Dubai vs Other Global Real Estate Hubs: Which Offers Better ROI?

Dubai has been showing up more and more in property investment conversations. For years, the spotlight was on places like London, New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong, but now many investors are turning to Dubai and wondering if the returns here are stronger than in those long-established markets. That is what we are going to explore together. So, would Dubai actually give you better returns than the other big players? Let’s break it down.

London

London has always been seen as a safe place to invest. It is a global city with history, culture, and a reputation for stability. Wealthy families and institutions from around the world invest their money here because they trust the market will hold its value.

But prestige has a cost. Property prices in prime central London can exceed AED 5,500 per square foot, and even average properties are far more expensive than most global markets. 

On top of that, the UK government applies heavy stamp duties, which increase sharply for second homes or foreign buyers. Buyers pay nothing for properties up to £125,000, 2% on the portion from £125,001 to £250,000, 5% from £250,001 to £925,000, 10% from £925,001 to £1.5 million, and 12% on anything above that.

Rental yields in London usually sit around 3-4%. That number drops even lower once you factor in ongoing maintenance costs and taxes. In short, London offers stability, but the cash flow is often underwhelming for investors focused on income.

New York

New York is one of the most famous real estate markets in the world, known for its energy, business influence, and prestige. Owning property in Manhattan is a status symbol, but again, the numbers are important. Property prices in central areas range between $770 and $1,500 per sq ft. Here’s how average prices stack up:

Rental yields rarely exceed 3% or 4%. In Manhattan, rental yields on upscale condos are usually modest, hovering around 2 to 3%. But if you look at Brooklyn, Queens, or the outer boroughs, the returns tend to be stronger, landing somewhere between 4 and 7% depending on the property.

Then there are the taxes. If you own a home or condo in New York City, your property tax depends on the type of property you have. The city splits properties into classes: Class 1 is for small homes, like one- to three-family houses, and Class 2 is for condos, co-ops, and larger residential buildings. The tax rates are around 20% for Class 1 and 12.5% for Class 2. On average, most people end up paying about 0.88% of their property’s value each year.

For long-term investors who believe strongly in New York’s appreciation potential, the city still makes sense. However, for those prioritising steady income and overall ROI, the figures are less compelling compared to emerging alternatives.

Singapore

Singapore has built a reputation as one of the safest and most well-regulated real estate markets in Asia. Investors trust its political stability, strong financial system, and steady economic growth. But this stability comes with strict rules and high costs.

Property prices are high, often over S$1,800 per sq ft in central areas. Here’s a breakdown of average prices per square foot:

Rental yields usually sit between 3% and 5%. The bigger challenge is Singapore’s policy on foreign buyers. They have to pay a hefty Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 60%, and mortgage rules can be stricter than for locals. Even if you can afford it, returns often feel too small once all the extra costs are considered.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong was one of the hottest property markets in the world. Prices skyrocketed, and investors rushed in. But today, the picture looks very different.

Central properties can cost more than $2,000 per sq ft, while rental yields average around 2-3%. As of February 2024, both the Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and Special Stamp Duty (SSD) have been removed, which foreign buyers were previously liable to pay. Now, the main stamp duty to worry about is the Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (AVD), ranging from a small fixed amount for lower-priced homes up to 4.25% for the priciest ones.

Demand is still there, but affordability and regulations have made the market less appealing than it once was.

A Quick Look at Dubai

Dubai’s property market has grown a lot over the last two decades. Once known mainly for its iconic towers and ambitious projects, it has now become one of the busiest real estate markets in the world. Investors are no longer just drawn in by the glamour. They are paying attention because the numbers are working in their favour.

Strong Rental Yields

Rental income is one of the main reasons investors are paying attention to Dubai. In many established markets, rental yields hover around 3% to 4%, which is not very exciting once you consider taxes and maintenance costs. Dubai offers a much stronger return.

Most mid-tier communities deliver yields of 6-8%. In high-demand neighbourhoods such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, or Dubai Marina, the figure often climbs to 6.5-10%. To put this into perspective, if you invested AED 3.65 million in Dubai real estate, you could expect AED 257,000 to AED 293,000 in rental income each year. 

More Accessible Prices

Despite its growth, Dubai’s property prices are more accessible than those in other global hubs. Mid-range communities average around AED 1,285 to AED 1,652 per square foot. Even luxury areas such as Palm Jumeirah or Downtown Dubai, priced between AED 2,868 and AED 3,825, are still well below the cost of central London, Manhattan, or Hong Kong.

This affordability opens the door for a wider pool of investors. Someone with AED 1.83 million can buy a quality apartment in Dubai, whereas in London or New York, that budget might only cover a small studio in an average location.

Lower Transaction Costs

The extra costs around buying and holding real estate can cut into profits, especially in Western markets. London, for example, has high stamp duties. New York imposes annual property taxes that can eat thousands of dollars every year. Singapore has some of the toughest stamp duties in the world, especially for foreign buyers.

Dubai is more investor-friendly in this respect. The main charge is a one-time Dubai Land Department DLD fee of 4%, along with minor registration fees. Importantly, there are no annual property taxes, which gives investors a much clearer picture of their long-term returns and keeps overall costs down.

Consistent Demand Drivers

Strong yields and affordable entry costs only work if there is steady demand. Dubai’s market benefits from several demand drivers that continue to grow.

• A large expatriate population makes up almost 90% of the city’s residents.
• A booming tourism sector that supports both hotels and the short-term rental market.
• A business-friendly environment that continues to attract global companies.
• Government initiatives, such as long-term visas and relaxed foreign ownership rules, encourage investors and residents to commit long-term.

Why Dubai Stands Out

Looking across London, New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong, a clear pattern emerges. These cities remain prestigious, but they offer lower yields, higher entry prices, and heavier taxes or restrictions. Investors often trade income for stability, and in many cases, that trade-off is no longer appealing.

Dubai, on the other hand, provides higher rental yields, more affordable prices, and a tax-friendly environment. It combines strong short-term income potential with long-term growth supported by population, tourism, and business demand.

Conclusion

So, does Dubai offer better ROI than London, New York, Singapore, or Hong Kong? The short answer is yes. You will find stronger rental income, lower costs, and a faster payback period in Dubai. That said, it is not always about chasing the highest number. Some investors prefer the slower, steadier markets for security. But for those who want meaningful returns and a market that still has room to grow, Dubai is standing out more than ever.

Want a deeper look at where Dubai real estate stands compared to global hubs? Our team can provide a detailed market overview, highlight high-yield properties, and explain how to maximise your returns.

Contact us and schedule a free consultation.