UAE Investors Eye London for Real Estate Investments

A new report reveals that property investors from the UAE are increasingly drawn to London, viewing it as a top destination for real estate investment.

London: The Preferred Choice for UAE Investors

According to research by Barratt London, 69 per cent of UAE residents have selected London as their first choice among ten global capital cities for residential property investment. This preference highlights London's appeal over other major cities like New York and Singapore, which ranked second and third respectively in the study conducted by Insight Advantage for the British developer.

Strong Interest from Dubai and Abu Dhabi Residents

The survey shows a significant interest from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with 58 per cent of respondents residing in Dubai and 28 per cent in Abu Dhabi. The research also indicates that alongside property, UAE investors are exploring other investment options such as cryptocurrency, savings accounts, and shares.

Continued Investment in London Properties

Stuart Leslie, International Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt London, commented on the findings: "The Barratt London UAE research results provide valuable insights into UAE investors’ current trends and interests regarding the international property market. The findings suggest that London is a reliable and secure option for UAE property investors, providing them with profitable investment prospects and opportunities for capital growth."

Future Investment Plans

The report highlights a strong inclination among existing London property owners to expand their investments. Around 84 per cent of those who already own property in the British capital plan to invest more over the next two years. Additionally, almost 80 per cent of those without current holdings in London are considering purchasing property by 2026.

Growth in Property Portfolios

UAE investors hold substantial property portfolios across the UK, averaging £2.3 million in value, with a growth of 16.6 per cent since their initial purchase. For London properties, the average portfolio value exceeds £2.7 million, reflecting a growth of 16.4 per cent according to the research.

Why London and the UK?

The findings underscore London's reputation as a prime location for property investment, offering security and potential for capital appreciation. This makes the UK a compelling choice for investors from the GCC region looking to diversify their portfolios and capitalise on robust market opportunities.

For GCC property investors, London and the UK continue to present lucrative and stable investment prospects, reinforcing their status as premier destinations for international real estate ventures.