The residential real estate sector in Abu Dhabi saw a change during the second quarter of 2026 and this was because people wanted to buy properties that were already planned but not yet built and were being resold.
The real estate company Crompton Partners said that the number of these kinds of sales went up by 56 percent compared to the quarter.
People who were buying these properties, including investors and those who were going to live in them wanted to buy properties that were almost finished being built. They wanted to make sure they could get the keys to their homes soon.
From April to June there were 883 sales of these kinds of properties in Abu Dhabi. This is out of 25,422 properties that were planned but not yet built. This is a lot more than the 567 sales that happened in the three months before that. The people who study the market said that buyers are being very picky now.
They are buying properties based on when they will be finished and how much they cost. Who is building them rather than just where they are located in Abu Dhabi. The residential real estate sector in Abu Dhabi is really changing because of this.
Yas Island emerged as the prime catalyst of this secondary market momentum, capturing over 40 percent of overall volume with 366 completed sales. The island’s Gardenia community registered as the single most active development, clocking 156 transactions.
Furthermore, projects inching closer to handover generated the highest annual turnover rates, led by Sustainable City at 18.8 percent, Yas Golf Collection at 17.9 percent, and Reem Eleven at 16.1 percent.
Outside of Yas Island, mainland suburban communities saw robust engagement; Al Reeman led peripheral demand with 148 sales, alongside Bloom Living recording 80 transactions as middle-income families sought modern master-planned communities.
Concurrently, Abu Dhabi’s established ready property segment reflected sustained price appreciation despite moderated overall transaction velocity. Across six primary residential zones, 483 ready homes changed hands, generating AED 1.25 billion.
Reem Island dominated mature market trades, accounting for 223 sales worth AED 399.3 million. Capital values across Reem Island communities recorded double-digit annual increases, headlined by Sun Sky Gate at 33.6 percent and Najmat at 27.1 percent.
Saadiyat Island retained its benchmark status for ultra-luxury transactions, where just 13 deals amassed AED 273.6 million, spearheaded by HIDD Saadiyat. Industry experts highlight that strong underlying demand and capital growth continue across all residential tiers in the emirate.
