Houses and Villas for Sale in the UAE

UAE house prices

UAE house prices vary significantly between emirates, communities and property types. Villas and townhouses generally cost more than apartments because they offer larger living areas, private outdoor space and, in many developments, individual plots. Dubai has the country’s largest market for houses, while Abu Dhabi and Sharjah also offer substantial villa and townhouse communities.

After several years of rapid growth, the UAE housing market is becoming more selective. Prime and supply-constrained communities continue to attract strong demand, while locations with substantial new construction may experience slower price growth or moderate corrections. Developer reputation, community maturity and access to schools, retail and transport are increasingly important in determining values.

House prices in Dubai

Dubai offers houses across a wide price range, from relatively affordable townhouses in emerging suburban communities to ultra-luxury villas on Palm Jumeirah and in Emirates Hills. According to Savills, average villa and townhouse values stood at approximately AED 1,646 per sq. ft. in Q2 2026, down around 0.8% from the previous quarter.

By Q3 2026, Dubai’s residential market had entered a period of stabilisation. Headline villa prices softened, although like-for-like values remained relatively stable. This indicates that changes in the types and locations of homes being sold are influencing market averages.

Prices are considerably higher in luxury communities. Palm Jumeirah remains one of the most expensive areas for high-end houses, while Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Islands and Dubai Hills Estate also command substantial premiums. Larger plots, waterfront positions, golf-course views and recently completed or renovated villas can sell far above community averages.

House prices in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s villa and townhouse market has maintained stronger growth in 2026. Savills reported that average villa and townhouse values increased by approximately 8% year on year in Q3. Demand remains concentrated in established and high-quality master-planned communities, particularly those offering waterfront access and lifestyle amenities.

Saadiyat Island is among Abu Dhabi’s most expensive villa locations. Market data indicate average villa values of around AED 26,500 per m² in June 2026. Jubail Island recorded particularly strong annual growth, with villa prices rising by approximately 40% year on year.

Yas Island, Al Raha Gardens and other family-oriented communities provide alternatives at different price levels. The growing supply of new townhouses is also widening the range available to buyers who want more space than an apartment without purchasing a large standalone villa.

House prices in Sharjah

Sharjah generally offers lower house prices than prime areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Savills reported average villa asking prices of approximately AED 970 per sq. ft. in the first half of 2026. This was around 5.4% higher than a year earlier despite a slight quarterly decline.

Demand remains strong in master-planned communities such as Masaar, Al Zahia, Hayyan and Sharjah Sustainable City. Sharjah is particularly attractive to families seeking larger homes and relatively lower entry prices while remaining within commuting distance of Dubai.

What affects house prices in the UAE?

Location, plot size and community quality are major factors affecting UAE house prices. Waterfront and golf-course villas typically carry significant premiums, as do properties in established communities with limited future supply.

Other factors include the age and condition of the house, developer reputation, built-up area, number of bedrooms, private pools, landscaping, community facilities and proximity to schools and employment centres. Future housing supply is also becoming increasingly important as buyers compare established communities with the large number of new villa and townhouse projects scheduled for completion across the UAE.