Introduction:
According to a recent Khaleej Times report, Abu Dhabi residential real estate market is seeing a marked shift toward ready‑to‑move properties, with sustained demand and robust price growth outweighing activity in the off‑plan segment.
Strong Resilience in the Ready Sector
Cavendish Maxwell’s Q2 2025 data highlights approximately 3,300 residential transactions in the first half of the year—of which 2,300 were ready properties, compared to just over 1,000 off-plan sales.
This shift stems largely from a lack of new off-plan launches, compelling buyers to opt for completed homes instead. Off‑plan transactions declined by 49.5% from H2 2024 and a steep 69.9% year‑on‑year from H1 2024.
The relative scarcity of off‑plan options clearly directed buyer interest to ready properties, which saw a 26.9% increase in sales volume year‑on‑year, signaling strong end‑user and investor appetite.
Higher Transaction Values and Rising Prices
Despite a softer overall market, the total transactional value rose notably, with the average ready property price climbing from AED 2.1 million to AED 2.5 million in H1 2025.
While total activity levels were below H2 2024, the increase in sales price underscores the attractiveness of completed assets.
Supply Growth and Future Outlook
Cavendish Maxwell also reported that approximately 2,400 residential units were delivered in Abu Dhabi to date in 2025. The pipeline remains active, with 10,400 units expected by year-end, and 11,000 more slated for 2026.
The government’s Vision 2030 economic diversification, along with steady population growth from international migration, continues to fuel demand for quality, family‑oriented homes. Combined with strengthening economic conditions across the UAE and GCC, investor confidence remains high.
What This Means for Investors & Homebuyers
- Immediate occupancy & lower risk: Ready properties eliminate the uncertainties tied to construction delays and cancellations—an increasingly compelling value proposition.
- Price momentum: The notable rise in average values demonstrates resilient capital appreciation in completed developments.
- Supply-demand imbalance: Limited new delivery means ready assets remain scarce, maintaining upward pressure on prices and competition.
At Rose Island Real Estate, we’re here to guide you through every option, whether you’re buying, renting, or investing.
