The Upsides · Market
The Upsides tracks the Abu Dhabi property market quarter by quarter so buyers can see what is actually happening in prices, rents, and supply before committing to an off-plan purchase. The figures on this page and its linked deep-dives are drawn from established independent market research for Q2 2026, alongside official announcements from Aldar Properties and Abu Dhabi government bodies.
| Indicator | Q2 2026 figure | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Residential capital values (price index) | 151.1 points | +2.1% quarterly, +17.8% annually |
| Apartment values | 147.5 points | +2.9% quarterly, +24.1% annually |
| Villa values | 154.8 points | +1.3% quarterly, +12.0% annually |
| Total residential sales | 7,206 transactions | -8.0% quarterly |
| Off-plan share of all sales | 84% (6,061 transactions) | +156% annually by volume |
| Average off-plan price | AED 22,647 per sqm | +21.2% annually |
| Average ready-home price | AED 15,522 per sqm | +10.9% annually |
| Average annual asking rent | AED 163,700 | +4.7% annually |
| Rent increase cap | 0% (temporary) | In force from 2 June 2026 |
Abu Dhabi's residential market kept growing in Q2 2026, but the pace cooled. The 2.1% quarterly rise in capital values was the slowest in two years, which reads as moderation after an extended run of rapid growth rather than a reversal: annual growth still stands at 17.8%. Apartments are doing the heavy lifting, up 24.1% year on year against 12.0% for villas, driven by demand for ready homes in well-located communities at accessible price points.
The single most important structural fact for off-plan buyers: 84% of every home sold in Abu Dhabi in Q2 2026 was off-plan. That is 6,061 transactions in one quarter, a 156% jump in volume year on year. The market buyers are actually transacting in is the off-plan market, and it is the market The Upsides works in daily.
For tenants and landlords, the emirate introduced a temporary 0% rent increase cap on 2 June 2026, replacing the previous 5% annual limit across residential, commercial, and industrial property until further notice.
Abu Dhabi property prices Q2 2026
Off-plan and ready averages in AED per sqm, plus community growth rates.
Abu Dhabi off-plan market statistics
Transaction volumes, market share, and the launches driving volume.
Abu Dhabi rent cap 2026 explained
The 0% renewal cap and current asking rents by property type.
Saadiyat Island property prices
Island appreciation, rent stability, and Marsa supply context.
Yas Island property prices
New launches, active Aldar releases, and investor demand drivers.
Al Ghadeer property prices
Published phase pricing and factual corridor-market context.
Fahid Island property prices
ADREC launch context for Fahid Island without invented transaction medians.
Market data is only useful if it informs a real decision. The Upsides briefs buyers on Aldar Properties' active Abu Dhabi off-plan releases, including Marsa Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island and The Canopies at Yas Point on Yas Island. See all current Abu Dhabi off-plan projects for availability and confirmed project facts.
Questions
Yes. Residential capital values rose 17.8% year on year in Q2 2026, though quarterly growth slowed to 2.1%, the weakest quarterly rise in two years, indicating moderation rather than decline.
Apartments. Apartment values rose 24.1% year on year in Q2 2026 against 12.0% for villas, supported by demand for ready homes at relatively affordable price points.
In Q2 2026, off-plan sales made up 84% of all residential transactions, with 6,061 off-plan homes sold in the quarter.
Yes. From 2 June 2026, Abu Dhabi implemented a temporary 0% rent increase cap, replacing the previous 5% annual limit, applying to residential, commercial, and industrial property until further notice.
Market data: ValuStrat Abu Dhabi Real Estate Review, Q2 2026.
Hot launch
Aldar Properties launched its landmark waterfront master plan on Saadiyat Island on 22 July 2026. Priority registration is open ahead of first residential sales expected in H2 2026. Its first villa release, Talay, is now revealed.
Hot launch · Saadiyat Island · July 2026
Beaches, marina neighbourhoods, and the closing chapter of the Saadiyat Island masterplan sit behind this release. Layouts, unit sizes, prices, and payment plans have not yet been released by Aldar. Register now so The Upsides can send release notices when chapters go live.
General information only, not investment advice. Prices, availability, specifications and charges are subject to change. The Upsides is a trading name of a licensed Abu Dhabi real estate brokerage holding authorised agency agreements with the respective developers for the projects referenced on this site (including Aldar Properties and Eagle Hills). This is not an official Aldar Properties PJSC or Eagle Hills website. Confirm details with us and licensed advisors before you commit. Forward-looking statements are subject to official confirmation by the relevant developer.
See also the Disclaimer.
