Abu Dhabi Property in H1 2026: What the ADREC Transaction Data Shows

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) has published its first-half 2026 transaction figures, and the totals are large. This guide sets out what was reported, what the numbers include and the checks buyers should make. It is general information, not investment advice.

What ADREC Reported

Total value: AED117 billion of real estate transactions in the first half of 2026, with value up 112% and volume up 61.7% on the same period last year.
Sales: AED86.1 billion across 16,838 transactions, a 163.7% increase in value year on year.
Mortgages: AED26.7 billion across 8,876 transactions, up by more than 33% in value.
Other dealings: Musataha and long lease transactions totalled AED4 billion, and gifts reached AED311.5 million.
Foreign investment: foreign direct investment in the sector reached AED13.8 billion.
Earlier quarter: ADREC reported AED66 billion across 13,518 transactions in the first quarter, its highest quarterly performance on record.

How to Read the Figures

The headline total mixes sales, mortgages, long leases and gifts, so it is not the same as the value of homes sold. Mortgage activity is also not a measure of price. Percentage growth is measured against the first half of 2025, so it reflects both a strong 2026 and the base it is compared with.

None of these figures tells you the price trend for a particular building. For that, you need recent registered sales in the same project.

Checks Before Buying in Abu Dhabi

Confirm the area allows ownership by your nationality and the type of title on offer, such as freehold or long lease.
Compare recent registered sale prices for the same project, not asking prices.
For off-plan, check the developer, payment plan and handover date in writing.
Review service charges and any annual community fees before you commit.
Budget for registration fees and any mortgage costs on top of the price.

Related Abu Dhabi Guides

For island-by-island detail, read our guides to Al Reem Island and Saadiyat Island.

Talk to Banke

If you are weighing an Abu Dhabi purchase, contact Banke Properties to talk through comparable sales, costs and the buying process. Figures in this article come from ADREC H1 2026 reports as published by ADREC and the Abu Dhabi Media Office, checked on 4 October 2026. This article is general information only and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Market conditions can change quickly.

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