Dubai Branded Residences Expand as Luxury Buyers Become Selective

Sep 16, 2026
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In the first half of 2026, Dubai's branded residential sector kept on expanding and, despite the decline in transactions, created a net total of 5,184 new units during this period. This week, Morgan's International Realty stated that at June 30 Dubai's total inventory was composed of 64,744 units in 183 developments, which compares to 59,560 units in 175 developments at the end of 2025.

The increase of 8.7 per cent shows that the building activity in the Dubai Properties continues. Besides, international millionaires continue being one of the main sources of demand for branded and luxury properties as the demand for Dubai real estate among buyers that became more choosy is still present.

Growth in Number of Branded Product Segment

From 2020 onwards the number of branded residential developments increased from 50 to 183 by June 2026 - over three times more than in 2020.

Current inventory consists of:

64,744 total branded apartments
183 residential developments with brand names
42,826 units being built
21,918 completed apartments
42% of projects have units that are managed by a hotel

These developments open up new opportunities for property investment in Dubai and will create a much larger inventory. This is particularly important for buyers who are looking for luxury apartments for sale because they will have more options with developments offering both residential apartments and hotel-like services.

Fall In Transaction Volume and Value

Branded residences comprised of 4,648 transactions, with total sales worth Dh22.21 billion in H1 of 2026. The transaction volume fell by 21 per cent as compared to H1 of 2025, while total sales value dropped by 47 per cent. Morgan’s International Realty informed that the sharp decrease in sales value was credited to the change in the composition of transactions with several smaller units, lower pricing and non-prime inventory coming in the market.

The performance during this phase was more consistent when compared to H2 of 2025, as the activity and average prices remained the same. These figures show why the Dubai real estate market needs to be analyzed on the basis of the type of transaction rather than simple figures. For buyers looking at luxury properties for sale, the actual mix of units and price range is of utmost importance as a very few major transactions can impact overall sales values.

Off-Plan Homes Remain Dominant

In the first half of 2026, the off-plan segment recorded over 82 percent of the total branded estate transactions, amounting to nearly 78 percent of the total stated value of deals. There were around 3,790 transactions of under-construction properties, thanks to investment influx by foreign customers and payment plans that allow customers to make payments over several years.

From a total of 64,744 branded houses in Dubai, 66 percent remains under construction. This includes all sorts of housing options, such as people who would like to purchase off plan villas for sale in Dubai. The excellent statistics of under-construction houses are important for real estate investment Dubai as the payment forms and timelines may influence the final choices.

Transactional Activity Concentrated in Specific Communities

During the first half of 2026, branded residence transactions were concentrated in a limited number of communities. The top five communities represented approximately 59% of all branded residence transactions. Mercedes-Benz Places- Binghatti City had 1,216 transactions that accounted for roughly 26% of the volume of branded residence sales and 32% of the entire number of sold new developments. Morgan's stated that the city had a significant effect on the data.

The five communities with the highest share of branded residences are:

Downtown Dubai (23 residences)
Business Bay (21 residences)
Palm Jumeirah (18 residences)

The above-mentioned communities are at the top of statistics concerning the number of branded residence projects launched and sold this year. While Meydan accounted for 1,378 transactions worth Dh3.03 billion in total, Downtown Dubai followed with 405 transactions worth Dh3.41 billion and Dubai Creek Harbour with 355 transactions worth Dh1.04 billion.

The statistics provided in the report show buyers who are looking for the best residential projects in Dubai where the branded transactions occurred. While the overall residential market includes rental options found in the various furnished 4 bedroom apartments for rent in Dubai, the report published by Morgan's is dedicated to branded residence sales exclusively.

Premium Pricing for Branded Housing

In H1 2026, branded residences were priced at an average of $997 (Dhs3,662 per square foot) while price per square foot of comparable non-branded properties was at $641 (Dhs2,354). Thus, the resulting premium came to 56 percent, much higher than the 30-35 percent range present globally.

Five transactions were recorded above Dh200 million:

Aman Residences Dubai: Dh422 million
Second Aman unit: Dh356 million
Jumeirah Asora Bay Ocean Mansions: Dh350 million
The Alba Residences: Dh226 million
Bugatti Residences: Dh200 million

The broad premium segment involves larger real estate formats. Buyers looking international-level duplexes for sale in Dubai can also opt for more spacious options in the luxurious sector. Luxury penthouses for sale in Dubai also belong to the category of one of the most high-end options available for those interested in larger living space and exclusivity.

Revolutionizing Market with Hotel-Managed Living

Following the advent of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the number of branded residential projects in Dubai soared from 50 to 183. Notably, a significant number (around 47%) of these projects incorporate hotel-managed residential units. For a real estate company in Dubai, this emerging trend signifies yet another opportunity to offer clients new products that intertwine ownership and hospitality services.

This development affects the entire housing market, and it can offer value to those searching for properties for rent in Dubai. Also, it is important to mention that although rental market activity was not the main topic of Morgan's report, the first half of 2026 indicates ongoing expansion in the branded residences sector, which is becoming increasingly selective in its transactions. Indeed, off-plan residential units remain the main source of activity in this market, while the leading communities account for a significant number of sales. Additionally, branded apartments remain popular among buyers, which is evidenced by numerous sales over Dhs 200 million.

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