According to a new analytical report published by Elite Merit Real Estate, Dubai’s real estate market in April 2026 recorded a sharp month-on-month recovery – with total registered transactions value increasing to 20% to AED 68.6bn ($18.7bn).
The rebound cements the first decisive recovery following a temporary slowdown in late February – attributed to wider regional geopolitical uncertainty.
The report indicates April’s performance was primarily sentiment-driven rather than structural, as the combined total registered transactions reached 18,847 in April. Mortgage activity rose to 33.5% MoM to AED 14.52bn, whereas cash sales increased to 13.5% to AED 48.3bn.
Off-plan activity remained the main market driver, as it accounted for 70.5% of adjusted market share. In addition, off-plan apartment sales alone reached a 2026 monthly high of AED 19.7bn.
“April’s rebound suggests that Dubai’s real estate market is continuing to stabilise after a short-term correction, with momentum supported by off-plan demand and selective strength across mid-market and prime segments. Early indications for May point to continued stability, with market performance increasingly defined by asset quality, location, and developer pipelines rather than broad-based expansion.”
Ilya Demidov, Managing Director, Elite Merit Real Estate
Other notable points from the report included that the AED 10m+ luxury segment reached a record 995 transactions, representing 5.9% of the market, driven by capital rotation into projects such as Palm Jebel Ali and Aman Residences.
Dubai’s citywide rental index decreased 1.26% month-on-month – the first negative monthly movement in the current cycle – compressing average gross rental goes to 6.62%.
Secondary market liquidity remained under pressure, with resale transactions down 43% year-on-year, reinforcing a two-speed market where off-plan activity outperforms resale inventory.
Community performance varied sharply across the market. Mid-market areas including Jumeirah Golf Estates Apartments (+5.75% MoM) and Dubai South (+2.64% MoM) continued to gain momentum, while ultra-prime locations such as Emirates Hills (-15.43% MoM) and Jumeirah Bay Island apartments (-8.30% MoM) remained in an active price-discovery phase.
Elite Merit Real Estate mention these findings indicate the Dubai property market is entering a more selective and segmented phase, where liquidity strength, infrastructure maturity, and developer credibility are becoming more important for both regional and international investors.
