May 2026 continued the trend that has been developing since late February - a market that is becoming more selective, more strategic, and increasingly driven by long-term investor thinking.
While transaction volumes eased compared to the stronger activity levels seen earlier in the year, the Dubai property market continues to demonstrate resilience where it matters most. Pricing remains firm, investor interest remains active, and buyers continue to engage where they see value and opportunity.
At Exclusive Links, our role is not simply to report the numbers. It is to help buyers, sellers, and investors understand what those numbers actually mean and how market conditions can create opportunities for those willing to look beyond the headlines.
May 2026 at a Glance
Dubai recorded 9,509 residential transactions during May 2026, making it the quietest month of the year so far. This follows the gradual softening in activity that began after the onset of regional geopolitical tensions and coincides with the traditional approach to the summer season.
However, transaction volume alone only tells part of the story.
The most important takeaway from May is that off-plan remains firmly in control of market activity:
- 6,607 off-plan apartment transactions were recorded
- Off-plan represented approximately 78% of all apartment deals
- Off-plan apartment sales generated AED 11.15 billion in value
- Average off-plan pricing continued to strengthen despite lower volumes
This reflects a trend we have been discussing throughout 2026. Investors are continuing to take advantage of attractive payment plans, developer incentives, DLD waivers, and post-handover structures that have reappeared in the market over recent months.
Many experienced investors recognise that periods of uncertainty often create opportunities that are simply not available during peak market conditions.
What This Means for Buyers and Investors
The data suggests that confidence has not disappeared - it has become more selective.
Buyers are spending more time evaluating opportunities, conducting due diligence, and focusing on long-term value rather than short-term market sentiment.
Communities such as:
- Dubai South
- Jumeirah Village Circle
- Jumeirah Village Triangle
- Sobha Hartland II
- Dubai Design District
continued to attract strong off-plan demand throughout May, highlighting where investor attention remains focused.
For buyers, today's market continues to offer several advantages:
- Flexible payment plans that we have not seen for several years
- Greater availability of premium units
- Less competition compared to the peak activity of early 2026
- The ability to negotiate and secure incentives that may not remain available long term
For sellers, however, the market is becoming increasingly quality-driven. Buyers have more options than they did twelve months ago, making accurate pricing, strong marketing, and professional presentation more important than ever.
The Bigger Picture
It would be easy to look at May's transaction volumes in isolation and assume the market is slowing significantly.
The broader data tells a different story.
Year-to-date, Dubai has already recorded more than 67,000 residential transactions, demonstrating that demand remains substantial despite the quieter conditions seen in recent months. Pricing across many segments continues to hold firm, and some communities are still experiencing value growth despite lower transaction activity.
What we are seeing is not a market retreating.
We are seeing a market consolidating after an exceptionally strong growth cycle, while adjusting to both seasonal factors and wider geopolitical uncertainty.
The investors who continue to perform well during these periods are typically those who focus on fundamentals rather than headlines. They understand Dubai's long-term growth story remains intact, supported by population growth, infrastructure investment, economic diversification, and continued international demand.
At Exclusive Links, we continue to guide clients through changing market conditions with a balanced, experience-led approach - helping them identify opportunities, manage risk, and make informed decisions in an evolving market.
Download the Full May 2026 Report
This article provides only a snapshot of the wider market picture.
Access detailed analysis covering:
- Transaction volumes
- Sales values
- Off-plan market activity
- Top-performing communities
- Price movements
- Emerging investment trends
👉 Download the Full May 2026 Market Report
Source: Dubai Land Department & Property Monitor - Exclusive Links May 2026 Spotlight Report.
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