UAE ranked world's most sought-after for real estate investment

The UAE has been ranked as the top property investment destination amidst regional tensions, according to a new global survey commissioned by Arada.

Arada’s UAE Property Investment Index, conducted by US-based Penta Group, was carried out through a survey shared to 689 established property investors across 12 key markets in April. 

It is considered the first piece of major research conducted into international buyer sentiment about the UAE real estate market.

The index showed that 56 per cent of global investors expressed serious interest in the UAE’s property market, more than any other market surveyed.

The UAE was followed by the United States (54 percent), the United Kingdom (41 percent), France (28 percent) and Spain (27 percent).

Findings also showed that familiarity with opportunities in the UAE’s real estate sector sat at 51 per cent, similar to that of the UK and US, at 51 per cent and 53 percent respectively.

91 per cent of Indian investors, 92 per cent of Egyptian investors and 85 per cent of Saudi investors citing the country as a top-three destination.

The research showed that among European investors, the UAE was the top choice outside the home country for French investors at 63 per cent, German investors at 60 per cent and Swiss investors at 57 per cent.

Strong potential returns were the number one investment driver globally at 38 per cent, with Australian investors at 57 per cent, Spanish investors at 56 per cent and British investors at 41 per cent all ranking return potential as their primary consideration.

Meanwhile, safety and stability was the defining factor for Chinese investors at 65 per cent and German investors at 58 per cent. 

The UAE's reputation as a low-barrier, investor-friendly market was reflected as ease of purchase and ownership was cited by 34 per cent of respondents overall, rising to 57 per cent among Saudi investors and 41 per cent among Egyptian investors.

"These findings confirm what we have observed in our own sales performance – that despite recent headwinds international investors recognise the UAE's structural advantages in regulatory maturity, track record of performance, and stable economic fundamentals," said Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada.