As population growth and new project launches led to an off-plan sales boom, Abu Dhabi’s housing market recorded over 6,500 transactions in the three quarters of 2025, the biggest in a year.
Based on the recent report of the real estate services company Savills, residential transactions have risen to approximately 4,000 in the second quarter and 3,700 in the first quarter, with the off-plan transactions reporting 77 percent of all transactions, which is a lot higher than the average of 12 months, which is 64 percent.
However, the upswing was driven by new launches on Fahid Island, Saadiyat Island, and within Bloom Living.
A similar valuation was made earlier this month by ValuStrat, which has indicated that the real estate market in Abu Dhabi recorded the best growth ever in the third quarter, due to increasing residential prices, firmer rents, stronger demand, and increased off-plan development.
Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, Andrew Cummings, said that “Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate its long-term appeal among both domestic and international investors. We are seeing sustained appetite for well-designed, high-quality homes that align with evolving lifestyle aspirations.”
He further stated that Abu Dhabi has solid fundamentals, a growing list of international developers, and an increasing portfolio of branded residences, which are further establishing it as a major regional destination for quality real estate investment.
The average sales rates in the emirate increased by 16 percent annually in the third quarter to 17,394 dirhams ($4,736) per sq. meter, which was driven by strong end-user demand and restricted ready supply.
Meanwhile, apartments remained the most active with 78 percent of the overall transactions in the quarter.
The developers introduced over 5,700 units in 21 projects within the quarter, attracting regional and international competitors such as Sobha Realty, Mered, and Mira Developments.
Savills stated that the interest from high-net-worth buyers continued to back the branded residence segment.
Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, Ali Ishaq, added that “Supply constraints and steady population growth have supported healthy price appreciation across Abu Dhabi’s prime and emerging districts.”
He further reported that “The city’s strong economic footing, combined with increased transparency through initiatives such as the Madhmoun system, continues to underpin investor confidence. As new projects come to market, we expect this positive trajectory to carry forward into 2026.”
