Thanawat’s goal is to grow globally. When Tony Suksawat, a seasoned real estate investor from Bangkok, started looking into Dubai’s real estate market, he asked himself, “Where else in the world are returns this good and the lifestyle this amazing?” Tony had been investing in Thailand and Southeast Asia for more than ten years, so he was used to markets that were growing quickly. But by 2022, he started to see fewer chances in his hometown and more rules at home.
Tony says, “I wanted to diversify, not just to get higher returns but also to get exposure to the world.” “Dubai kept coming up in my research: high yields, a growing population, and a city that never settles for average.”
The investment chosen is Emaar Projects in Dubai.
The first thing Tony did was find the right property developer. He quickly became interested in Emaar, one of Dubai’s most well-known names, known for its high-quality developments and investor-friendly approach. Tony did not focus on a specific neighborhood; instead, he focused on Emaar’s signature projects, like those in Downtown Dubai and Dubai Hills Estate, which are known for their high-end living and high rental demand.
Tony says, “I was sure about the product, the location, and the after-sales service with Emaar.” “Their track record and reputation around the world stood out.”
Why Dubai?
Tony chose Dubai, and specifically Emaar projects, for his next investment for a number of important reasons:
Rules and Openness: Tony says, “Dubai’s real estate market is more open and well-regulated than other emerging markets.” Emaar felt better about things when he worked with the Dubai Land Department and RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).
High ROI and Rental Yields: Emaar communities have average gross rental yields of 6–8%, which is higher than most major cities Tony looked at, such as Bangkok and Singapore.
Tax Efficiency: “Not having to pay property tax or capital gains tax was a big draw.” Tony says, “It is not often that you see policies that are good for investors.”
Lifestyle and Connectivity: Dubai’s cosmopolitan lifestyle, easy travel, and high quality of life were extra reasons why the city was attractive to both investors and residents.
Experience: Working with Amir from Zameendar to get through the process
Tony knew he needed local knowledge once he chose Dubai. He worked with Amir, a seasoned realtor & a well-known brokerage that helps international investors.
Tony remembers, “Amir was very helpful from the start.” “He went over the whole process with me, from picking out the property to doing due diligence and filling out the legal paperwork. It was comforting, especially since I was a foreigner trying to figure out a new market.
Tony was surprised at how quickly the buying process went. With Amir’s help, he was able to finish his purchase from a distance, thanks to Dubai’s digital property transaction systems. He says the only hard part was figuring out the payment schedule and how to send money from Thailand.
“The Zameendar team was ready for every problem. Tony says, “They even put me in touch with a local bank that works with expat investors.” “Having someone like Amir on the ground who I could trust made all the difference.”
Results: Profits, rental income, and happiness with the deal
Within two weeks of buying Tony’s Emaar property, he was able to rent it out for a gross rental yield of 7.2%, which was much higher than what he was making on similar properties in Bangkok. Also, he has already seen the value of his property go up by 10% in the first year because there is still a lot of demand for Emaar developments.
Tony says, “It is been a great move financially.” “But what surprised me the most was how professional everyone in the ecosystem was, from the developers to the brokers to the tenants. It is a market made for investors from all over the world.
Tony is already thinking about making a second investment in another Emaar off-plan project because he is sure that Dubai’s real estate market will keep growing.
Dubai is a place where new ideas and chances come together. I feel safe, valued, and hopeful about the future as an international investor. Amir and the Zameendar team helped me so much that my time in Dubai has set a new standard for property investment.