In the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi’s residential market increasingly favored ready properties, recording about 3,300 sales transactions, with around 2,300 being ready sales and just over 1,000 off-plan sales.
Cavendish Maxwell, a real estate brokerage and consultancy, noted a significant drop in off-plan activity in early 2025, decreasing by 49.5% from late 2024 and 69.9% from early 2024, due to fewer new project launches limiting available inventory.
Despite the lower off-plan volumes in the first two quarters of 2025 compared to previous periods, Cavendish Maxwell reported a slight increase in activity in the second quarter.
The firm anticipates a potential upward revision in off-plan transaction numbers, which could boost total sales activity for the first half of 2025.
“This limited availability of off-plan offerings shifted demand towards ready properties, increasing their market share in the first half of 2025. While ready sales volume decreased from late 2024, it was still 26.9% higher year-on-year, reflecting strong end-user and investor demand despite the lack of new off-plan supply,” the consultancy stated in its quarterly report.
Regarding residential sales value, the first half of 2025 saw transaction values reach approximately Dh8.9 billion, a 33% decline from the previous year, largely due to reduced off-plan activity. However, the total sales value of ready properties rose, even though the number of transactions decreased compared to late 2024. The average transaction price for ready properties increased from Dh2.1 million to Dh2.5 million during this period.
“The first half of 2025 offers a complex view of the real estate market. Even though overall activity has slowed compared to 2024, there is strong demand for completed projects. This ongoing interest has fueled price increases across apartments and villas, highlighting the resilience of end-user and investor demand,” said Andrew Laver, associate director of commercial valuation for Abu Dhabi at Cavendish Maxwell.
2,400 Units Delivered
Cavendish Maxwell data revealed that residential supply in Abu Dhabi city gradually increased, with about 2,400 units delivered in 2025. The development pipeline is expected to accelerate, with roughly 10,400 units anticipated by year-end and over 11,000 units scheduled for 2026 delivery.
“Nevertheless, actual deliveries are predicted to be slower than planned, keeping supply below short-term demand. At the same time, the Government’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy and steady population growth driven by international migration continue to drive strong demand for family-oriented, quality homes with modern amenities. Additionally, improving economic conditions across the UAE and the broader GCC region are enhancing investment interest, further supporting residential property demand,” it stated.
Laver added that upcoming launches are expected to reinvigorate supply and boost broader market engagement.
