In the year leading up to September 2026, the Dubai Land Department has documented 2,009 ready apartment sales in Downtown Dubai within the secondary market for Existing Properties. The average sale price for these transactions reached AED 4,106,000, translating to approximately AED 3,022 per square foot.
Focusing on September 2026, Downtown Dubai saw 130 ready sales, with an average price of AED 2,952 per square foot, reflecting a up 12.8% change from August.
When we compare this data to the previous 12 months, we note a decline in transaction volume by 24% (down from 2,646 sales), while the average price has increased by 7.4% year on year. This indicates a market where fewer deals are being made, yet prices remain stable, favoring buyers who are prepared and decisive rather than speculative.
For those looking to invest, the gross rental yields in the area are approximately 5.3%, calculated from registered tenancy contracts against sale prices. The distribution of sales shows a clear preference among buyers: 40% for 2-bedroom units, 37% for 1-bedroom, and 15% for 3-bedroom apartments, highlighting the continued demand for smaller, more liquid units in Downtown Dubai.
Prices by unit type
| Unit type | Sales | Avg price | Avg PSF | Avg annual rent | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 118 | AED 1,269,000 | AED 2,465 | AED 81,253 | 6.4% |
| 1 Bedroom | 739 | AED 2,192,000 | AED 2,438 | AED 124,498 | 5.7% |
| 2 Bedroom | 803 | AED 4,091,000 | AED 2,880 | AED 202,134 | 4.9% |
| 3 Bedroom | 295 | AED 6,752,000 | AED 3,388 | AED 302,322 | 4.5% |
| 4 Bedroom | 44 | AED 20,371,000 | AED 4,453 | AED 1,321,151 | 6.5% |
| 5 Bedroom | 10 | AED 30,670,000 | AED 4,102 | AED 1,823,520 | 5.9% |
Averages from DLD ready (Existing Properties) sales and registered tenancy contracts over the trailing 12 months. Yield is indicative gross rent ÷ price.
Average price trend (12 months)
| Month | Avg PSF | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | AED 3,223 | — |
| Jan 2026 | AED 3,262 | +1.2% |
| Apr 2026 | AED 3,099 | -5.0% |
| Jul 2026 | AED 2,704 | -12.7% |
| Sep 2026 | AED 2,952 | +9.2% |
Five points from the same 12-month series as the sparkline (start, 3 / 6 / 9 months, latest). Change is versus the previous row.
Most active buildings
- Burj Khalifa86 sales · AED 6,389,000 avg
- Grande68 sales · AED 5,010,000 avg
- Burj Lake Hotel - The Address Downtown63 sales · AED 4,866,000 avg
- Burj Crown57 sales · AED 2,915,000 avg
- Burj Khalifa Towers43 sales · AED 4,864,000 avg
Example: a 1-bedroom on a mortgage
On the average 1-bedroom price of AED 2,192,000, a 80% mortgage over 25 years at an illustrative 4.25% rate works out to roughly AED 9,500 per month. Your actual rate and instalment depend on your profile and lender.
What this means for your mortgage
We believe that at around AED 3,022 per square foot, Downtown Dubai presents a viable entry point into central Dubai. However, the reduced transaction volume suggests that sellers may be more open to negotiation than the average headline price of AED 4,106,000 indicates. As a rough estimate, the average one-bedroom unit at this price point would cost approximately AED 9,500 a month on an 80% mortgage. Before making an offer, we recommend using our mortgage eligibility calculator to determine your actual monthly costs. See also TruValue valuation (AED 599; AED 299 with partner coupon).
Order a TruValue valuation (AED 599)
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