Dubai Tops New York, London & Singapore As Preferred Destination For GCC Investors Says Luxury Developer

Dubai is once again the undisputed leader when it comes to attracting high net-worth investors from the GCC countries, according to Joseph Ghossoub, Chairman of luxury residential real estate developer, G&Co.

It is estimated that in 2016, 63% of the GCC’s High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) courted investment opportunities in the world’s top luxury real estate destinations, including New York and Singapore. In London, the region’s HNWIs were responsible for $600 million of investments over 12 months.

These prestigious cities offer some of the world’s most alluring opportunities and returns. However, in 2017 the tide turned, once again and Dubai regained its crown as the preferred investment destination for GCC investors.

“Dubai is well accustomed to topping league tables, competing with the most established and exciting metropolises on multiple fronts, from its hotels and airlift to its dynamic business environment,” said Ghossoub

“Today the emirate’s thriving luxury real estate sector is once again the preferred destination for GCC investors, in terms of the quality and diversity of luxury property development and the returns that can be achieved,” he added.

When compared to Singapore, Dubai’s prime real estate demands a typical investment cost of 8%, compared to Hong Kong’s 32% and Tokyo and Singapore’s 20%. Further, data published by Core Savills demonstrates the outright cost of property in Dubai’s ultra-prime market can be as much as 60 – 70% lower when compared to Shanghai and Tokyo, despite the additional quality and space.

In fact, the entire property cycle is enhanced in Dubai with prime purchases as much as 40% more expensive in Singapore and 50% more expensive in Moscow and Paris. When stacked up against Hong Kong, Vancouver, Sydney and London, Dubai is the most attractive destination for buying, selling and holding property.

In part, the trend is the result of strong supply in the mid and affordable sectors – a recalibration of predominantly luxury stock that has dominated both pipeline and delivery over the last two decades.