Indians are the biggest investors in Dubai real estate among expatriates, picking up a whopping Dh18 billion worth of land and properties last year alone.
XPRESS takes you inside the plush pads of four such investors who have made Dubai their home.
Anand Lakhiani, real estate developer
What he purchased: 8,500 sq ft (14,000 square feet plot size) four-bedroom villa in Emirates Hills.
Luxury quotient: Glass staircase to reflect natural sunlight in the entire house, entertainment lounge, swimming pool and high-ceiling living room
How much he invested: Dh10 million in 2006.
Current value: Dh25 million
Service fee: Around Dh20,000 per annum.
Other properties: Around a dozen mixed properties currently valued around Dh60 million.
Why he invested in Dubai: “I have lived here for the last 40 years and I have come to realise that the realty market here is mature and gives good returns. So much so that I have not invested any where else in the world – not even in my homecountry India. Dubai is home to me and will always be.”
Sumita De Sarkar & Ravindra Kumar Bhatt, entrepreneurs
What they purchased: 9,000 sq ft (14,000 square feet plot) five-bedroom villa in Jumeirah Islands Mansions, Jumeirah Islands.
Luxury quotient: Lake-facing, with large private swimming pool, two living areas, two maids rooms and two kitchens.
How much they invested: Dh12 million in July 2012
Current value: Dh19 million
Service fee: Dh37,000 per annum
Other properties: Seven mixed properties currently valued around Dh32 million.
Why they invested in Dubai: “Property investment in Dubai promises a better return than most other parts of the world. Since we have a business here and live here, it makes sense to invest in Dubai so we can closely monitor all our properties.”
Anita and Subhash Gupta, entrepreneurs
What they have: 15,000 sq ft six-bedroom Emirates Hills villa on plot bought from Emaar
Luxury quotient: Private swimming pool, lift, gymnasium and play area.
How much they invested: Dh20 million in 2006
Current value: Dh40 million
Service fee: Dh26,000 per annum
Other properties: Five aparments/villas currently valued around Dh60 million.
Sanjay Jain, jeweller
What he purchased: 14,918 sq ft (13,900 square feet plot size) six-bedroom villa in Al Barari (Bromelia – B2)
Luxury quotient: Swimming pool, garden area and two huge kitchens.
How much they invested: Dh12 milion in 2006
Current value: Dh19 million
Service fee: Dh92,000 per annum
Other properties: Seven mixed properties currently worth around Dh50 million.
Why he invested in Dubai: “Dubai is home to me. I have lived here for 32 years and have business interests in the UAE. Dubai offers a wonderful lifestyle and is conflict free.”
