The totals
Between January and June, Dubai recorded more than 86,000 property sales worth AED 286 billion. That is the second-best first half in the emirate's history. The best was the first half of 2025, at AED 327 billion, so this year is about 12% lower in value.
The split
- Off-plan: 58,840 sales, AED 140 billion. Two deals in three.
- Ready: 27,160 sales, AED 147 billion. One deal in three, but more than half the money.
What it tells you
An average off-plan deal was about AED 2.4 million; an average ready deal about AED 5.4 million. Off-plan is where most buyers come in, often with a payment plan. Ready property draws the larger cheques, because it earns rent from the first month and you can see exactly what you are buying.
Our read
A year below a record is still a large market, with deep resale liquidity, which matters when you want to sell. The slowdown is in pace, not in depth. We would change our view if the second half falls much further below 2025 than the first.
What it means for you
The question is not off-plan or ready in general. It is which one fits your timeline: rent now, or a lower entry and a wait.
Not sure which fits you? It depends on when you need the rent.
Source: Dubai Land Department, first half 2026. Average deal sizes are our own division of the published totals.