Dubai Real Estate Market Figures for March 2026
The war in Iran , which broke out on February 28, 2026, has had a significant impact on Dubai’s real estate market. While the market has proven to be highly resilient, it has nonetheless experienced a sharp slowdown in sales. In this article, we’ll take an unfiltered look at the key figures for Dubai’s real estate market in March 2026. We’ll also provide our comprehensive analysis and explain how to interpret and understand these figures.
Real estate sales in Dubai in March 2026
Important note: The official figures from the Dubai Land Department reflect the date the sale was registered. Therefore, sales recorded in March 2026 may well have actually been concluded months earlier. It is therefore important to take a step back when analyzing this raw data.
A total of 13,509 sales were recorded in Dubai in March 2026. This represents an 11% year-over-year decline and a 20.8% drop compared to February. In terms of value, the decline was 8.8% year-over-year and 28.5% compared to February. 24% of the transactions were resales, and 76% were off-plan sales.
The vast majority of investors have therefore decided to honor their commitments, and only a minority have chosen to cancel contracts signed before the conflict. This is excellent news for the market.
The price per square meter has risen by 9% over the past 12 months, and by 10% compared to February 2026.
The rental market in Dubai
The average price of a rental apartment in Dubai continued to rise in March 2026, despite the conflict. Rents for apartments in Dubai rose by 3.6% (to 72,000 AED), while rents for villas fell by 2.7%.
The most vibrant neighborhoods
Dubai South recorded 922 transactions and took first place. Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Land Residences Complex rounded out the top three, with 906 and 853 transactions, respectively.
Dubai's most expensive sales
An apartment sold for over 100 million euros at the Aman residence, located on the Jumeirah Peninsula. As for villas, the record for the month goes, as is often the case, to Palm Jumeirah. A villa there sold for 95 million dirhams, or over 22 million euros.
Our market outlook
On the ground, we believe the situation is certainly more serious than the figures cited earlier in this article. The decline in new sales contracts is certainly greater than 50%. But it will only be in the coming months that we will be able to truly gauge the impact of the conflict in Iran based on data. The very positive aspect is that there is still a great deal of interest from both international and local investors. Hundreds of investors have contacted us looking for great deals, seeking discounts ranging from 10 to 20%. Quality properties sold at a good price or with very favorable payment terms continue to find buyers quickly, and sales are closing every day.
Guillaume Giroux, Dubai Immo founder and real estate expert, Dubai, UAE
As founder of the Dubai Immo Group and a real estate investor, I bring you daily updates on the Dubai market. My aim is to provide you with all the keys you need to invest wisely and securely, by sharing my in-depth analysis and strategic advice.
