Dubai off-plan prices hold firm as only 6% of projects cut prices since February

Are Dubai off-plan prices falling? For the most part, no. New data from fäm Properties, reported by Khaleej Times on 30 September, shows only 44 of 717 off-plan projects launched since July 2023 have cut prices by 5% or more since the end of February, while sales of larger apartments have slowed.

For anyone weighing up a purchase or a lease renewal, the message is that the market is cooling through volumes rather than through headline discounts.

Are Dubai off-plan prices falling? The numbers

The figures cover projects launched over roughly three years. Most developers are sticking with their original price lists:

• 44 projects (6%) cut prices by 5% or more since end-February 2026
• 28 projects (4%) are now selling below their launch price
• More than 90% have kept launch pricing

Firas Al Msaddi, founder and CEO of fäm Properties, told Khaleej Times that pricing is starting to decide how fast projects sell out, and that the adjustment is showing up in sales volumes more than in price cuts.

That pattern is clear among the 574 projects launched since 2025. The median project, priced 4.2% above its area median, had sold 73.8% of its units. Projects priced 20% or more above the area median had sold a median of 60%.

Buyers are going smaller

Registered developer apartment sales reached 62,147 units in the first 8 months of 2026, down 6% on the same period last year. The mix tells the bigger story:

Unit type	Change, Jan to Aug 2026
Studios	+26% (21,728 units)
One-bedroom	-18%
Two-bedroom	-16%
Three-bedroom	-13%

Dubai South stands out. Studio sales there rose 185% to 11,147 units, more than half of all studio sales in the period.

This fits earlier forecasts of a gentler market as new supply arrives, covered in our report on Moody's outlook for UAE property prices.

What it means for buyers and renters

These figures describe the market. They are not a signal to buy or wait. Your own budget and job security matter more than any average.

• Buyers: a project holding its launch price is not the same as one selling well. The sell-through gap between fairly priced and premium-priced projects suggests comparing asking prices with recent sales in the same area.
• Renters: a large wave of studios, many in Dubai South, is due for handover over the coming years. More small units reaching the rental market could give tenants more choice, though rents depend on many factors. Our Dubai rent forecast for 2026 covers the demand side.
• Everyone: the price is only part of the cost. Fees, service charges and payment plans add up, as our guide to the hidden costs of buying property in Dubai explains.

Checks before buying off-plan in Dubai

Dubai has clear rules for off-plan sales. Before paying a deposit:

1. Confirm the project is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). You can check a project and developer on the DLD website or the Dubai REST app.
2. Pay only into the project's escrow account. Under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007, developers selling off-plan must hold buyers' payments in a dedicated escrow account for that project. Never transfer money to a personal account or a broker.
3. Register your purchase on Oqood, the DLD's interim register for off-plan units, which records your interest until the title deed is issued at handover.
4. Use a RERA-licensed broker and check their registration with the DLD before signing anything.
5. Read the payment plan and handover terms closely, including what happens if construction is delayed and who pays service charges before handover. Our explainer on service charges before handover covers a key Rental Dispute Centre ruling.

Key takeaway

Dubai off-plan prices are largely holding: only 6% of projects have cut prices by 5% or more since February. The slowdown is in sales of larger homes, while studios, especially in Dubai South, are selling faster. Whatever you decide, verify registration and escrow before paying anything.

FAQ

Are Dubai off-plan prices falling in 2026?

Not broadly. According to fäm Properties data reported by Khaleej Times, more than 90% of projects launched since July 2023 have kept their launch pricing, and only 4% sell below it.

Why are studio sales rising in Dubai?

Studio sales rose 26% to 21,728 units in January to August 2026, while larger units fell. Dubai South alone accounted for 11,147 studio sales, up 185%.

How do I check if a Dubai off-plan project is registered?

Search for the project and developer on the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app.

What is Oqood in Dubai?

Oqood is the DLD's interim register for off-plan property. It records the buyer's interest in a unit until the project is completed and a title deed is issued.

Is it safe to pay a developer directly for off-plan property?

Payments should go into the project's official escrow account, as required by Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007. Avoid paying into personal accounts or through unlicensed intermediaries.

Further reading

• UAE Property Prices to See Modest Decline in 12-18 Months as 180,000 Units Hit Dubai Market
• How Much Cash Do You Need to Buy a Dubai Home? Complete Cost Breakdown
• Can You Buy UAE Property with Zero Down Payment? What the Law Actually Says
• Dubai Rent Forecast 2026: Up to 6% Increase Expected as Population Grows