Dubai properties 60% cheaper than Mumbai

DUBAI: A growing number of investors from India are showing interest in Dubai as they look to capitalise on 60 per cent savings per square foot in the Dubai property market, a Dubai-based real estate company has said.

DAMAC Properties said in addition to the price disparity, Dubai's property market is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign investors due to the implementation of a raft of new regulations, such as the new Strata law, which favours home owners.

"As these new tougher and more stringent regulations take hold, Indian investors are looking to take advantage of the plethora of investment opportunities that exist within the emirate's real estate market," it said in a statement.

At an average price per square foot of USD 264 in Dubai, according to Colliers International, property is now 60 per cent less expensive than in central Mumbai, where the price per square foot is USD 664 according to Jones Lang LaSalle.

DAMAC Properties Senior Vice-President Niall McLoughlin said: "At DAMAC Properties, we have seen a marked rise in interest across our Dubai portfolio from Indian investors; in January 2011 we had double-digit growth in enquiries on the same period last year.

"Not only are we seeing a surge of interest from potential Investors from India but also from other emerging markets such as sub Sahara Africa and China who are looking for quality assets, at competitive prices."

According to McLoughlin, even though confidence was shaken following the global slowdown, the introduction of new regulations in Dubai gives property buyers more security over their investments. DAMAC Properties has also welcomed the return of liquidity into the mortgage market, which it cites as another major factor in the revival of the emirate's real estate sector.

"Now that banks and financial institutions have begun to regain confidence in the market, and are again in a position to offer financing packages, it will start to address the issue of oversupply -- one of the major factors in the sector's devaluation," McLoughlin said.