Gulf Investors Broaden Their UK Property Focus as Development and Long-Term Income Gain Appeal

Gulf investors are broadening their UK property ambitions, with development, affordable housing and income-producing assets gaining attention alongside prestigious London addresses.

AlRayan Bank’s 2026 GCC Investment Barometer found that property development was the leading future sector, selected by 30% of respondents. Retail followed at 29%, while affordable housing and hospitality each attracted 28%.

The survey covered 150 wealthy investors across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Of those surveyed, 99% intend to make new or increased UK property investments over the next five years, with an average planned commitment of £78.3 million.

London remains the preferred location, but Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester are also attracting interest. Within the capital, East London and the suburbs are drawing attention as investors weigh space, rental demand and long-term value.

The findings suggest a broader focus on how properties perform as businesses. Tenant quality, operating costs and management capability become central to that assessment, while planning delays and construction costs could influence how much intended investment proceeds.

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Originally posted on LinkedIn