Indian and Pakistani investors are powering Dubai’s 2025 property cycle
- Acksa Qasim
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
Quick facts
India and the UK led buyer nationalities in 2019 to 2024, with Pakistan consistently inside the top cohort. In Q2 2025 the UK temporarily overtook India, while Pakistan remained third. That mix shows depth across South Asian capital.
Indian HNWI intent is strong. Knight Frank reports 41 percent of Indian high net worth individuals plan to invest in UAE real estate this year.
Why South Asian capital keeps choosing Dubai
Proximity, lifestyle and paperwork: Direct flights, schools and healthcare make Dubai a practical base for cross-border families. The 10-year Golden Visa is accessible via property purchases of AED 2 million and above, subject to compliance and proof of value from DLD. Mortgaged or off-plan units may also qualify within the official rules.
Income story: Rents rose about 7 percent year to date by June 2025 on CBRE’s measure, helping the buy-to-let calculus as wage earners relocate and household formation keeps climbing.
Liquidity: Dubai closed 2024 with AED 761 billion in transactions. For Indian and Pakistani buyers who want multiple exit options, that scale matters.
What they are buying
Off-plan apartments for capital growth, flexible payment plans and lower entry price per square foot
Ready units in established communities to capture rental yields immediately
Select villas and townhouses where family living and school runs are priorities
H1 2025 data shows off-plan driving 71 percent of residential value. That is where many South Asian investors focus for growth, while keeping a foot in the secondary market for yield.
Portfolio ideas for Indian and Pakistani investors
Visa-aligned ticket: Target a single property at AED 2 million with handover inside 18 to 36 months and strong developer track record to align with residency timelines. Confirm Golden Visa eligibility directly on DLD and government portals.
Yield barbell: Blend one ready one-bedroom in a high-occupancy district with one off-plan two-bedroom in a growth corridor.
Education anchor: If relocating with family, shortlist near schools and metro connectivity, then push for developer post-handover payment plans to preserve cash.
Bottom line: South Asian demand is not a fad. It is underpinned by visa policy, job growth and an investable market structure, with the data to back it.
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