Dubai’s residential property sector continued to soften in May, with sales activity easing across the both the off-plan and ready sectors, shows news data from Cavendish Maxwell.

Dubai's residential real estate market secured 66,900 sales between January and May 2026, with off-plan purchases accounting for around 74% of transactions, said the leading real estate advisory and property consultancy. 

Around 9,500 transactions took place in May 2026, compared to 17,600 in May last year, according to the research, with the May 2026 figure 27% lower than April 2026. The decline was further compounded by the week-long Eid Al Adha break at the end of May, which led to an estimated 3,000 fewer sales. 

The total value of transactions in the first five months of 2026 was more than AED196.2 billion, down from AED217.8 billion in the same period last year. The value of purchases in May 2026 was AED22 billion, compared to AED54.8 billion in May 2025. 

Ronan Arthur, Director, Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “While off-plan sales remained relatively resilient during the first four months of 2026, May recorded a notable decline in both transaction volumes and values. The ready market has seen an even more pronounced slowdown, with year-on-year declines since March.

“This latest data suggests a more selective market environment, with buyers taking a measured approach amid regional and global uncertainty. While activity levels remain healthy by historical standards, the pace seen in recent months has continued to moderate." -TradeArabia News Service