Population growth, resilient economic performance and a wave of new launches helped drive activity to its highest level in a year, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a key regional hub for real estate investment.
Residential transactions within Abu Dhabi Municipality exceeded 6,500 in Q3 2025, up from around 4,000 in Q2 2025 and 3,700 in Q1 2025.
Abu Dhabi real estate growth
Off-plan sales accounted for 77 per cent of all activity, far above the 12-month average of 64 per cent, reflecting pent-up demand and the success of new projects such as One Saadiyat by Aldar, Fahid Island and further phases of Bloom Living.
Average sales rates rose 16 per cent year-on-year to AED 17,394 ($4,736) per sq m, supported by limited ready supply and resilient end-user and investor demand. Apartments continued to dominate sales, representing 78 per cent of all transactions in Q3.
Developers maintained momentum with 21 new project launches in Q3 alone, totalling just over 5,700 units — half of all units introduced so far in 2025.
International developers including Sobha Realty, Mered and Mira Developments expanded their presence in the emirate, broadening product offerings and attracting new investor profiles.
Average prices rising
Savills noted continued strength within the prime and branded residence segment, driven by high-net-worth buyers.
Major announcements during the quarter included Four Seasons Residences on Saadiyat Island, Bulgari Resort and Mansions on Masnouah Island, and Waldorf Astoria Residences Yas Island, which achieved a same-day sell-out of 133 homes worth AED 850 million ($231.99 million).
Year-to-date, launches have reached approximately 11,200 units, though Savills said supply remains insufficient to meet rising demand.
Pricing continued to strengthen across all tracked villa and apartment communities, with average sales rates rising from AED 14,485 ($3,943) per sq m in Q3 2024 to AED 17,394 ($4,736) per sq m in Q3 2025. Capital values increased across the board.
Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, said: “Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate its long-term appeal among both domestic and international investors. The city’s strong fundamentals, expanding roster of global developers and growing stock of branded residences are deepening its position as a key regional hub for quality real estate investment.
“We are seeing sustained appetite for well-designed, high-quality homes that align with evolving lifestyle aspirations.”
Abu Dhabi real estate supply
Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency – Abu Dhabi at Savills Middle East, said: “Supply constraints and steady population growth have supported healthy price appreciation across Abu Dhabi’s prime and emerging districts.
“The city’s strong economic footing, combined with increased transparency through initiatives such as the Madhmoun system, continues to underpin investor confidence. As new projects come to market, we expect this positive trajectory to carry forward into 2026.”
The report also highlighted Abu Dhabi’s expanding lifestyle and education landscape, with upcoming additions such as Disneyland’s planned 2030 opening and new international schools including Harrow and Gordonstoun, enhancing the emirate’s appeal to families relocating to the UAE.
Savills expects sustained demand, limited handovers and an increasing influx of overseas wealth to shape Abu Dhabi’s residential market in the coming quarters, encouraging greater product diversification and quality-focused development.
