Abu Dhabi City is set to deliver around 8,000 new residential units by early 2026, with an additional 12,800 units scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, according to
new research from the leading real estate advisory and property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell.
The UAE capital added approximately 2,700 apartments, townhouses, and villas to the market during the first nine months of the year, reflecting
sustained demand from both end-users and investors, the firm reported.
Developers plan to deliver an additional 12,400 units in 2027 and another 21,400 units in 2028, although actual completions may fall short of initial forecasts. Cavendish Maxwell bases this assessment on its latest insights and analysis of Abu Dhabi’s residential real estate market.
Andrew Laver, Associate Director of Cavendish Maxwell Abu Dhabi, shared his thoughts:
Based on recent handover trends, we could see fewer-than-planned properties being delivered in the next couple of years. This staggered approach, which is historically typical for Abu Dhabi allows the market to absorb new supply gradually and prevents sudden increases in available stock.
Andrew Laver
Associate Director of Cavendish Maxwell Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi recorded strong sales momentum in Q3, with over 6,400 residential unit transactions across apartments, villas, and townhouses. The off-plan segment drove most of this activity. Apartment sales accounted for approximately 5,100 transactions, fueled by strong investor interest and steady demand from young professionals and smaller families.
Sales of villas and townhouses increased by 8.3% quarter-on-quarter and by 0.3% year-on-year, as limited new launches pushed buyers toward apartments. Residential sales values reached AED 20.5 billion between July and September, with off-plan purchases contributing AED 16.3 billion.
Prices continued to strengthen across most segments. Apartment prices rose by nearly 15% on average year-on-year in Q3, with Yas Island and Al Reem Island recording the strongest gains. Villa prices increased by just under 12% compared to the same period last year, led by Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. Rental rates also climbed, with apartment rents rising by an average of 14.2%, reaching up to 25% on Yas Island, while villa rents increased by an average of 5.1%.
Abu Dhabi City’s residential real estate market performed strongly in Q3, on the back of strong demand from investors. The market is expected to remain resilient, with strong economic fundamentals, ongoing diversification, steady population growth, and the increasing appeal of newer master planned communities continuing to support demand.
Andrew Laver
Associate Director Cavendish Maxwell Abu Dhabir
Andrew Laver added:
We also expect to see both sales and rental prices to rise further in the near term, although the pace of growth will vary depending on location as new supply enters the market.
Andrew Laver
Associate Director Cavendish Maxwell Abu Dhabir
Anna Fischer
Construction Content Writer
Anna has background in IT companies and has written numerous articles on technology topics.
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