Metropolitan Capital Real Estate Forecasts 30 New Abu Dhabi Project Launches by Year-End

Abu Dhabi's residential property market is set to experience a significant surge in new inventory, with an estimated 30 projects expected to launch in the next 90 days. This influx could introduce between AED 33 billion and AED 45 billion of new residential properties before year-end, averaging one new launch every three days.

Shifting Buyer Dynamics

Metropolitan Capital Real Estate's analysis indicates a maturing market where buyer behaviour is evolving. Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, noted that buyers are becoming more selective, focusing on "product quality rather than launch hype." This includes considering factors such as location, design, community offerings, branding, pricing, and developer track record.

Market Performance and Trends

Since January, residential property sales in Abu Dhabi have exceeded AED 40 billion. Key projects contributing to this figure include:

• Modon's Hudayriyat Golf Estates: over AED 13 billion
• Ohana's Manchester City Yas Residences Phase 1: around AED 6 billion
• Aldar's Talay, Talay Beach, and Yas Riva Reserve: more than AED 5 billion
• Eagle Hills’ Ramhan Island: approximately AED 2 billion
• ORA’s BAYN: AED 1.8 billion
• Modon’s Tara Park: AED 1.4 billion

Off-plan transactions constituted about 82% of all transactions between January and mid-September. During the same period, resale transactions saw an approximately 34% year-on-year increase, with off-plan resales nearly tripling. Repeat-sale prices for apartments rose by roughly 20%, and for villas by 12%.

Regulatory Environment and Future Outlook

Abu Dhabi's regulatory framework, including platforms like DARI for transactions and Madhmoun for verified listings, along with escrow accounts for off-plan payments, has bolstered buyer confidence. A new framework introduced in September allows buyers who have paid 50% of an off-plan home to finance the remaining balance during construction. The number of investment zones in Abu Dhabi has also expanded to 50.

Looking ahead to 2027, Metropolitan anticipates several shifts:

• Phased launches will become more common, replacing rapid sell-outs.
• Buyers will favour complete districts offering comprehensive amenities over individual towers.
• Branded and serviced living will transition from niche to mainstream.
• Financing options will broaden the buyer pool, supported by regulatory changes and developer-bank collaborations.
• The market will see an influx of international developers, new partnerships, and significant infrastructure projects like Etihad Rail.

"Abu Dhabi is increasingly becoming a product market. The projects that will perform are not necessarily those that sell out the fastest, but those that offer the right combination of location, quality, pricing, lifestyle and long-term value."