Dubai Real Estate Market February 2026: Record Transactions & New Launches
Dubai real estate market continues its strong performance in February 2026 with record transaction volumes, new project launches, and sustained investor interest in off-plan properties.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai recorded 15,000+ property transactions in Jan-Feb 2026
- Off-plan properties account for 45% of transactions
- Average price per sqft increased 8% year-on-year
- JVC, Business Bay, Dubai Marina are top areas
- Indian, British, Chinese investors lead foreign purchases
Dubai Real Estate Market February 2026: Record Transactions & New Launches
TL;DR / Key Takeaways
- Dubai recorded 15,000+ property transactions in January-February 2026
- Off-plan properties account for 45% of total transactions
- Average price per sqft increased 8% year-on-year
- JVC, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina remain top transaction areas
- New launches from Emaar, DAMAC, and Azizi dominate the market
Market Overview
According to Dubai Land Department data, Dubai's real estate market continues its remarkable growth trajectory in early 2026. The emirate recorded over 15,000 property transactions in the first two months of the year, representing a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Transaction Volume by Area
| Area | Transactions | Avg Price/sqft | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumeirah Village Circle | 2,100+ | AED 850 | +15% |
| Business Bay | 1,800+ | AED 1,950 | +10% |
| Dubai Marina | 1,500+ | AED 1,850 | +8% |
| Downtown Dubai | 1,200+ | AED 2,800 | +12% |
| Dubai Hills Estate | 900+ | AED 1,650 | +18% |
New Project Launches
February 2026 saw significant new project announcements:
- Emaar Properties launched three new phases in Dubai Creek Harbour
- DAMAC announced expansion of Damac Hills 2 with 500 new villas
- Azizi introduced new affordable luxury projects in Al Furjan
- Binghatti revealed branded residences partnership with luxury fashion house
Investment Trends
According to DLD statistics, off-plan properties continue to attract strong investor interest:
- 45% of all transactions are off-plan purchases
- Average ROI for rental properties: 6-8%
- Golden Visa threshold remains at AED 2M investment
- Payment plans of 60/40 and 70/30 remain most popular
Foreign Investor Activity
International buyers remain active in Dubai real estate:
- Indian nationals: 22% of all foreign transactions
- British investors: 15%
- Chinese buyers: 12%
- Russian investors: 10%
- Other nationalities: 41%
Future Outlook
Market analysts predict continued growth through 2026 with:
- Expo City expansion driving new developments
- Al Maktoum Airport area witnessing increased activity
- Luxury segment expected to grow 10-15%
- Affordable segment to see sustained demand
Conclusion
Dubai real estate market in February 2026 demonstrates resilience and continued growth. With strong transaction volumes, new project launches, and sustained investor confidence, the emirate remains one of the world's most attractive property investment destinations.
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Sources and further reading
Practical due diligence checklist
Use this article as a shortlist filter, then validate the specific asset before making a decision. Confirm the current asking price against recent transactions, check the total acquisition cost rather than only the headline price, and review service charges, payment-plan obligations, handover assumptions, and resale liquidity. For off-plan purchases, verify escrow registration, construction progress, developer delivery history, and the exact clauses in the sales and purchase agreement. For ready property, inspect the unit condition, building maintenance, occupancy profile, parking, views, and realistic rental demand.
Before committing, compare at least three alternatives in the same budget band. The strongest option is usually the one where location, entry price, floor plan, developer quality, future supply, and exit strategy all align. Avoid relying on generic area averages or marketing brochures when unit-level evidence is available.
How to turn this guide into a decision
Use this article to form a shortlist, then test each option against current evidence. Check recent transactions, live asking prices, payment terms, service charges, handover assumptions, rental demand, and resale liquidity. A good Dubai property decision depends on the exact asset, not only the area, developer, or broad market narrative.
For investors, compare total acquisition cost and holding cost before looking at headline returns. Include DLD fees, agency fees, service charges, maintenance, vacancy, furnishing, management, and potential exit costs. For end users, compare livability factors such as commute, noise, parking, amenities, building quality, and future construction nearby.
The safest decision process has four steps: verify the data, compare alternatives, pressure-test the downside, and confirm all terms in writing. If a property still looks attractive after those checks, it is a stronger candidate. If the numbers only work under optimistic assumptions, keep searching or negotiate better terms.
How to use this market update
Use this article as a signal for what to investigate next, not as a standalone forecast. Market headlines can move faster than actual buyer behavior, so validate the topic against live transaction evidence, current listings, payment-plan changes, mortgage conditions, rental demand, and developer launch activity. Where the article discusses risk, compare short-term sentiment with the underlying supply pipeline and the depth of end-user demand in the relevant areas.
For buyers, the practical question is whether the update changes negotiation power, timing, or asset selection. For sellers, it should inform pricing discipline and the level of evidence needed to support an asking price. For investors, translate the headline into a unit-level model: entry price, total fees, service charges, vacancy, rental realism, and likely exit audience. A useful market view should lead to a clearer shortlist and a better due-diligence checklist, not a rushed decision.