The recent market downturn has sent share prices tumbling, creating a wave of fear and uncertainty among investors.

But for investors with a long-term mindset, this selloff could be a golden opportunity—especially for those looking to lock in top ASX dividend shares at attractive prices.

Dividend stocks provide investors with regular income, and when they're bought at lower prices, the dividend yields become even more appealing.

Right now, several top dividend-paying shares are trading well below their highs, despite their businesses remaining fundamentally strong. Here's why I'd be buying ASX dividend shares now before the inevitable market recovery.

A chance to secure higher dividend yields

One of the biggest advantages of buying dividend shares during a downturn is the ability to lock in higher yields. As share prices fall, dividend yields rise—provided companies can maintain their payouts.

For example, take Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1), one of Australia's leading footwear and fashion retailers. It has a strong history of dividend payments and is currently trading at just 13 times estimated FY 2025 earnings.

Analysts at Bell Potter expect it to deliver fully franked dividends of 13.7 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 15.6 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $1.76, this equates to juicy yields of 7.8% and 8.9%, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $2.60 price target on the ASX dividend share.

Defensive businesses with reliable income

During times of market volatility, companies with defensive earnings tend to hold up better. These are businesses that consumers rely on regardless of economic conditions, making their cash flows and dividends more stable.

One such company is Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). As one of Australia's largest supermarket chains, Woolworths enjoys a steady stream of revenue even in uncertain times. People still need to buy groceries, making it one of the more resilient dividend shares on the ASX. While its share price has dipped, its dividend payments remain solid, offering investors reliable income while waiting for a share price recovery.

Goldman Sachs expects fully franked dividends per share of 85 cents in FY 2025 and then $1.06 in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $28.17, this will mean dividend yields of 3% and 3.75%, respectively.

Goldman Sachs has a buy rating and $36.10 price target on its shares.

For those willing to look beyond the big names, Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It provides salary packaging and fleet management services, generating consistent cash flow that supports its dividend payments. The company has been sold off recently, but analysts believe it remains a solid long-term income stock with an attractive yield.

One of those is Bell Potter, which is forecasting fully franked dividends of 60.8 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 64.4 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $6.91, this represents generous dividend yields of 8.8% and 9.3%, respectively.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating on Smartgroup's shares with a price target of $10.15..