The Abu Dhabi real estate market is seeing a significant shift in buyer behavior, with off-plan secondary transactions climbing by 56% during the second quarter of 2026. Data from Crompton Partners reveals a clear trend: investors are increasingly favoring properties in projects nearing completion, favoring developments with tangible handover timelines. This demand is particularly concentrated in hotspots like Yas Island, which dominated the quarter with 366 transactions, while neighborhoods like Sustainable City and Yas Golf Collection saw high turnover rates as buyers prioritize projects that promise a quick return on investment or immediate occupancy.

Beyond the surge in off-plan activity, the established residential market continues to show robust price growth. Reem Island remains the frontrunner in transaction volume, while Saadiyat Island continues to command the highest price premiums, with Mamsha reaching an impressive average cost per square meter. As the market matures, Ben Crompton, managing partner of Crompton Partners, notes that investors are becoming more discerning. Success in this environment is no longer just about location; it is increasingly tied to a project’s specific pricing, the clarity of its handover schedule, and the overall liquidity of the secondary market, indicating a move toward a more fragmented, performance-based real estate landscape.