The global real estate landscape in 2025 continues to evolve rapidly, driven by post-pandemic recovery, shifting population trends, and increased cross-border investment activity. For savvy investors, staying ahead of market shifts means understanding not only regional hotbeds like the UAE but also comparative opportunities worldwide. This edition of Global Property Pulse explores the latest property trends from key international markets, evaluates off-plan opportunities, and offers actionable insights to help investors make data-informed decisions.
Dubai’s off-plan market accounts for nearly 60% of all transactions in 2024, with over 102,000 deals worth AED 213 billion.
Abu Dhabi’s sales grew by 24.2%, supported by infrastructure projects, rising demand, and Golden Visa incentives.
Strong international investor demand, especially from India, China, the UK, and GCC countries.
London sees a steady demand in prime zones (e.g., Kensington, Chelsea), driven by overseas investors and safe-haven status.
Average prices up 4.6% YoY. Rental yields hold around 3.5%–4.2% in top postcodes.
Miami continues booming with demand for coastal luxury and short-term rental investments.
New York sees a return of foreign capital; prime condo markets are rebounding.
Singapore maintains a competitive edge with limited land and high rental yields (4.5%+).
Hong Kong experiences cautious buyer activity amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Investors target mid-tier suburbs with infrastructure access.
Overseas interest rebounding post-restriction.
| City | Avg Price/sqft | Rental Yield | Capital Growth (YoY) | Residency Incentives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 1,643 | 6–8% | +15.6% | Golden Visa (10 years) |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 1,127 | 6–10% | +18.2% | Golden Visa |
| London | GBP 1,200 | 3.5–4.2% | +4.6% | None |
| New York | USD 1,500 | 3–5% | +6.1% | EB-5 Visa (select areas) |
| Miami | USD 800 | 5–7% | +8.5% | EB-5 Visa |
| Singapore | SGD 2,200 | 4.5–5% | +3.2% | Permanent Residency (PR) |
Emerging markets like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are seeing unprecedented off-plan project demand due to flexible payment plans and lower entry prices.
HNWIs continue to pour capital into high-end coastal and branded residences—from Palm Jumeirah to Beverly Hills.
Remote work and hybrid lifestyles are boosting demand for second homes in leisure destinations such as Miami, the Algarve, and Bali.
Sustainable properties with green certifications are outperforming in both resale and rental markets, especially in Singapore and the EU
AED’s peg to USD provides exchange stability.
Investors in GBP or EUR zones often favor AED and USD for capital preservation.
UAE: 0% income and capital gains tax
UK: 18–28% capital gains tax for foreign investors
USA: State & federal tax implications apply
UAE: Golden Visa for AED 2M+ property investment
USA: EB-5 Investor Visa ($800K+ in select regions)
Portugal (historically): Golden Visa (now restricted in Lisbon/Porto)
Over 102,000 off-plan transactions in 2024.
Popular zones: JVC, Business Bay, Dubai Hills, The Valley.
Flexible post-handover plans common; 40% of buyers used them in 2024.
24% YoY increase in transactions; 18.2% price surge.
Top projects: Bloom Living, Reem Hills, Yas Acres.
Average off-plan price reached AED 1,127/sqft in H1 2025.
Oversupply in specific communities (e.g., Dubailand, Al Shamkha)
Interest rate fluctuations affecting mortgage affordability
Geopolitical instability or economic shocks (e.g., oil prices, inflation)
Developer delays or cancellations in off-plan projects
Diversify geographically: Don’t over-concentrate in one market; look at UAE + UK or USA combos.
Favor strong developers with proven track records.
Time entries in value zones: Consider early entry into new launches in areas like Dubai South, MBR City, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City.
Use residency incentives wisely: Golden Visas can double as both ROI and lifestyle upgrades.
Plan for yield & capital appreciation: Select communities with rising occupancy, infrastructure growth, and lifestyle appeal.
The Global Property Pulse in 2025 reveals a world of opportunity—but also a need for informed strategy. From Dubai’s booming off-plan sales to Abu Dhabi’s rising price curve, and stable long-term assets in cities like London, Miami, and Singapore, the investment landscape is dynamic.
For savvy investors, the winning approach is diversification, timing, and alignment with infrastructure, policy, and rental fundamentals. With the right strategy and market understanding, 2025 could be a banner year for global real estate investment.
