Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Sales prices and transaction volumes in Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector have seen robust growth in the third quarter of 2025, according to a new report by Savills, a global real estate consultancy.
The Savills findings echoed the trends highlighted by other reports by private agencies and data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
According to the report, average residential sales prices rose 16% year-on-year, from Dh14,485 per square metre in Q3 2024 to Dh17,394 in Q3 2025, reflecting solid demand driven by population growth, a strong economy, and a widening investor base.
Residential transaction volumes within the Abu Dhabi Municipality reached a 12-month high of over 6,500 transactions in Q3 2025 — a sharp increase from about 4,000 in Q2 and 3,700 in Q1, underscoring accelerating activity in the capital’s property market.
Off-plan sales accounted for 77% of total transactions, up from a 12-month average of 64%, as major project launches — including Fahid Island and One Saadiyat by Aldar, Wadeem land plots by Modon, and further phases of Bloom Living — spurred new buyer interest. The apartment segment continued to dominate, making up 78% of all deals, compared to 68% during the first half of the year.
Supply levels also reached new highs, with 21 new projects totalling 5,700 units launched in Q3, representing half of all 2025 launches to date. Despite the increased activity, Savills noted that supply remains constrained, which, coupled with broadening demographics, continues to sustain market momentum.
The report pointed to strong demand from both local and international investors, as well as end-users, particularly within the prime residential market. New high-end projects included Four Seasons Residences on Saadiyat Island, Bulgari Resort and Mansions on Masnouah Island, and Waldorf Astoria Residences on Yas Island — the latter recording a launch-day sell-out of 133 units, generating Dh850 million in sales.
Savills also highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a global lifestyle and education hub, citing the upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi and new international schools such as Harrow, Kings College Wimbledon, and Gordonstoun, all contributing to long-term residential demand.
On the regulatory front, the report noted the introduction of the Madhmoun permit system by ADREC, which allows a property to be marketed by a maximum of three verified and registered brokers, a reform aimed at enhancing market transparency and buyer confidence.
