Investing in UK property from UAE emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a fantastic way to tap into one of the most desirable prime property markets in the world.
By placing funds into UK property investment Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents can acquire a second home in London, accommodation for children attending UK universities, or simply an investment that will yield rental income and capital gains.
Prime London property offers valuations reaching into the multi millions, and with house prices trending upwards over the long term, this can lead to significant gains over time.
Unlike the peaks and troughs of Dubai, the UK has a fully mature and extremely vibrant property market. Britain has a culture of home ownership, so demand is high and prices typically climb, especially over extended periods of time. The market can fluctuate and values can fall, but over time UK property investment usually yields substantial capital gains.
Prime London property is always in demand and there are significant gains to be made, both in resale value and rental yields. With the help of an experienced prime London property buying agent like Black Brick, you can get the best price for a property that will be desirable to buyers and renters from all over the world.
Yes. Investing in UK property from UAE emirates is perfectly possible. You may need to prove your identity and there may be additional fraud checks (e.g. to protect against money laundering) but in principle, there are no rules to prevent you from owning UK property.
A buying agent like Black Brick can take some of the doubt out of the process of buying London property from the UAE. We work with clients in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, and we can help you to navigate the paperwork, visa applications, tax advice, lending solutions, schools advice and so on.
There are several property taxes to keep in mind when investing in UK property from the UAE. In general, these taxes are also paid by UK domiciled buyers, but the rates may be a little higher for international investors.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is often referred to simply as ‘stamp duty’ and is a tax paid as a percentage of the purchase price of the property.
Since 2021, non-UK buyers of properties in England and Northern Ireland have been charged a 2% surcharge on top of the normal stamp duty rate.
This applies even if you intend to live in the property, and also applies if you buy a major interest in a freehold residential property for £40,000 or more, or a leasehold residential property with a lease premium of £40,000 or more, or relevant rent of £1,000 or more.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a tax paid on the ‘capital gains’ (i.e. increase in value) made between buying a property and selling it at a higher price.
This is quite a complex area, as there are many different allowances and offsets, with specific rules that apply for non-residents and for very large properties. We work with leading tax advisors and can recommend clients to the most appropriate firm.
If you rent the property out, you may be liable to pay income tax on the rental income it generates, subject to the usual personal income tax-free allowances for non-residents.
You can pay any tax due via deductions made by your tenant or lettings agent, or file a self-assessment tax return at the end of the year and pay your tax in a lump sum.
Finally, if you die while in ownership of UK property as a non-UK resident, you may be liable to pay 40% inheritance tax (IHT) on the value of the property.
This is likely to be the single largest tax you pay on any UK property, and while you will not directly experience its effects, it’s worth keeping in mind if you are investing in property in London to leave a legacy for your children.
To find out more, or to start your prime London property search from the UAE, contact Black Brick today. We are highly experienced at working with international clients and will handle all enquiries with complete confidence.
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We would be delighted to hear from you to discuss your own property requirements. For a non-obligatory consultation, please contact us.
