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Property Price in the Emirates on the Rise

Those with property investment and property management interests in the UAE may welcome research from HSBC which shows that property prices are rising in the emirates.

The new Property Ladder study shows that there has been a marked growth in the UAE property sector, in part spurred by a relaxation of maximum loan-to-value (LTV) rates that have allowed more people to get on the housing ladder.

"Anecdotal evidence also suggests that foreign investors seem to be back in the market and there are bulk buyers of property for investment purposes," the report claimed.

Cash has continued to be the dominant force in Abu Dhabi real estate and Dubai real estate sales, although mortgages are gaining ground and are becoming an important part of the market, the study goes on to state.

In March, HSBC announced that it would be relaxing its lending criteria for those looking to invest in Dubai’s property and elsewhere in the UAE, with the company now offering an LTV rate of up to 75 per cent on villas, 70 per cent on completed apartments and 50 per cent on off-plan property.

The recent opening of prestigious UK-based property development and management firm Hamptons Internationl in Abu Dhabi confirms the evidence of increased foreign investment interests in Dubai real estate. Recent ‘roadshows’ held by Hamptons in Abu Dhabi and Dubai attracted a number of UAE property development agencies, seeking to boost the healthiness of the region’s property market.

Speaking at the Cityscape Connect business breakfast, UAE real estate specialists including the chief executive of Dubai-based property agency Asteco, Elaine Jones and Steven Henderson, partner in legal firm Clifford Chance, concurred that the prospects for strong growth were becoming evident.

"Industry sentiment has moved into positive territory and it is equally important that Cityscape through the Connect series of events continues to provide a platform for open debate," said Rohan Marwaha, managing director of the company.