WHERE SHOULD I BUY, THE UK OR DUBAI?

I get asked this question frequently by Investors so I have put together a brief summary of both markets.

Currently in Dubai 2019

Buyers require a 25% deposit (if financed) and a 4% Dubai Land Department fees, 2% agency fees

Developers are now providing more affordable payment plans for new builds, including post payment plans of up to 5 yearsSales prices and rents started declined over 2018 and further into Q1 2019

Apartments – average declines of around 11% in rents and 8% in sale prices. Villas – market declined 9% in sales and 7% in rents in 2018.

Around 22,000 units were delivered during 2018 the highest in 5 years.A further 9,800 properties were completed in Q1 of 2019 with a further 50,000 still under construction.

United Kingdon 2019

UK city house price inflation has slowed to 1.7% – the lowest growth since May 2012Sales volumes are now 13% lower than in 2016 in southern cities. Some areas, however, have seen strong growth over 2018/19 Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Taxation 

Additional 3% stamp duty for second residences applies with a possible further 1% for foreign buyersLeasing a UK property (as an individual) – subject to income tax at their marginal tax rates – up to 45% on the rental profit, regardless of their UK residence status Inheritance

Tax applies in all casesNon-resident CGT applicable on the gain from April 2015, the rate of tax = 28%, subject to annual exemption (£12,000) and the basic rate band (18% applicable) 

Conclusion

Even though the UK has seen some growth in the past year or so, in my opinion, Dubai still remains a better investment due to no taxation, the higher net returns on investments – average 5-7% on apartments.

For example: (cash purchases) 

Purchasing a 1 Bedroom in Dubai Marina – West Avenue, upgraded, 705 sq ft Sale Price AED1,170,000 Initial one off Costs – agency fee, DLD, NOC etc circa AED76,700 Service charges per annum – AED12,578  Total year one costs AED1,259,278 (£262,349) Rental Income AED85,000 (£17,708)  Net income: 6.7% 

Purchasing a 1 bedroom apartment in Highbury, London, N5, 511 sqft (first property) Sale Price £590,000 The initial one of Costs – Stamp Duty, lawyers etc circa £31,500 Service Charges per annum £350 Annual Tax circa £3,844 (any costs spent on the property can be offset) Total year one cost £625,694 (AED3,003,331) Rental Income £20,544 per annum (AED98,611) Net income: .32%

As you can see from the above the rental income on both properties is around the same but for double the investment when buying in London.

Capital growth could potentially be seen faster in the UK as the market is mature whereas Dubai is a growing Emirate with construction and supply.

Laura Adams Managing Director, Carlton Real Estate 

contributions by Hannah Greenwood, Finsbury Associates