Baniyas Records the UAE Capital’s Biggest Quarterly Price Increase, Followed by Al Ghadeer, While Villa Rental Yields Reach an Estimated 11.5% in Select Communities.
Apartment asking prices in some of Abu Dhabi’s affordable and mid-market communities rose by up to 9.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2026, as demand for budget-friendly homes continued alongside interest in luxury properties, according to Bayut’s latest market report.
Baniyas recorded the steepest quarterly increase among the specified areas, with average asking prices per square foot for mid-tier apartments climbing 9.2 per cent.
Affordable apartments in Al Ghadeer followed with a 6.2 per cent increase, while asking prices on Al Maryah Island rose by 3.2 per cent.
Other communities, including Al Shamkha and Masdar City, also registered moderate price growth.
Speaking at a media briefing, Matt Gregory, Senior Director of Strategy at Dubizzle Group, said Abu Dhabi continued to record positive movements in asking prices across several residential segments.
Abu Dhabi attracts 2.5 million visits
Bayut recorded approximately 2.5 million visits to its platform related to Abu Dhabi’s property market during the third quarter, while the average number of active listings stood at around 20,000.
The figures highlight sustained search interest in both established neighbourhoods and newer residential developments.
Saadiyat Island, The Marina and Marina Village ranked among the preferred locations for ultra-luxury apartment searches.
Al Raha Beach, Yas Island and Al Maryah Island also attracted strong interest from buyers exploring luxury apartments.
In the mid-tier apartment segment, Al Reem Island led search activity, followed by Masdar City and Baniyas.
Meanwhile, Al Ghadeer, Al Reef and Al Shamkha remained popular choices among buyers looking for more affordable apartments.
Villa buyers favour established communities
Saadiyat Island, Nurai Island and The Marina were among the areas attracting ultra-luxury villa buyers.
Yas Island, Al Raha Beach and Al Bateen emerged as preferred destinations in the luxury villa segment.
Al Raha Gardens, Zayed City and Al Samha featured among the sought-after mid-tier villa communities, while Al Shamkha, Al Reef and Al Ghadeer remained popular with buyers seeking affordable villas.
Rental yields reach 11.5%
Bayut’s analysis identified Al Dhafrah as a leading location for estimated villa rental returns, with a return on investment (ROI) of 11.5 per cent in the mid-tier segment.
Between Two Bridges, also known as Bain Al Jessrain, recorded an estimated rental yield of 10.1 per cent for affordable villas.
Among apartments, Al Reef offered an estimated yield of 7.9 per cent in the affordable segment, while Al Samha recorded a 7.1 per cent yield for mid-tier apartments.
Al Maryah Island delivered an estimated yield of 7 per cent for luxury apartments, while The Marina recorded 5 per cent in the ultra-luxury category.
For luxury villas, Al Raha Beach offered an estimated rental yield of 5.2 per cent, while Saadiyat Island recorded 4.3 per cent in the ultra-luxury segment.
The figures reflect estimated rental yields calculated using advertised property prices and should not be interpreted as guaranteed returns.
Rental market remains largely stable
According to Bayut, advertised rents across Abu Dhabi’s popular residential communities remained broadly stable or recorded only modest changes during the third quarter.
Saadiyat Island and Al Raha Beach continued to attract tenants seeking ultra-luxury and luxury apartments.
Al Reem Island remained a preferred choice for mid-tier apartment renters, while Khalifa City continued to be a leading destination for tenants seeking more affordable options.
In the villa segment, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island remained popular among premium renters. Zayed City and Khalifa City attracted tenants looking for mid-tier and affordable villas.
Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Bayut, said Abu Dhabi was becoming increasingly competitive in the global property market, particularly in the ultra-luxury housing and branded residences segments.
He added that the growing range of off-plan developments was offering buyers greater choice while attracting international high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.
The report draws on advertised asking prices and search activity recorded on Bayut, rather than completed property transactions.
Off-plan developments remain popular
Abu Dhabi’s off-plan property market continued to attract interest across various price segments.
Saadiyat Cultural District emerged as a popular choice for ultra-luxury apartments, while Gardenia Bay on Yas Island attracted buyers exploring luxury apartment developments.
Shams Abu Dhabi on Al Reem Island featured in the mid-tier category, while Al Reeman 1 and Reeman Garden 1 were among the affordable projects drawing interest.
In the villa segment, Saadiyat Lagoons and Yas Park Gate remained popular choices in the ultra-luxury and luxury categories, respectively.
Bloom Living in Zayed City attracted mid-tier buyers, while Al Reeman 2 in Al Shamkha featured among the affordable villa developments.
