Through the first half of October, completed homes have taken a larger share of Dubai’s residential sales. Off-plan still accounts for most transactions, but the balance is shifting.
The weekly picture
In the week of 5 to 11 October, Dubai registered 2,212 home sales worth AED 4.91 billion. Ready-home sales rose 3.1 per cent on the previous week, while off-plan transactions fell 7.7 per cent. Ready homes accounted for 50.7 per cent of total value from 36.2 per cent of transactions (as given by Projectory (5 to 11 October 2026 weekly report); subject to change).
Month to date
Dubai Land Department registrations compiled by McCone Properties show 4,109 residential sales worth AED 8.8 billion to 13 October: 2,692 off-plan and 1,417 completed. Off-plan represented 66 per cent of sales so far, against 70 per cent across October 2025 (as given by McCone Properties (October 2026); subject to change).
Why it matters
Khaleej Times reported a 16 per cent rise in ready-home sales as buyers move away from off-plan purchases (as given by Khaleej Times (15 October 2026); subject to change). Savills notes that ready-property transactions strengthened during Q3 (as given by Savills, Dubai Residential Market Report Q3 2026 (12 October 2026); subject to change).
For buyers, a completed home offers certainty of finish and immediate occupancy. Off-plan continues to offer staged payment plans and new-build specification. The right choice depends on timing, financing and the project itself.
Our view
We see the shift as a sign of a more deliberate market rather than a turn away from new developments. Well-located off-plan projects from established developers remain sought after; we simply expect buyers to ask more questions before committing.
Sources
- Projectory, 5 to 11 October 2026 property report
- McCone Properties, Dubai Real Estate News, October 2026
- Khaleej Times, Dubai ready-home sales jump 16% (15 October 2026)
- Savills, Dubai Residential Market Report Q3 2026
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