Property investment continues to be ranked above investing in stocks, shares or bonds for UAE residents for 2018, according to a new survey.

The yearly YouGov survey by IP Global has established that 40 percent of UAE residents are planning to invest in real estate in the UAE and 18 percent planning to buy internationally within the next year. The outcome highlights the continuous appeal of real estate, possibly due to the stable, reliable returns it offers.

Despite recent uncertainty in the real estate market in the UAE expressed by some spectators, the latest YouGov study also showed a 7 percent increase in appetite by UAE residents in the last six months for property investment.

The survey asked UAE residents, “Imagine that you were looking to invest in property abroad. In which, if any, of the following countries would you consider investing over the next 12 months?” It listed Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, UK, Germany, Other or None of the above as options.

Canada (20 percent) and the US (15 percent) were the most popular countries selected from the list. The UK with 13 percent, and Germany and Australia with 12 percent each completed the top five preferred investment destinations.

Richard Bradstock, director and head of the Middle East at IP Global, said: "The results of our second YouGov study are extremely positive and indicate that more and more UAE residents are looking to purchase property in the next 12 months.

"On a global level, property continues to offer excellent prospects for capital growth. For example, North America continues to be an attractive market for the UAE residents, due to the impressive returns it offers investors, as shown by Chicago which has experienced an 36 percent increase in house prices in the last five years while rental yields have increased 10 percent between 2016-2017.

"Closer to home, as the most mature market in Europe, the UK has always been popular with overseas investors. London, due to its chronic housing deficit and the government’s increased spending on infrastructure, remains a solid investment choice. However, recently we have also seen a change in buyer behaviour. UAE residents are now looking beyond Central London for more affordable properties in regional cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool."

To view the full report, on the IP Global website, click here.

See also:

Dubai Land Department releases the 2017 Annual Transactions report

Reasons to buy property in the Antalya region of Turkey

Wrapping up 2017, and what to expect in 2018 in Dubai’s real estate market