MARKET INSIGHT
Global Property Markets Update: April 2026
April 30, 2026 • Author: Richard Bradstock
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Over the past month, events across the region have reminded all of us how quickly the global backdrop can shift and how important perspective, resilience and long-term thinking really are. From our base in Dubai, we have seen that same spirit reflected in the market itself. While investors have naturally taken time to assess changing conditions, the underlying strengths of the UAE – stability, ambition, world-class infrastructure and global connectivity – remain firmly in place. As we move forward, our focus stays clear, helping clients navigate change with confidence, while staying alert to the opportunities that periods of uncertainty often create.
What does the recent conflict mean for property?
The recent conflict in Iran has added a layer of short-term uncertainty to global markets, primarily through higher energy prices and renewed inflationary pressure. In the UK, that has tempered expectations for rate cuts and increased the likelihood that interest rates will stay higher for longer in the near term, which is creating a more selective investment environment rather than shutting demand down altogether. For investors, this is a reminder that periods of geopolitical volatility tend to reward those who focus on the right markets, the right asset types and, crucially, the right ownership structures.
In the UAE, we have seen some investors pause while the region digests wider geopolitical developments, and that has naturally led some Middle East-based capital to revisit more defensive, internationally established markets such as London and Berlin. That said, our conviction in the UAE market remains very strong, underpinned by population growth, ongoing infrastructure delivery, pro-investment policy and the region’s long-term economic ambition. In fact, activity is already showing signs of normalising, with Aldar reporting a very strong response to its new Yas Park Place launch in Abu Dhabi, where 80% of the released homes sold and the scheme generated more than AED 800 million, reinforcing Abu Dhabi in particular as our current market of choice within the UAE. But Dubai does still deserve attention.
At Knight Frank’s 2026 Wealth Report launch, the emirate was described in investor’s eyes, as ‘one of the defining narratives of the post-pandemic era’…
“Structural market shifts continue across the UAE, even as the war in Iran has unsettled sentiment. Dubai’s rise remains one of the defining narratives of the post‑pandemic era, with record global super‑prime (US$10 million+) residential sales in 2025, driven by buyers from the Middle East and Europe.”
London and the UK Benefitting
London is now coming back into focus in a meaningful way. The reason is simple; supply remains far too low, with Knight Frank noting that London delivered just 33,000 completions in 2025, only 37% of its annual housing target. Low starts today mean low completions in the years ahead. For long-term buy-to-let investors, that imbalance creates a compelling entry point now, with a strong case for rental and price growth to become more visible through 2027 and 2028 as constrained supply feeds through the system.
Thailand Rising
Alongside this, we have also seen a noticeable rise in interest in Thailand over recent weeks, particularly from Middle East-based clients looking for a bolt-hole market and an alternative to Dubai with a more emerging-market growth profile. That interest is being driven by a search for lifestyle, diversification and relative value, especially among buyers who want to balance established global cities with higher-growth regional opportunities. The broader takeaway is that investor appetite has not disappeared – it is simply becoming more deliberate, more internationally diversified and more focused on resilience. Savills estimates that global investment in the living sectors reached US$277 billion in 2025, up nearly 15% year-on-year, while CBRE’s 2026 investor survey found that residential assets are the most sought-after sector in Europe, underlining the continued appeal of income-producing housing markets worldwide.
What’s to Come?
Looking ahead to May, key things to watch will be our events in Budapest, Turkey, Nigeria and Ghana with Aldar and London Square. If you haven’t seen its fantastic Wimbledon development then take a look here – a timely addition to the portfolio just as SW19 steps up to the global limelight once more for the world’s most famous, and beloved, tennis championship. As to who will be the number one seed when the development completes in 2028 – Alcaraz or A.N Other?
We also have an upcoming launch in Liverpool, which is currently the focus of a lot of investor attention. An accessible entry-level investment in a city producing some of the highest rental yields in the UK at over 9%, Liverpool is offering the kind of growth potential we’ve seen in Manchester over recent years. Keep watch for the launch, as per current investor appetite, we anticipate this one to be in demand.
conclusion
Looking ahead to May, key things to watch will be our events in Budapest, Turkey, Nigeria and Ghana with Aldar and London Square. If you haven’t seen its fantastic Wimbledon development then take a look here – a timely addition to the portfolio just as SW19 steps up to the global limelight once more for the world’s most famous, and beloved, tennis championship. As to who will be the number one seed when the development completes in 2028 – Alcaraz or A.N Other?
We also have an upcoming launch in Liverpool, which is currently the focus of a lot of investor attention. An accessible entry-level investment in a city producing some of the highest rental yields in the UK at over 9%, Liverpool is offering the kind of growth potential we’ve seen in Manchester over recent years. Keep watch for the launch, as per current investor appetite, we anticipate this one to be in demand.
That’s pretty much it for this update. We’d like to sign off with some sage advice for those of you out there looking for ways to cut through. In this kind of market, where conditions can shift quickly, success will come from being positioned in stable locations with strong underlying demand and entering through the right structures from the outset. Please do get in touch if you’re considering a buy-to-let investment. We’re here to share our knowledge and the compelling opportunities available out there on the global stage. With our expertise at every step of the way, you can find the right property in the right place, enabling you to buy and set up your future self with confidence.
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About the author
RPA’s founder, Richard has worked in residential development investment for 20 years and oversees the general running of the business ensuring the RPA Group retains true to its founding principles. Over his career Richard has built an incredible network of international property investors and like-minded industry professionals.
Founder & Managing Director
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