Abu Dhabi Residential Sales Triple to AED 70.4 Billion in H1 2026 Driven by Off-Plan Boom

Abu Dhabi's residential real estate sector saw substantial expansion during the first half of 2026, with total residential sales reaching AED 70.4 billion, nearly tripling the figure from the previous year. This surge was primarily driven by strong demand for off-plan properties, which accounted for 89% of sales value and 82% of transaction counts.

According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) H1 2026 report, secondary market apartment prices increased by 20% year-on-year, while villa prices rose by 12%. The emirate recorded 233,000 active residential lease agreements, with aggregate lease values up 8% year-on-year to AED 9.3 billion, and lease volumes seeing a 2% increase.

The residential stock in Abu Dhabi stood at approximately 409,000 units, reflecting an average annual growth of 2.9% since 2022. The Abu Dhabi region itself holds 79% of the emirate's housing inventory, with its supply expanding at an average yearly pace of 3.3%. Looking ahead, around 71,000 new residential units are projected for delivery across the emirate by 2030, with annual handovers expected to peak at about 21,800 units in 2028.

Investment zones comprised over 22% of Abu Dhabi's housing stock, totalling about 72,000 units in H1 2026. Al Reem Island led with 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island. Emirati nationals invested AED 21 billion in residential acquisitions, a significant increase from AED 8.9 billion in H1 2025, while expatriate residents and non-resident foreign investors together accounted for 70% of residential sales value.

Hudayriyat Island captured the largest share of residential sales value at AED 19 billion (27%), followed by Saadiyat Island at AED 13.3 billion, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island combined at AED 10.5 billion, and Yas Island at AED 7.3 billion. The top ten developers were responsible for 90% of off-plan primary sales, amounting to AED 51 billion. For completed properties, 61% of purchases were settled in cash.