Why Dubai - Why Now
Kelly Robinson
Kelly Robinson
Why Dubai - Why Now
Why Dubai Is the Smartest Place for Your U.S. Clients to Invest Right Now
Population Boom. Tax-Free Gains. Premium Yields. Welcome to the Future of Real Estate.
Dubai isn’t just a skyline of record-breakers and Instagram backdrops—it’s a strategic opportunity for U.S. investors looking to escape domestic headwinds and capture real growth abroad.
As the U.S. housing market tightens under the weight of rising taxes, saturated returns, and increasingly tenant-favorable legislation, Dubai offers a refreshing—and lucrative—alternative. Here’s why savvy brokers and investors are eyeing the UAE’s crown jewel:
Dubai’s population is exploding. Nearly 4 million residents today (up almost 500,000 since 2020) and on pace to hit 5.8 million by 2040. And it’s not just growth—it’s the right kind of growth.
Over 85% are expats—high-earning, mobile professionals from the U.S., UK, and Europe
Prime demographic: Ages 25–54, fueling constant demand for luxury rentals and lifestyle properties
Global buyer pool: Visa options and stable politics attract long-term investors
Dubai offers something U.S. investors haven’t seen in decades: zero local taxes. That means:
0% income tax
0% capital gains tax
0% annual property tax
Just a one-time 4% purchase fee (often split between buyer and seller)
Compare that to New York, Miami, or L.A., where multiple layers of city, state, and federal tax can erode 30–50% of your returns. Dubai lets investors keep more of what they earn—and reinvest faster.
Dubai luxury properties are cheaper per square foot than in NYC, Miami, or L.A.—but the rental returns are often double.
Rental Yields:
Dubai: 6–8%
U.S. Top Cities: 3–4% (and under 3% in NYC)
And yes, Dubai’s rental market is healthy:
85–90% long-term occupancy
+9% lease renewals YoY
+19% rent growth between 2022–2024 (softening in 2025 but still outpacing the U.S.)
Even post-U.S. tax, net yields of 4.2–7.5% are achievable for well-managed Dubai investments.
Let’s break it down:
Category |
Dubai |
New York City |
Annual Property Tax |
0% |
~1.5% (up to 12.5% for condos) |
Capital Gains Tax |
0% |
Yes |
Rental Income Tax |
0% |
Yes |
HOA Fees (Condos) |
$2.72–$8.17/sq ft annually |
~$38.40/sq ft annually |
Short-Term Rental Tax |
~AED 10–15 per night only |
~14.75% of gross rent + strict regulations |
Add it up: Dubai real estate costs less, yields more, and doesn’t nickel-and-dime investors.
Reach out if you’d like a comparison for your specific U.S. market.
Dubai is a global crossroads between the U.S., Europe, and Asia. For your clients, that means:
International tenant pool
Fast resale timelines
Global currency exposure in a dollar-pegged economy
Real estate-based visa programs for long-term planning
It’s also one of the few global cities still in an expansion phase—meaning early investors benefit from appreciation and development growth.
Yes, U.S. citizens do still owe taxes on Dubai income—but smart structuring makes the impact minimal.
Rental income: Taxable, but expenses + depreciation are deductible
Capital gains: Taxable, but there’s no local gain tax to offset
Typical net yield after tax: 4.2%–7.5%
Estate tax: Applies for assets above $13.99M (2025)
Do not buy in a corporation. The UAE’s 9% corporate tax does apply to entities, so personal or trust ownership is more efficient.
Whether your clients are seeking diversification, yield, lifestyle perks, or a tax-friendly investment, Dubai delivers—and the commissions are world-class.
Offer 4–6% commissions
Support from on-the-ground project managers
Visa and legal teams available
Easy plug-and-play for clients used to turnkey U.S. models
As brokers, your edge is knowledge—and the ability to guide clients to where the growth is. Right now, that’s Dubai.
Why Dubai?
Your clients want ROI. You want opportunity. Dubai offers both.
Contact us to learn more about available units, incentives, and commission programs.
Check out our latest real estate listings from the team in more areas in New York City
Known for their attention to detail and collaborative work style, the One Global Advisory Team works to ensure their clients are expertly represented every step of the way.
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