Dubai House Prices 2026: Average Price by Area
The median price of a home registered in Dubai was AED 1.28 million (about $349,000) in September 2026. The median price per square metre was around AED 17,600 (AED 1,639 per sq ft). Prices rose by about 9% a year until the end of 2025, and in summer 2026 they slipped year on year for the first time in more than five years. The gap between areas is huge: about AED 16,000 per square metre in JVC, but more than AED 34,000 in Downtown Dubai and over AED 38,000 on Palm Jumeirah. The figures below are based on Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration records.
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Average House Price in Dubai in 2026
| Indicator | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price (all homes) | AED 1.28m (~$349,000) | September 2026 |
| Median price per m² | ~AED 17,640 (AED 1,639/sq ft) | September 2026 |
| Average apartment sale price | ~AED 1.63m (~$443,000) | September 2026 |
| Average villa sale price | ~AED 5.71m (~$1.55m) | September 2026 |
| Homes sold | 10,108 | September 2026 |
The median is the price in the exact middle of all sales. Expensive villas pull the average up, so the average is higher than the median. Most sales are apartments: of the 10,108 homes sold in September 2026, 8,830 were apartments and 1,278 villas. Roughly two thirds of sales were off-plan. The UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar (USD 1 = AED 3.6725), so dollar values do not move with exchange rates.
Dubai House Prices by Area
| Area | Median sale price | Median price per m² |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Jumeirah (apartments) | - | ~AED 38,350 |
| Downtown Dubai | AED 3.08m (~$839,000) | ~AED 33,860 |
| Business Bay | AED 1.94m (~$528,000) | ~AED 27,730 |
| Dubai Hills Estate | AED 2.36m (~$643,000) | ~AED 26,440 |
| Dubai Marina | AED 2.05m (~$558,000) | ~AED 23,700 |
| Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) | AED 1.55m (~$422,000) | ~AED 17,220 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) | AED 1.03m (~$280,000) | ~AED 16,150 |
The table shows 12-month medians of DLD-registered sales up to July 2026. Per-m² figures are converted from per-sq-ft values. DLD transactions for the first five months of 2026 give a similar ranking for apartments: Palm Jumeirah AED 4,240 per sq ft, Downtown 3,011, Business Bay 2,547, Dubai Hills 2,432, Dubai Marina 2,058, JLT 1,831 and JVC 1,510. Palm Jumeirah villas exceed AED 8,000 per sq ft.
Location and views explain most of the gap. Downtown is the most expensive centre because land around the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall is limited. On Palm Jumeirah, beachfront access sets the price. Areas such as JVC and JLT suit buyers who want more space for the same budget, which is why Dubai South and JVC were the busiest areas for sales in 2026.
Dubai Marina House Prices
In Dubai Marina the median sale price is AED 2.05 million and the price per m² is about AED 23,700, roughly 30% below Downtown. Towers with marina and sea views sell at a clear premium over older buildings in the same area.
Downtown Dubai House Prices
In Downtown Dubai the median sale price is AED 3.08 million and the price per m² is about AED 33,900, almost double the city median. Apartments with Burj Khalifa and fountain views sell well above this level.
Prices by Property Type
| Property type | Median sale price | In US dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | AED 723,000 | ~$197,000 |
| 1 bedroom | AED 1.27m | ~$346,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | AED 2.31m | ~$629,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | AED 4.13m | ~$1.12m |
| 4 bedrooms | AED 10.12m | ~$2.76m |
| Villa (average, September 2026) | ~AED 5.71m | ~$1.55m |
Bedroom medians are based on DLD-registered sales in the 12 months to July 2026 and cover apartments and villas together. Most homes with four or more bedrooms are villas, so prices jump in that group. For apartment prices by area and size, see our apartments for sale in Dubai page.
Price Change from 2025 to 2026
| Period | Indicator | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Q4 2025 | DLD Residential Sales Price Index (167.3) | +8.9% year on year |
| August 2026 | Average sale price (AED 1,636/sq ft) | -1.7% year on year |
| September 2026 | Median price (AED 1,639/sq ft) | about -3% year on year |
| September 2026 | Number of homes sold | -46.9% year on year |
2025 was a record year for Dubai real estate. According to the DLD, total transactions rose 20% to AED 917 billion, and the price index ended the year 8.9% higher. 2026 started strongly, with first-quarter transactions up 31% to AED 252 billion. After the regional conflict in March, however, the number of sales fell sharply.
Prices fell far less than volumes. In August 2026 the average sale price dropped below the previous year's level for the first time since February 2021, but only by 1.7%. In September the median price per square foot was about 3% lower than a year earlier. In short, Dubai house prices did not crash in 2026. They moved sideways to slightly lower, and buyers have more room to negotiate than in 2025.
Extra Costs When Buying a Home in Dubai
On top of the price, buyers pay a 4% transfer fee to the Dubai Land Department. Agency commission is usually 2% plus VAT, and registration and admin fees are added. As a rule of thumb, budget an extra 6-7% of the price. There is no annual property tax or tax on rental income in Dubai. For the full step-by-step process and costs, read our guide to buying a home in Dubai.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can buy with full ownership in designated freehold areas, including Downtown, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay and JVC. The title deed is registered with the DLD in the buyer's own name. Buyers of property worth at least AED 2 million in total can apply for the 10-year Golden Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a house cost in Dubai?
The median price of homes registered in September 2026 was AED 1.28 million (about $349,000). The average apartment sold for AED 1.63 million and the average villa for AED 5.71 million.
Where is the cheapest place to buy in Dubai?
Among popular areas, JVC has the lowest price per m² at about AED 16,000. Arjan and Dubai Sports City are also below the city average.
What is the price per square metre in Dubai?
The citywide median was about AED 17,600 per m² in September 2026. It is around AED 33,900 in Downtown and more than AED 38,000 for Palm Jumeirah apartments.
How much is a studio in Dubai in US dollars?
The median studio sells for AED 723,000, about $197,000. Studios in more affordable areas are available for AED 500,000-600,000.
Are Dubai property prices falling in 2026?
Slightly. After rising about 9% in 2025, prices were 2-3% lower year on year in August and September 2026. The drop in the number of sales is much larger.
Homes for Sale in Dubai
Below you can find apartments and villas for sale in new residential projects across Dubai. Each listing shows the location, size and handover date. Contact our consultant about any project you are interested in.
