Top foreign buyers of UAE property revealed in New STAMN Index

Image: WAM/ For illustrative purposes

STAMN Real Estate Development has introduced a new “Foreign Buyer Power Index” ranking nationalities based on their purchasing power for real estate in the UAE.

The index, revealed on September 22, places UK investors at the top, followed by the US

The index, which considers factors like currency exchange rates, wealth, and capital mobility, ranks the UK first with a score of 86, followed closely by the US at 84.

Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar round out the top five, with scores of 82.8, 82.2, and 81.8, respectively. According to STAMN, these nationalities feature at the top due to historically strong currencies, high wealth, and free capital mobility.

Despite being one of the largest and most consistent buyer groups in UAE property, India ranked 18th with a score of 65.

The company noted that India’s purchasing power has been impacted by a weak rupee. However, high-net-worth individuals and expatriates from India remain significant investors.

“British investors, particularly those exchanging pounds for dirhams, are currently in a very strong position to purchase UAE real estate,” said STAMN CEO Zheng Jian. “The wealth of US and GCC investors also grants them strong purchasing power despite a weaker dollar.”

Top 10 property investors revealed by index

The top 10 includes Euro-countries such as France (79.2), Germany (77.8), and the Netherlands (77.2), as well as Canada (77) and Australia (77). Russia and Kazakhstan were also among the top 20, with scores of 68.2 and 67, respectively.

The politically-neutral UAE is seen as a safe haven for Russian buyers, while Kazakhstan’s proximity and home-economy challenges are driving demand.

Jian noted a trend of foreign buyers not only moving investment capital but also relocating to live and work in Dubai.

He highlighted strong interest from European audiences in the Dubai Islands development and from Russian and CIS buyers seeking affordable family units in Jumeirah Garden City.

STAMN, with more than 30 years of real estate experience in Asia, is rapidly expanding its presence in the UAE and plans to launch its fourth project in Dubai in Q4 2025.