I’ve sat across buyers, investors, and agents in Dubai, through launch frenzies, handover waves, and quiet negotiation tables. One myth or I say “half-myth” keeps resurfacing: “The only way to capture upside is to buy the earliest off?plan launch.” It was true in certain cycles. It isn’t the only truth for 2026.
Recent reports show October 2025, secondary off-plan resales rose by 15% in value and 8% in volume. This tells me that investors are choosing near-handover certainty and faster rental activation over construction risk and lengthy timelines.

DLD?tracked activity shows a market that’s broad and liquid. CBRE’s RE Market Review Q3 2025 reviews point to a heavy 2026–27 delivery pipeline. Put together, price discovery is shifting toward ready and near?ready stock as projects turn into keys and leases.

What’s really selling these days? It’s not always the most luxurious, instead, the practical ones that make daily life easier, such as being close to work or schools and having functional floor plans. These are demands being shaped by families and end-users.

How I define “upside” in 2026
Upside isn’t just buying early in the hopes for a sales gain. Its clarity over:

• Knowing when you can get the keys.
• Understanding its rental value and how quickly you can rent it.
• Whether the community has real demand (schools, infrastructure), not just a good brochure.

One of our agents closed a Mudon Al Ranim deal for a buyer who paid about 20% above the original developer price. He understood the earning potential and is certain that it will be handed over by mid-2026 and wouldn’t take long either if they wanted to move-in or have it rented.

What I’m watching right now are communities with handovers clustering in 2026–27 where there is already a strong tenant demand. Look for developers who deliver on time and are known for keeping assets in good condition. Units with practical layout floor plans that fit daily life, or layouts that people use, win over flashy features.

The market is maturing with less hype and now focuses more on the fundamentals. No doubt off- plan will remain a powerful segment, however the real upside in 2026 is in certainty; immediate handover, rental income soon, and the returns that match your own projections after completion.

Although a lot of people won’t agree with my convictions above, happy to help if you are buying to live or to rent and a bit overwhelmed with the current market.  Lets cross-check your shortlist against real rent prices these days, including service charges, and how soon are you able to make profits. Feel free to DM me and we’ll narrow it to what works.