Dubai’s property market is demonstrating resilience beyond off-plan sales, with registered mortgage transactions reaching AED 150.15 billion during the first nine months of 2026, compared with AED 132.21 billion during the same period in 2025. Representing an increase of approximately 14% year-on-year, the figures highlight the continued importance of property financing despite a sharp decline in off-plan sales activity. The figures highlight changing transaction patterns across the emirate, with Holo, a UAE-based mortgage platform, pointing to the continued importance of property financing as buyers navigate an evolving market.
The changing dynamics are particularly visible in Dubai’s off-plan segment. Sales declined from 14,044 transactions worth AED 28.8 billion in September 2025 to 7,157 transactions valued at AED 14.3 billion in September 2026, representing a 49% decline in transaction volumes and a 50.5% decrease in value. However, the slowdown has not been uniform across property types, with off-plan villa and townhouse transactions increasing by 64.1% over the same period, demonstrating continued activity in selected segments of the market.
Meanwhile, approximately 30,170 mortgage transactions were registered during the first nine months of 2026, with September alone accounting for AED 16.79 billion in registered mortgage value. While off-plan sales have moderated, the continued scale of mortgage activity highlights the importance of financing within Dubai’s property market and suggests that activity across different segments is evolving at different rates.
For buyers, these developments place greater emphasis on assessing affordability and long-term financial commitments rather than focusing solely on property prices or market momentum. Mortgage rates, repayment structures and the overall cost of borrowing remain important considerations, particularly as buyers evaluate opportunities across different property segments.
Michael Hunter, CEO & Co-Founder at Holo, said: “Dubai’s latest property figures highlight how different segments of the market can move in different directions. While off-plan activity has moderated, mortgage registrations continue to represent a significant part of the market. This is an important reminder that the strength of a property market should not be measured by sales volumes alone. For buyers, the focus should remain on affordability, financing options and the long-term commitments involved in homeownership, rather than making decisions based on market momentum alone.”
The contrast between mortgage activity and off-plan sales does not necessarily indicate a direct shift from one property segment to another. Mortgage registrations can include refinancing and other secured lending activity, while off-plan purchases may also involve mortgage financing. However, the figures underline the importance of looking beyond headline sales activity when assessing the wider property market.
As Dubai’s real estate sector continues to evolve, financing will remain an important consideration for both prospective buyers and existing homeowners. Whether purchasing a completed property, reviewing an existing mortgage or considering a future investment, access to clear financing information can help support more informed decisions.
