UAE top choice to live in design-led homes

dubai - GCC investors opt for Dubai property in the search for highest quality architecture and interior design

The UAE has once again been voted as the most sought-after destination among GCC investors and residents seeking the highest quality property architecture and interior design.

According to a new survey by YouGov commissioned by Ellington Properties, a property development company, over 66 per cent respondents chose Dubai for the design quality of the residential projects, with 58 per cent stating they would invest in villas or townhouses as their first preference for property investment in the emirate.

The latest finding comes close on the heels of a survey by Cluttons showing that Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah remain as key regional investment hotspots for GCC's wealthy real estate investors.

The Ellington Properties survey shows that Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait City, Manama and Dammam rank after Dubai in order of preference for living, based on the parameters of design quality and interior design.

The YouGov survey is part of an ongoing study by Ellington Properties to quantify the perceptions of real estate in the GCC. The survey covered over 2,700 GCC residents who expressed their views on key elements such as design, value associated with homes and convenience.

Interior space
Over 74 per cent of the respondents, drawn from across the GCC, consider Dubai to have the best-designed homes with high-quality architecture and interior space.
Robert Booth, managing director, Ellington Properties, said understanding investor perceptions is crucial in delivering a better product that meets and exceeds their expectations. "This also ensures complete transparency in all our operations, adding to investor confidence. The findings of the survey underline the value that investors attach to design excellence and build quality."

The study reported that the main reasons for consumers to invest in properties within the GCC are rental income and real estate value (48 per cent each) followed by location (43 per cent). Further, investors closely evaluate developer credentials, property size and in-built white goods in making their decision.

"The study highlights that potential investors strike a tasteful balance between classic elegance and cutting-edge design. They prefer large residential spaces and appreciate design from first principles to last detail," said Joseph Thomas, managing director, Ellington Properties.

While the focus of the study was to understand the preferences of the GCC population for real estate offerings based on the aesthetics and design quality of the homes, Ellington also covered other aspects of investor behaviour.

Ellington Properties, which has 14 developments in Dubai, plans to add over 2,200 residential units, including apartments, townhouses and villas, said Booth.

Cluttons' 2016 Middle East Private Capital Survey, also carried out in partnership with YouGov, found the three UAE destinations are expected to continue attracting the region's wealth, reflecting the diversity of property investment offerings in the country and its perceived stability as a regional safe haven.

- issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com