Dubai to See 24,800 New Residential Units by H1 2026 Amid Market Shift

A new report by Cavendish Maxwell forecasts that Dubai's real estate market will welcome approximately 24,800 new residential units by the first half of 2026. This significant influx of supply signals a fundamental shift in the market's dynamics, moving away from a primary focus on new project launches to one driven by the actual completion and handover of properties.

The research highlights that developers are increasingly prioritising the delivery of existing projects, responding to evolving buyer preferences and market maturity. This transition is expected to create a more stable and predictable environment for both developers and purchasers, as the emphasis shifts from conceptual off-plan sales to tangible, ready-to-move-in homes.

The projected increase in unit supply underscores Dubai's continuous urban expansion and its commitment to meeting the growing demand for housing. Areas across the emirate are set to benefit from these deliveries, offering a wider array of choices for residents and investors seeking diverse property types and locations.

For investors, this delivery-driven market implies a clearer pipeline of completed assets, potentially impacting rental yields and capital appreciation as supply catches up with or, in some segments, overtakes immediate demand. Buyers can anticipate more options, improved bargaining power in certain sub-markets, and a greater emphasis on quality and timely completion from developers.