Overseas Property Investment in Dubai: Shifting Buyer Demographics

Dubai's real estate market is experiencing a surge in interest from UK buyers, with some agencies reporting they've surpassed Indian and Pakistani buyers in deal volume. This trend is particularly noticeable in the luxury and super-luxury property segments. Betterhomes, a Dubai-based real estate consultancy, revealed that the UK claimed the top spot in buyer demographics during the second quarter of 2025, driven by factors like currency advantages and confidence in Dubai's long-term investment potential.

UK buyer activity saw a remarkable 56% quarter-on-quarter growth. While buyers from India and Pakistan remain strong, Russian buyer numbers are declining, while Irish buyers are also becoming more frequent. Other leading agencies are also reporting similar trends, with increased activity from the UK and other European economies, including Polish buyers. Several UK nationals are actively seeking properties in the Dh30 million to Dh50 million+ range, indicating a trend of end-users rather than solely investors.

The luxury property market is booming, with homes valued at Dh15 million and over witnessing a record-breaking 1,417 transactions in Q2-2025, a 67% increase quarter-on-quarter. Off-plan transactions for these high-value properties also saw significant growth, while secondary properties significantly outperformed off-plan sales, indicating a preference for ready-to-move-in properties in prime locations.