Adil Raza Khan | November 3, 2025
Over the years, Indian investors have been seeking their international property portfolios in London and Singapore. But by 2025, a new trend dominates investment charts — NRIs choose Dubai over London and Singapore for lifestyle and long-term wealth growth.
The shift is not only emotional – but it is economic. Dubai has had an increase on rental returns, zero property tax, a long-term residency visa, and a currency pegged to the US dollar – which London and Singapore cannot help matching. This is the reason why the Indians are more certain than ever before about investing in the Dubai property market.
Let us discuss how this change occurred - and why Dubai is the wiser investment option among NRIs in 2025.
NRIs prefer Dubai over London and Singapore because it offers higher investment returns, simplified ownership rules, faster visa approvals, and a lifestyle that balances luxury, safety, and proximity to India.
London and Singapore were regarded as symbols of worldwide success, stable, western, and prestigious, which NRIs used to view in the past. However, the rising property prices, high taxes and stricter foreign ownership policies have altered the behavior of investors.
Indian buyers no longer base their choice on image but rather real value. They're asking:
Each answer points toward Dubai — the Middle East’s global investment capital.
Based on the above, the data is self-evident as Dubai has better returns and lower taxes and easier ownership. It is also an entry point to India, Europe as well as Asia so it is a strategic NRIs wealth hub.
The lack of property and income tax is one of the biggest reasons why NRIs choose Dubai over London and Singapore. The capital gains tax of London and the stamp duties of Singapore have a high net reducing returns.
In Dubai, investors retain what they make - each and every dirham. This alone would justify why Indians invest in Dubai property market in long-term basis.
Unlike the UK or Singapore, where property prices are often out of reach, buying property in Dubai remains accessible.
This makes indians buy second home in Dubai without straining their resources. It also favors increasing popularity in buying second homes in Dubai by the Indian nationals particularly as a tax free future investment.
The Dubai Golden Visa is a worldwide mobility changing game. With Indian nationals investing AED 2 million or above in property, they can be given a 10-year renewable residency visa, which neither London nor Singapore provides under the property ownership.
This contributes to making Dubai not only an attractive investment market but also a safe place to live in both as a family and a haven to retirees and business owners.
Currency stability is an important factor to offshore investment in the case of NRIs. The currency strength of an Indian interested in investing in Dubai property is the fact that the AED is pegged to the USD so that it has low volatility.
The GBP, in its turn, has been unstable after the Brexit, and SGD is not cheap to exchange. This renders AED a long run stable store of Indian capital.
The cost of buying property in Dubai for foreigners is comparatively lower than in London or Singapore, offering premium quality homes with higher returns on investment and flexible payment options.
London and Singapore are highly expensive cities to reside in globally; however Dubai provides the same standard of international living i.e. high end schools, foods and infrastructure at 30-40 percent of the cost of living.
To NRIs, the balance of comfort, connectivity, and affordability, available in Dubai, is not easy to find in London and Singapore. That’s why the top benefits of buying a second home in Dubai for Indian nationals go beyond prestige — it’s about performance.
When it comes to how foreigners can buy property in Dubai, it is a simple procedure.
Ownership is also clear, electronic and supported by escrow legislation through Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA.
Conversely, legal systems are more rigid in London and Singapore and documentation is also more exacting. The Indian buyers are finding the simplicity of the tech-driven nature of Dubai appealing, as well as the clarity and speed.
If you’re wondering how to transfer property from India to Dubai, the process is fully compliant with India’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS). There is a legal limit of USD 250,000 per year on remittances the Indian citizens can make to purchase property overseas.
This small financial engine has compelled most Indian families to invest fearlessly using certified brokers such as APIL Properties.
NRIs like communities with combination of ROI and lifestyle. Some of the popular areas for Indian expats to rent in Dubai are:
All these zones provide freehold ownership and hence are suitable as a place to reside as well as invest in as a source of income.
The tax regulations and the high cost of ownership are making London unattractive. The foreign buyer tax of 60% in Singapore is basically prohibitive to most of the NRIs.
In the meantime, Dubai is still developing additional freehold areas, off-plan investment projects, and residency-based ownership, making it the friendliest international market to invest in in 2025.
By 2025, it is evident that Dubai is far ahead of London and Singapore as the preferred destination of NRIs to be in they will have the best returns, easy ownership regulations and permissible family residency programs.
If you are interested in buying a property in Dubai or you want to consult professionals regarding off-plan projects and the opportunity to receive a Golden Visa, contact APIL Properties.
Our experts assist the Indian investors in choosing the most appropriate property to invest in Dubai with the support of evidence-based information and verified experience in the market.
Because Dubai offers higher ROI, lower taxes, easier ownership, and residency through property.
Dubai yields 6–8%, while London averages just 3%.
Yes, foreigners can purchase freehold properties in designated areas.
You can remit up to USD 250,000 annually under India’s LRS.
No, only a one-time 4% DLD registration fee applies.
It grants 10-year residency for property owners investing AED 2M or more.
Yes, Dubai’s entry prices are roughly 60% lower.
Yes, Indians can buy property in Dubai remotely, as the emirate allows foreign ownership in designated freehold areas without requiring UAE residency.
Apartments start at AED 650,000; villas from AED 2 million.
Yes, many UAE banks offer NRIs financing up to 70% of the property value.
Because of better returns, lifestyle options, and long-term visa opportunities.
Dubai Hills, Business Bay, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah remain top picks.
WRITTEN BY
Adil Khan is a Dubai luxury real estate expert with over 13 years of experience in the UAE property market. He is the Chairman of APIL Properties.
To transfer property from India to Dubai, To move property between India and Dubai, residents have to adhere to the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) by RBI, utilise legal banking facilities, and observe FEMA provisions.
The real estate market of Dubai appeals to Indian investors who seek to have stable returns, world infrastructure and ownership free of taxes. At Apil Properties, we assist Indian investors in this cross-border movement; whether it is in compliance or in title transfer. House purchase in Dubai is no longer the preserve of the rich; now, the first time buyers and those interested in another home can join the process.
This APIL guide clarifies the legal procedure, documents needed, taxation, and online solutions to facilitate property transfers.
Over the years, Indian investors have been seeking their international property portfolios in London and Singapore. But by 2025, a new trend dominates investment charts — NRIs choose Dubai over London and Singapore for lifestyle and long-term wealth growth.
The shift is not only emotional – but it is economic. Dubai has had an increase on rental returns, zero property tax, a long-term residency visa, and a currency pegged to the US dollar – which London and Singapore cannot help matching. This is the reason why the Indians are more certain than ever before about investing in the Dubai property market.
Let us discuss how this change occurred - and why Dubai is the wiser investment option among NRIs in 2025.
Buying a Second Home in Dubai for Indian Nationals has become a lifestyle and wealth planning trend. Dubai has now become the best international destination for the Indian population based on stable property prices, visa incentives, and a location that is closer to India, which promises the Indian population a secure and rewarding second home.
This guide by APIL Experts discusses the main advantages, costs, the most popular regions, and how Indian nationals can purchase a second home in Dubai in 2025-26.
