Dubai Freehold Rentals Rise to Record Pace

Dubai recorded 39,645 freehold rental contracts in August. This represents a 3.79% increase over July. New contracts reached 20,611, a 19.4% year-on-year gain. Renewals climbed 4.4% to 19,034. The market is tracking toward a new annual record.

The first eight months of 2026 show 257,284 registered contracts. This is a 5.5% rise compared to the same period in 2025. The previous full-year record stood at 377,944 contracts. Current momentum suggests a higher total is likely.

Al Warsan Leads Rental Volume

Al Warsan First is the top area for freehold rentals. It has logged 23,894 tenancy contracts so far this year. One-bedroom units dominate the market structure. They account for 105,880 contracts, or 41% of the total. This reflects a strong preference for smaller residential spaces.

Off-Plan Sales Drive Market Value

The sales market closed August with 12,018 transactions. Total value reached AED28.6 billion. Off-plan deals dominated the activity. They comprised 8,359 transactions worth AED16.3 billion. Resale transactions totaled 3,659, valued at AED12.4 billion.

Dubai South leads primary market sales volume. It recorded 1,908 off-plan deals worth AED2.3 billion. This marks the sixth consecutive month of top performance. Apartment sales reached AED15.7 billion. Villa sales hit AED7.9 billion. Plot and commercial sales added AED4.1 billion.

High-End Transactions Set Price Records

The most expensive apartment sold for AED86 million. It is located at The Address, Jumeirah Gate. The priciest villa fetched AED110 million. This property is in Signature Villas. Properties above AED5 million made up 5.7% of all sales. Transactions under AED1 million accounted for 42.8% of the market.

Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, noted tenant mobility. He cited lower rents in specific areas as a driver. The data comes from the GN auto markets/housing: rental market report. It highlights sustained demand for residential space in the emirate.