Dubai's property market is entering a more selective phase as buyers focus on value, realistic pricing, and property quality over transaction volumes, according to Exclusive Links Real Estate.
-- Dubai's property market is entering a more selective phase, with the latest transaction figures suggesting a shift in buyer behaviour rather than a uniform decline across the sector, according to Exclusive Links Real Estate Brokers, one of Dubai's established independent real estate companies.
September 2026 recorded 10,207 residential property transactions worth AED 22.35 billion, representing a 7.9% decline in transaction volumes and a 6.2% reduction in value compared with August.
While the headline figures reflect a slower market, the underlying data reveals important differences in performance between property types, price brackets and the off plan and secondary sectors.
The average transaction value increased from AED 2.14 M in August to AED 2.19 M in September, while the secondary market accounted for 30.2% of transactions, its highest share since February.
Louise Heatley, Managing Director and Owner of Exclusive Links Real Estate Brokers, believes the market is moving into a period where realistic pricing, property quality and informed decision-making are becoming increasingly important.
"We've experienced many different market conditions since establishing Exclusive Links in 2005, and one thing we've learned is that Dubai's property market cannot be judged on transaction volumes alone.
"There is no question that activity has slowed from the exceptional levels we saw previously, but that doesn't mean every property or community is experiencing the same conditions. What we're seeing is a market where buyers are becoming more considerate in their decisions, and sellers need to be increasingly realistic about pricing and expectations.
"This is not necessarily a negative development. A more balanced market encourages better decision-making and places greater importance on professional advice, accurate valuations and understanding what represents genuine value."
Secondary Market Shows Greater Resilience
One of the more notable developments in September was the relative resilience of Dubai's secondary property market.
While off plan transactions declined by 9.8% compared with August, secondary transactions fell by just 3.3%.
This follows a broader quarterly trend, with secondary transaction volumes increasing by 14.9% in Q3 compared with Q2, while off plan volumes declined by 8.6%.
Although off plan projects for sale in Dubai continue to represent the majority of residential transactions, the figures suggest that completed properties are accounting for a growing proportion of market activity.
For buyers, ready properties offer greater visibility over the finished product, established community infrastructure and, for investors, the potential for immediate rental income.
Heatley comments:
"Off plan remains an important part of Dubai's property market, but buyers today have more choices and are increasingly prepared to compare those opportunities against completed properties.
"The conversation is not simply about buying into the next launch. Buyers want to understand the location, the quality of the development, the likely rental performance and the long-term value of what they're purchasing.
"For many, the ability to inspect a completed property and assess an established community is becoming an increasingly important consideration."
A Changing Market, Not a Uniform Decline
Dubai's residential market recorded 34,410 transactions during the third quarter of 2026, just 2.8% below Q2.
However, the year-on-year comparisons demonstrate the scale of the adjustment taking place.
September transaction volumes were 45.1% lower than September 2025, while the total value transacted declined by 48.8%.
These figures reflect a significant reduction in market activity compared with the previous year's exceptionally active period and underline the importance of distinguishing between transaction volumes, property values and individual community performance.
The changing composition of transactions also provides an interesting perspective.
In September, studio apartment transactions declined sharply, while one, two, three and five-bedroom properties recorded more transactions than in August.
This suggests that the slowdown has not been evenly distributed across property types, with larger homes demonstrating relative resilience during the month.
For Exclusive Links, the figures reinforce the importance of understanding individual market segments rather than treating Dubai real estate as a single market.
Experience and Realistic Pricing Become Increasingly Important
With more than two decades of experience operating in Dubai, Exclusive Links believes the current environment is placing renewed emphasis on the fundamentals of real estate brokerage.
Heatley explains:
"From an operational perspective, this is exactly the type of market where the experience and knowledge of a real estate agent become particularly valuable.
"Within our offices, we're placing continued emphasis on understanding individual communities, maintaining close relationships with property owners and ensuring our teams are equipped to have informed conversations with buyers and sellers.
"It's no longer enough to simply bring a property to market and expect interest based on previous levels of activity. Agents need to be able to demonstrate why a property is priced appropriately, how it compares with competing stock and what realistic outcomes clients should expect.
"For sellers, this may mean adjusting expectations. For buyers, it can mean opportunities to negotiate more effectively. Our responsibility is to guide both sides using current market evidence rather than yesterday's headlines."
Dubai's Longer-Term Fundamentals Remain Important
Despite the slowdown in transaction activity, Dubai continues to benefit from established infrastructure, international connectivity, ongoing development and a diverse residential property offering, providing opportunities for those looking to buy luxury property in Dubai.
However, Exclusive Links cautions against assuming that these wider fundamentals will protect every location or development from changing market conditions.
The increasing distinction between off plan and secondary transactions, together with differing performance across property types and communities, suggests that property selection and investment strategy will become increasingly important.
Heatley concludes:
"Dubai has matured considerably as a property market over the last 20 years, and periods of adjustment are part of that development.
"We should neither dismiss the slowdown nor overreact to it. The market is changing, and the businesses, investors and property owners who recognise those changes and respond appropriately will be better positioned.
"For us at Exclusive Links, the focus remains the same as it has always been - understanding the market, giving clients informed and realistic advice, and building relationships that extend well beyond an individual transaction."
About Exclusive Links Real Estate
Established in 2005, Exclusive Links Real Estate is a Dubai-based, multi-award-winning real estate brokerage with more than 21 years of experience in the UAE property market.
The company offers a complete property service encompassing residential sales, leasing, off-plan investments, property management, vacation homes, and sales progression. With offices in Dubai Marina and Dubai Production City, Exclusive Links supports local and international clients through every stage of their property journey.
For more information, visit Exclusive Links Real Estate.
Contact Info:
Name: Zarah Evans
Email: Send Email
Organization: Exclusive Links
Phone: +971 4 399 4937
Website: https://www.exclusive-links.com/
Release ID: 89207106
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