The Upsides · Market
Abu Dhabi residential prices continued rising through Q2 2026, though the pace moderated after two years of rapid growth. This page breaks down the current averages in AED per square metre, the gap between off-plan and ready pricing, and which communities are appreciating fastest.
| Segment | Average price | Annual change | Quarterly change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-plan residential | AED 22,647 per sqm | +21.2% | -4.0% |
| Ready residential | AED 15,522 per sqm | +10.9% | -4.3% |
| Average off-plan ticket size | AED 4.4 million | +25.9% | -15.7% |
| Average ready-home ticket size | AED 2.8 million | +18.8% | +4.7% |
The premium between off-plan and ready pricing, roughly AED 7,100 per sqm at Q2 2026 averages, reflects where developer launches are concentrated: waterfront and branded product at the top of the market. The quarterly dip in average off-plan price and ticket size is a mix effect from which projects released units in the quarter, not a fall in like-for-like values, which continued rising year on year across both segments.
| Community | Apartment values, annual change | Villa values, annual change |
|---|---|---|
| Al Reef | +41.6% | +27.9% |
| Al Muneera | +24.7% | Not reported |
| Al Reem Island | +22.0% | Not reported |
| Al Bandar | +21.8% | Not reported |
| Saadiyat Island | +18.3% | +12.0% |
| Al Raha | Not reported | +4.6% |
Al Reef leads on percentage growth from a lower price base. Saadiyat Island's 18.3% apartment growth is arguably the more significant signal: it is the emirate's most expensive residential address appreciating at nearly one fifth per year, ahead of a decade of committed cultural and infrastructure investment and with Aldar's Marsa Al Saadiyat now confirmed as the island's final development phase.
Published forecasts put Abu Dhabi residential capital growth at around 16% for 2026, up from 13% in 2025, with apartments expected to outperform villas and average rents projected to rise about 6%. Scheduled 2026 handovers also historically land below the announced pipeline, which keeps supply tight and supports both prices and rents. An estimated 18,339 new homes are projected for delivery in 2026, roughly half apartments and half villas and townhouses, with around 37,700 units scheduled by 2030.
Questions
In Q2 2026, off-plan homes averaged AED 22,647 per sqm and ready homes AED 15,522 per sqm.
By annual apartment value growth in Q2 2026: Al Reef (+41.6%), Al Muneera (+24.7%), Al Reem Island (+22.0%), Al Bandar (+21.8%), and Saadiyat Island (+18.3%).
Current forecasts point to around 16% residential capital growth for 2026, supported by tight supply and continued end-user demand, with apartments expected to outperform villas.
Off-plan launches are concentrated in premium waterfront and branded product, which lifts the segment average. In Q2 2026 the gap was roughly AED 7,100 per sqm.
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.
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