2028. This includes 10,500 units by end of 2026, 17,300 in 2027, and 26,000 in 2028.

What were the average price increases for apartments and villas in H1 2026?

In the first half of 2026, Abu Dhabi saw apartment prices increase by an average of 16.4%, while villa prices rose by more than 10% compared to H1 2025.

Which areas saw the highest price growth for apartments and villas?

Yas Island recorded the strongest apartment price increase at over 18%, followed by Al Reem Island (17.3%) and Al Raha Beach (17.2%). For villas, Yas Island led with a 14.2% increase, followed by Saadiyat Island at 10.7%.

What was the average rental increase for apartments and villas in H1 2026?

Apartment rents in Abu Dhabi increased by an average of 9.4%, while villa rents rose by nearly 4% during the first six months of 2026.

What is the total residential stock projected for Abu Dhabi by the end of 2028?

By the end of 2028, Abu Dhabi's total residential stock is estimated to reach approximately 372,000 units, up from about 323,600 units at the end of H1 2026.

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Rentals·26 August 2026

Abu Dhabi Residential Market to See Significant Supply Surge, Potentially Cooling Price Growth

Abu Dhabi's residential market is forecast to receive over 53,000 new units by 2028, a supply surge expected to temper the recent double-digit price and rental increases.

Abu Dhabi's residential property market is poised for a substantial increase in new housing units between 2026 and 2028, a development that could lead to a moderation in the capital's rapid price and rental growth.

According to a recent report by Cavendish Maxwell, the first half of 2026 saw continued strong growth, with apartment prices climbing by 16.4% and villa prices by over 10% compared to H1 2025. Rental rates also rose, with apartment rents up 9.4% and villa rents nearly 4%.

Current Market Snapshot

At the close of H1 2026, Abu Dhabi's residential stock stood at approximately 323,600 units. This year, around 5,700 units have already been completed, with an additional 10,500 units slated for delivery by year-end, pushing the total stock to an estimated 334,000 units.

Future Supply Pipeline

The pipeline is set to accelerate significantly in the coming years:

Approximately 17,300 units are projected for delivery in 2027.
A further 26,000 units are expected in 2028.

This would bring the total residential stock to an estimated 372,000 units by the end of 2028, representing a substantial influx of new homes. While actual deliveries might see some delays due to construction challenges or geopolitical uncertainties affecting costs, the sheer volume of planned supply remains considerable.

Impact on Prices and Rents

The crucial factor for the medium term will be whether underlying demand can keep pace with this increased supply. Should supply additions outstrip demand growth, the resulting competition between new and existing properties could exert pressure on residential prices and rental growth. This comes after a period of significant appreciation, with major districts experiencing double-digit price increases. For apartments, Yas Island saw the strongest surge at over 18%, followed by Al Reem Island (17.3%) and Al Raha Beach (17.2%). Yas Island also led villa price increases at 14.2%, ahead of Saadiyat Island (10.7%). On the rental front, Yas Island apartments led with nearly 18% growth, followed by Al Reem Island (13%) and Al Reef (12%). The recent temporary rent freeze, announced on June 2, is also expected to curb further immediate rental hikes.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

How many new residential units are expected in Abu Dhabi by 2028?: Abu Dhabi is projected to receive approximately 53,300 new residential units between now and the end of 2028. This includes 10,500 units by end of 2026, 17,300 in 2027, and 26,000 in 2028.
What were the average price increases for apartments and villas in H1 2026?: In the first half of 2026, Abu Dhabi saw apartment prices increase by an average of 16.4%, while villa prices rose by more than 10% compared to H1 2025.
Which areas saw the highest price growth for apartments and villas?: Yas Island recorded the strongest apartment price increase at over 18%, followed by Al Reem Island (17.3%) and Al Raha Beach (17.2%). For villas, Yas Island led with a 14.2% increase, followed by Saadiyat Island at 10.7%.
What was the average rental increase for apartments and villas in H1 2026?: Apartment rents in Abu Dhabi increased by an average of 9.4%, while villa rents rose by nearly 4% during the first six months of 2026.
What is the total residential stock projected for Abu Dhabi by the end of 2028?: By the end of 2028, Abu Dhabi's total residential stock is estimated to reach approximately 372,000 units, up from about 323,600 units at the end of H1 2026.

Reported by

Google News — Abu Dhabi Real Estate · Google News — Abu Dhabi Real Estate (7d)

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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