‘We invested in overseas property during the pandemic’ – The National

‘We invested in overseas property during the pandemic’ – The National

While Covid-induced bargains and the lure of citizenship attract UAE residents to foreign property ownership, buying during a crisis can be challenging

















Dubai resident Lloyd Rosales-Cocks purchased property in Manila in 2016. The two-bedroom penthouse in Makati was handed over during the coronavirus pandemic. Pawan Singh / The National







With the coronavirus pandemic reinforcing the need to diversify investment portfolios, some UAE residents have begun to consider real estate as a stable asset class in uncertain times.



While investing in property comes with risks, like any asset class, for devotees it can offer capital appreciation, rental yields and a sense of security for the buyer as it is a touchable asset. It can also offer the chance to secure a second passport or citizenship.









We hold property for the long term. So, we are comfortable buying during uncertain times such as the pandemic.





Julie Talbot, investor





"In the last few months, overall demand and the number of applications for residency programmes in the UK has increased vastly. This has led to more investment in UK real estate," says Sid Syed, director of Aqua Investments,