The real estate market in Dubai has witnessed one of the fastest trends in market growth within the region in recent times. Within this market, under-construction properties, commonly called off-plan properties, have been at the heart of property transactions and have been instrumental in drawing both domestic and foreign investors into the market.
As per reports published in January 2026, the proportion of new projects in the property market of Dubai is not only expected to continue its trend this year but is also likely to increase. This trend may well shape the investment market in 2026 particularly for individuals who are in search of a guide that will help them purchase an Off-plan Properties in Dubai and enter this market with an informed and analytical approach.
According to official statistics, in 2025:
More than 70% of Dubai’s residential transactions involved under-construction properties.
The statistics provided by Betterhomes indicate that:
were dedicated to off-plan properties.
This shows that investors are preferring to invest in projects during their initial stages in order to enjoy a price increase upon completion, a phenomenon that has become even more relevant for many Iranian investors when determining the prices of properties in Dubai in Iranian Rials.
The increase in foreign investors and population, and the launch of different projects with flexible payment options, have kept demand for under-construction projects in Dubai high. Therefore, this segment is likely to remain in high demand in 2026 as well, just as in recent years.
In 2026, there is a forecasted launch of new projects in areas with high demand, such as:
The sale of Off-plan Properties in 2026 is forecasted to increase by 10-15%, which is an indication of the strong demand in this sector. The active role played by Dubai-based property developers in launching new and diverse projects with varying payment options is considered the major contributor to the consistent growth in the sale of under-construction properties.
One of the most important factors that makes investors choose off-plan properties over ready properties is the potential for a higher return on investment. Generally, the following factors apply to off-plan properties:
Ready properties, on the other hand, are best suited for investors who are looking to move into the property or earn rental returns from the very start.
According to statistics in 2025:
This indicates that there is a strong demand for both properties, but apartments are leading in new projects.
In 2024, the number of new units that were supplied to the market was estimated to be 145,000. This translates to an average of 400 units per day. According to a report by Cavendish Maxwell, the sales of units under construction have almost quadrupled compared to the pre-COVID era. This is an indication of the high confidence that investors have in the future of Dubai’s real estate market.
In the second half of 2025, the following brands have launched the most new projects currently under construction:
This competition between top brands indicates that the supply of new projects will continue to be strong well into 2026.
In the table below you can see the main differences between these two investment options:
| Criteria | Under-Construction Project | Ready Property |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Purchase Price | Lower | Higher |
| Price Growth | High until handover | Gradual |
| Rental Income | After completion | Immediate |
| Risk | Dependent on completion timeline | Lower |
The choice between these two investment options depends on the buyer’s financial goals and investment strategy.
Taking into consideration the transaction data as well as the number of newly emerging projects, the off-plan market is likely to remain one of the most attractive investment choices for investors in 2026. Flexible payment options, entry into new markets, and the involvement of reputable developers have opened up enormous opportunities for investors.
In the end, the choice between under-construction properties and ready properties has to be made after considering financial goals, risk appetite, and investment time horizon. Careful market research and choosing the right project can make a world of difference to the overall investment outcome.
Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
