Dubai's residential market went through a period of moderation in the first half of 2026 – total transaction volumes fell 13.8% year-on-year to 79,300 sales. This is largely linked to a significantly lower number of newly launched projects and heightened regional geopolitical uncertainty, which prompted buyers to act more cautiously. Despite this moderation, the market remained active and clearly shows where buyer and investor interest is shifting. Official Property Monitor data reveals which locations recorded the highest transaction volumes in H1 2026 – separately for apartments and for villas and townhouses, and separately for the off-plan segment (properties under construction) and the ready segment (completed properties). This overview is essential for anyone considering an investment in Dubai property who wants to know where demand is currently concentrated.
Off-Plan Apartments: Dubai South with a Significant Lead
In the off-plan apartment segment, Dubai South clearly dominated, recording 7,306 transactions in H1 2026 – more than double the volume of the second-ranked location. Dubai South is a large-scale development zone near the planned Al Maktoum International Airport, making it one of the most active off-plan locations today.
Rank | Location | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
1 | Dubai South | 7,306 |
2 | Dubai Residence Complex | 3,408 |
3 | Jumeirah Village Circle | 3,055 |
4 | Dubai Islands | 2,891 |
5 | Majan | 2,402 |
Ready Apartments: Jumeirah Village Circle at the Top
Among completed apartments, Jumeirah Village Circle led with 1,812 transactions, followed by Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Creek Harbour. Notably, Jumeirah Village Circle appears in the top 5 for both the off-plan and ready segments – confirming it as one of Dubai's most liquid and versatile locations, attractive to both investors buying under construction and buyers of completed properties.
Rank | Location | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
1 | Jumeirah Village Circle | 1,812 |
2 | Business Bay | 1,065 |
3 | Dubai Marina | 778 |
4 | Downtown Dubai | 613 |
5 | Dubai Creek Harbour | 607 |
Off-Plan Villas and Townhouses: DAMAC Islands 2 Leads by a Wide Margin
In the off-plan villa and townhouse segment, DAMAC Islands 2 recorded the highest transaction volume, with 3,192 sales – more than three times the volume of the second-ranked location. This result confirms strong interest in new family-oriented residential communities located outside the city centre.
Rank | Location | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
1 | DAMAC Islands 2 | 3,192 |
2 | The Heights Country Club and Wellness | 898 |
3 | The Oasis | 583 |
4 | Lunaya | 360 |
5 | Grand Polo Club and Resort | 343 |
Ready Villas and Townhouses: DAMAC Hills 2 the Most Active Location
Among completed villas and townhouses, DAMAC Hills 2 led with 410 transactions, followed by Dubai South, DAMAC Lagoons, The Valley, and The Springs. The DAMAC portfolio of locations (Hills 2 in the ready segment, Islands 2 in the off-plan segment) thus establishes itself as a key player in the family-housing segment across both stages of the market.
Rank | Location | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
1 | DAMAC Hills 2 | 410 |
2 | Dubai South | 190 |
3 | DAMAC Lagoons | 185 |
4 | The Valley | 176 |
5 | The Springs | 168 |
What This Means for Investors
H1 2026 data reveals a clear pattern: while large-scale new development zones dominate the off-plan segment (Dubai South, DAMAC Islands 2), demand in the ready segment concentrates on established, already-functioning communities with built-out infrastructure (Jumeirah Village Circle, DAMAC Hills 2). This reflects differing buyer motivations. Investors entering off-plan projects often benefit from attractive payment plans and lower entry prices, while buyers of completed properties prefer locations with a proven track record, available amenities, and immediate habitability.
This overview of leading locations suggests that Dubai's market remains dynamic and diversified despite the overall slowdown. Dubai South and DAMAC Islands 2 drive the off-plan segment, while Jumeirah Village Circle and DAMAC Hills 2 dominate completed properties.
The year-on-year decline in transaction volumes should not be interpreted as a market downturn. It is the result of several factors combined – a lower number of newly launched projects, seasonality, and geopolitical uncertainty – alongside a comparison against an exceptionally strong first half of 2025. The result is rather a market that is becoming more selective: capital and demand are concentrating in specific, proven locations, as confirmed by the clear concentration of volume in the top-location rankings.
For investors, understanding these trends is essential when deciding where to direct capital.
Considering an investment in one of these locations? Contact us and we'll help you find a property that matches your investment goals.
