A Swiss Billionaire’s Move Signals a Broader Trend in Dubai

A 60-year-old Swiss physician and billionaire decided to buy a six-bedroom villa on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah because he believes UAE will soon become a world leading hub for high net worth individuals and because high-net-worth people increasingly see Dubai real estate as a long term commitment to living there, rather than just a place to set up base for the short term on their travels.

The buyer also stated that Dubai was a very efficient, safe place to live with clear laws, and the ease of being able to manage both work responsibilities and a personal life anywhere in the globe was also a huge motivation.

Lifestyle, Opportunity and Strategic Positioning

Factors contributing to the decision to move to Dubai, and Invest in a large personal residence.

• Geographic location of Dubai offers quick access to Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Fast-paced and decision oriented environment supports busy professional schedules
• Excellent healthcare and safety standards, plus a multicultural community, are attractive features for families.

These factors demonstrate the continued confidence of internationally mobile investors in Dubai real estate investment.

Residential Real Estate as a Starting Point

Many affluent people moving to Dubai will often have residential properties as their base for long-term planning.

• A major residence allows for establishing a foothold as one moves to a new location
• Large villas facilitate family life and the ability for family members/relatives to visit
• Owning a home will make residency/lifestyle planning much easier to implement

These trends are indicative of a broader move toward combining personal use with strategic planning regarding property investment in Dubai through the growing number of people who buy residential properties to invest in as well as plan for their own future.

Long-Term Planning and Wealth Preservation

Long-term clarity drives relocation decisions for many buyers, as opposed to being primarily motivated by short-term financial gain. In particular, many fortunate buyers find the regulatory environment of Dubai to be very predictable, which allows them to have a neutral base from which to operate as a global family.

Buyers look for sustainability, a high quality of life, and the ability to manage their assets easily. The combination of these factors makes real estate investments in Dubai attractive to investors who want to secure their lifestyle.

Dubai's Areas Targeted By Affluent Villa Purchasers

Certain residential neighborhoods continue to appeal to high-income international purchasers who need extensive living space, along with the ability to live in a secure and tranquil environment.

• Emirates Hills is appealing to those desiring large properties in a private atmosphere near golf courses
• Palm Jumeirah appeals to those desiring to invest in a prestigious, waterfront lifestyle recognized worldwide
• Dubai Hills Estate appeals to families seeking modern home opportunities within a planned residential community
• Jumeirah Communities' long-term, established communities and resort-style beachfront access continue to attract home-buyers.

These areas are the most popular for affluent global families who are permanently relocating to Dubai residential real estate market rather than purchasing speculative real estate assets.

Villa Market Dynamics and Demand

The demand dynamics in the villa market highlight a steady demand for high-end home opportunities in established neighbourhoods.

• Limited inventory continues to provide price support and fall within the desired price range.
• Many of these buyers have identified privacy, extensive living space, and community amenities as the most critical components to their lifestyle.
• As such, the continued strong demand for end-users to occupy property continues along with the interest of many investors in the property.

These demand dynamics will continue to impact the Dubai real estate market, particularly within the high-end residential market segment.

The Benefits of Living in a Principal Residence

There are many benefits to owning a principal residence, particularly if it is a large villa in Dubai; however, the flexibility that this type of residence provides goes beyond just living there.

• A home can provide a source of rental income while travelling for an extended period.
• High-end Villas attract long-term executive tenants who will pay top dollar for top-quality properties.
• Luxury Homes continue to be desirable to the majority of buyers in Dubai through all cycles of the market.

The trend for Upper-end Housing continues, as shown by the increase in demand for luxury townhouses for sale in Dubai, this indicates a shift in lifestyle preferences across the spectrum of properties for sale in Dubai.

Geographically Neutral Global Families

International families continue to move to Dubai as a result of the city’s geographic neutrality and connections to the world.

• Dubai is Centrally Located, which simplifies the complexities of the international travel process.
• Dubai Consolidates the majority of the required elements of Family Life, including Education, Health Care, and Employment.
• A Long-Term Residency in Dubai allows for families to maintain consistency and stability.

Thus, there is continuing demand for all types of Dubai properties, as it has become the number one residential destination for the world’s wealthy.