Middle East investors not put off by “Brexit”

March 17, 2016

The possibility of Brexit does not appear to persuade  Middle East investors away  from choosing London as their preferred destination when it comes  to investing in property in the Capital.

A joint survey conducted by estate agency Cluttons and YouGov of 127 high net worth investors from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait revealed that London was the most preferred city of 196 worldwide locations to invest in real estate.

Around 11 per cent of investors ranked the capital as their top global investment location, followed by New York, with five per cent, and Singapore, with four per cent.

Wealthy Iranian buyers are expected to join the ranks of other Middle East investors and become significant players in the London luxury property market after the lifting of sanctions, according to research. The number of Iranian buyers looking for homes in London over the next two years are expected to  rise by 25 per cent according to Rokstone, an Iranian-owned London estate agent.

The capital’s population is rising rapidly, expected to hit 10m by 2030, and a spate of major infrastructure improvements, including Crossrail 1 and the Thameslink and Northern Line extensions are opening up communities right across London’s emerging neighbourhoods.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

The Future of Urban Real Estate: Trends and Predictions for 2026

Affordability pressures, hybrid work arrangements, and steep borrowing costs are heavy influences on urban real estate for 2026. We’re seeing an increase in mixed-use development and a renewed focus from investors on markets with a steady demand. Markets that can balance housing access, transportation, lifestyle amenities, and flexible workplaces will come out on top. Major…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

London’s prime residential market isn’t falling — it’s repricing

By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners London’s prime residential market has looked subdued by global standards, but framing current conditions as a decline overlooks the more important underlying dynamic. The market is undergoing structural repricing driven by higher interest rates, shifting tax policy and a more volatile geopolitical environment. This is not…
Read More →
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – April 2026

Market activity strengthens with applicant demand recovering and supply remaining ahead of last year   After the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, April provides the final snapshot of market conditions ahead of implementation, offering a clear benchmark for how the sector is positioned entering this new regulatory environment. The lettings market strengthened through the…
Read More →
Breaking News

Five hidden costs catching home buyers out

FIVE hidden costs that’re catching home buyers out, AFTER they put their offer in, says expert • Buyers often focus on deposits and mortgages, but overlook thousands in extra costs • Delays, surveys and legal fees can quickly inflate budgets • Unexpected gaps in funding are becoming increasingly common A lot of home buyers think…
Read More →
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: March 2026

Buyer activity and sales agreed picked up this month as the housing market entered the spring season, with increased stock levels giving consumers more choice despite ongoing affordability pressures. Meanwhile, the rental market remained highly competitive, as tenant demand continued to outstrip supply and concerns over future regulation weighed on landlord confidence. Sales 1. The…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Act risks leaving the tenants it set out to protect with fewer options

Fewer than a third of landlords are fully aware that the Renters’ Rights Act bans advance rent payments of more than one month, according to new research from LRG. The survey of 650 landlords and tenants across England and Wales found that 43% know the rules have changed but remain uncertain of the details, while…
Read More →