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Dubai property buyers take a more 'measured approach' as market holds steady
Property developers say that buyers tend to pause briefly following periods of uncertainty, but Dubai’s resilient market is allowing them to take a more “measured” approach
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 5:41 PM
Dubai’s property market continues to show positive sentiment, with buyer enquiries rising 38 per cent week-on-week, even as investors take a more measured and cautious approach to purchasing decisions.
Louis Harding, the CEO of property brokerage betterhomes, said that the supply of new properties remains broadly in line with levels seen at the same time last year, while online engagement continues to rise. Website search traffic rose 14 per cent week-on-week, although it saw a slight dip last month.
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“Even in a more cautious environment, the market is still moving,” Harding said. “What we’re seeing is buyers and sellers taking a more measured approach to decision-making, but the underlying interest in Dubai property remains strong.”
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Data by betterhomes show that buyer enquiries rose 38 per cent week-on-week following a brief period of softer activity. Property developers say that buyers tend to pause briefly following periods of unrest, but that Dubai’s resilient market is allowing them to take a more “measured” approach.
Sellers not under pressure
At the time of the interview, Rohit Bachani, co-founder of Merlin Real Estate, told Khaleej Times that he was just completing a property purchase for 2-bedroom unit in Townsquare Nshama, which he committed to on February 15, almost two weeks before escalations began.
He added that he is still closing at pre-conflict pricing, and explained that over 70 per cent of transactions continue to be cash-based, so sellers are not under pressure. “The result is stability in behaviour, buyers who understand the fundamentals are acting, not waiting,” Bachani said.
More measured buyer behaviour
Since the conflict began, buyers have taken a short pause with approaching Dubai’s real estate market, and although there was a short pause in pace, there was no pullback in demand, Farooq Syed, Springfield Properties CEO, said.
“Buyer behaviour today is more measured. People are taking additional time to evaluate options, review financial structures, and move with greater clarity - but the intent to buy remains firmly in place,” he told Khaleej Times.
“Well-capitalised buyers are closely monitoring specific opportunities, particularly where sellers may be under payment pressure or reconsidering commitments. These conditions tend to create targeted activity rather than a broad slowdown,” the CEO said.
Syed said that the brokerage is seeing continued engagement from Emirati investors, long-term GCC buyers, and established resident purchasers, especially those with strong liquidity who are “approaching the market more selectively.”
Hind Aldah is a business reporter based in Sharjah. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.