In October 2026, Dubai recorded 10,069 residential sales transactions according to official Dubai Land Department data. The median transaction price was 1,255,500 AED, with a price per square meter of 18,176 AED/m². Compared to September 2026, transaction volume changed by -3.1%, while the median price per square meter rose by 0.9%.
Key takeaways
- October 2026 saw 10,069 residential sales transactions according to Dubai Land Department data.
- The median price per square meter reached 18,176 AED/m², a 0.9% increase from September 2026.
- Off-plan properties accounted for 66% of the market with an average price of 19,350 AED/m².
- The median price for apartments was 1,150,000 AED, while villas and townhouses reached 3,520,000 AED.
- There were 30,452 new annual apartment lease agreements with a median rent of 70,000 AED per year.
How many residential sales transactions were completed in Dubai?
According to official Dubai Land Department records, 10,069 residential sales were registered in October 2026. Investor activity adjusted slightly compared to the previous month, with a -3.1% change in transaction volume from September 2026.
These figures represent actual title deed and sales agreement registrations, reflecting real demand. The market saw a range of deals, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury.
What is the median property price and cost per square meter?
Based on the Dubai Land Department database, the median residential transaction price in October 2026 was 1,255,500 AED. This represents a -0.4% change compared to September 2026.
Meanwhile, the median price per square meter reached 18,176 AED/m², a 0.9% increase from the previous month. Median values provide a balanced view of the market by excluding extreme price outliers found in the Dubai Land Department registry.
How do apartments, villas, and townhouses compare?
Apartments remained the primary driver of demand. In October 2026, 8,375 apartments were sold. The median price for an apartment was 1,150,000 AED, according to Dubai Land Department data.
There were 971 villa and townhouse sales, with a median transaction price of 3,520,000 AED.
Median prices by property type and bedroom count based on Dubai Land Department data: - Studios: 681,526 AED; - 1-bedroom apartments: 1,166,000 AED; - 2-bedroom apartments: 2,050,000 AED; - 3-bedroom apartments: 3,239,825 AED.
What is the ratio between off-plan and ready properties?
Dubai Land Department data shows that off-plan properties accounted for 66% of residential transactions in October 2026. This dominance is driven by the frequent launch of new projects.
Prices vary by construction stage: the median price per square meter for off-plan properties was 19,350 AED/m², while ready properties on the secondary market reached 15,308 AED/m², per Dubai Land Department records.
Which price categories saw the most demand?
Transaction data from October 2026 indicates that demand is concentrated in the affordable and mid-range segments, according to the Dubai Land Department.
The distribution of sales by price range was: - Under 1 million AED: 35% of total transactions; - 1 to 2 million AED: 34% of total transactions; - 2 to 5 million AED: 26% of total transactions; - 5 to 10 million AED: 4% of total transactions; - Over 10 million AED: 1% of total transactions.
Properties priced under 2 million AED accounted for 69% of all residential sales in Dubai, per Dubai Land Department information.
Which Dubai areas lead in transaction volume and price per square meter?
According to Dubai Land Department data, prices varied significantly across active locations (those with over 100 transactions) in October 2026. Business Park recorded the highest median price at 37,220 AED/m², while International City Phase 1 had the lowest at 7,319 AED/m².
Statistics for popular areas in October 2026:
| Area | Transactions | Median per m² | Change vs Sept 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumeirah Village Circle | 795 | 15,459 AED/m² | +1.2% |
| Dubai South | 776 | 17,449 AED/m² | -1.6% |
| Business Bay | 439 | 22,808 AED/m² | +1.5% |
| Dubai Land Residence Complex | 379 | 15,607 AED/m² | +10.4% |
| Majan (DLD zone; most deals: Binghatti Skyflame) | 316 | 15,239 AED/m² | +0.5% |
| Jabal Ali Industrial Second (DLD zone; most deals: Raw District) | 299 | 19,605 AED/m² | +1.8% |
| Al Hebiah Fifth (DLD zone; most deals: Damac Lagoons) | 296 | 19,333 AED/m² | +6.6% |
| Arjan | 252 | 16,686 AED/m² | +1.8% |
| Dubai Creek Harbour | 237 | 26,476 AED/m² | -3.9% |
| Dubai Investment Park First (DLD zone; most deals: Verdana, Verdana Residence) | 234 | 11,696 AED/m² | +3.9% |
A one-month change in an area median also reflects the mix of deals — which units sold that month — not only price movement; a trend is better judged over several months.
Dubai Land Residence Complex saw the highest median price growth (+10.4%), while Dubai Creek Harbour saw the largest decrease (-3.9%) among these locations, per Dubai Land Department data.
What is happening in the long-term rental market?
Official Ejari statistics from the Dubai Land Department database track new annual lease agreements, excluding renewals.
In October 2026, 30,452 new annual apartment leases were registered. The median annual rent for an apartment was 70,000 AED, or 1,016 AED/m². This represents a -2.6% change in the median rent per square meter compared to September 2026. For villas and townhouses, the median annual rent was 175,000 AED, according to Dubai Land Department data.
A one-month change in the rent median likewise reflects the mix of new contracts, not only rent movement.
Key figures
| Metric | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Residential sales transactions | 10,069 | October 2026 |
| Median residential transaction price | 1,255,500 AED | October 2026 |
| Median price per m² | 18,176 AED/m² | October 2026 |
| Off-plan share | 66% | October 2026 |
| Median price per m²: off-plan | 19,350 AED/m² | October 2026 |
| Median price per m²: ready | 15,308 AED/m² | October 2026 |
| New annual apartment leases | 30,452 | October 2026 |
| Median annual apartment rent | 70,000 AED per year | October 2026 |
Source: Dubai Land Department — open transaction data (YAFF calculation).
FAQ
How many residential transactions were registered in Dubai in October 2026?
Dubai recorded 10,069 residential sales transactions in October 2026, according to Dubai Land Department data. This is a -3.1% change compared to September 2026.
What was the median price per square meter in Dubai in October 2026?
The median price per square meter was 18,176 AED/m² in October 2026. This is a 0.9% increase from September 2026.
What was the share of off-plan transactions in October 2026?
Off-plan properties accounted for 66% of all residential sales transactions in October 2026. The median price per square meter for off-plan units was 19,350 AED, per DLD data.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Dubai based on new contracts?
The median annual rent for an apartment in Dubai under new Ejari contracts was 70,000 AED (1,016 AED/m²) in October 2026. The rate per square meter changed by -2.6% compared to September 2026.
Which area had the highest price per square meter in October 2026?
Among areas with at least 100 transactions, Business Park recorded the highest median price at 37,220 AED/m², according to Dubai Land Department data.
