Property investors in Dubai are reporting returns that exceed their international holdings, according to new research that suggests the emirate has become a competitor to established global markets.
The Future Living Report 2025, published by betterhomes, found that 44 per cent of homeowners say their Dubai property investments deliver returns that surpass their overseas investments.
The report, which surveyed property owners and residents across more than 90 nationalities, represents the second edition of what the company describes as the only industry-wide study examining behaviour and sentiment beyond transaction data.
Nearly half of Dubai property investors report returns exceeding international holdings
“Dubai has moved far beyond being an emerging market story. When 44 per cent of investors say their properties here outperform those they hold overseas, it signals a market operating at a genuinely global standard. Steady yields, long-term residency trends, and policy certainty are creating one of the most resilient real estate ecosystems anywhere in the world,” Louis Harding, CEO of betterhomes said in a statement.
The research shows that 87 per cent of homeowners and landlords report satisfaction with current rental yields, indicating what the report describes as recurring income performance.
The ownership base shows signs of maturity, with 30 per cent of homeowners having purchased their first Dubai property more than a decade ago. Among current owners, 41 per cent hold one property while 38 per cent own multiple properties in the emirate.
The findings suggest investors are choosing to expand their portfolios within Dubai rather than diversifying to other markets.
British investors lead international demand for Dubai property
The respondent base includes residents from more than 90 nationalities. The report identifies the UK as showing the highest buying intent among international markets.
Looking ahead, 89 per cent of homeowners believe Dubai will be comparable to London, New York, Singapore and Hong Kong as a real estate market within five years.
The market is expected to see the addition of nearly 200,000 units by 2027, according to the report.
