Dubai's property market saw a notable shift in the third quarter of 2026, with buyers increasingly favouring ready homes over off-plan units, according to a new report from real estate consultancy betterhomes. Secondary market transactions reached 10,055 deals worth a combined Dh27.1 billion, a 16 per cent jump compared to the second quarter.
The share of secondary sales in Dubai's overall residential transaction mix rose from 24 per cent in Q2 to 29 per cent in Q3. Ready apartment transactions climbed 22 per cent to 7,879 units, even as average prices eased slightly: apartment prices fell 2.4 per cent to Dh1,404 per square foot, while villa and townhouse prices dropped 2.3 per cent to Dh1,638 per square foot.
Richard Waind, CEO of betterhomes, said the third quarter shows the market moving into a more selective phase, with buyers showing a clear preference for ready homes they can use or let immediately, while record leasing enquiries indicate rental demand remains strong. Jacob Bramley, the firm's leasing manager, added that September recorded the highest level of leasing enquiries on record, with rents becoming more competitive in parts of the market.
Rental enquiries surged 45 per cent compared to the second quarter, hitting a new high. The figures suggest Dubai's housing market, after a period of rapid off-plan-driven growth, is now entering a more balanced phase centred on ready-to-occupy assets as buyers prioritise immediate usability over speculative pre-construction purchases.