Whatever your preference for investment, be it property, equities or commodities, buying when a market is in a downturn will usually get you a lot more for your money and offer more room for potential growth. Currently, UAE based-investors looking for potential investments have another advantage which is the strength of the Dirham.

This advantage, along with reduced finance costs on mortgages held in most overseas markets, has led to a number of clients looking for property investment opportunities not just in Abu Dhabi but also overseas. With interest rates down, investors with money in the bank are looking for immediate rental yields and ‘second homers’ are thinking more seriously about potential retirement/holiday homes.

With the dirham pegged to the dollar, the US offers investments which are secure from fluctuating exchange rates. However, Europe, in particular, is also currently very attractive with the dirham hovering at around Dh 5.5 to the UK pound and Dh 4.85 to the Euro. In response to a number of enquiries from clients looking for overseas property, LLJ Property has formed an association with Cyprus-based PIW. This will allow us to offer clients potential investment opportunities with a high level of service in one of the most favoured European destinations.

It is our view that Cyprus offers good investment potential for many of the same reasons we feel that Abu Dhabi is so strong. These include a highly advantageous tax regime and incentives, a strong demand for land and property from both end-users and investors, a robust and growing tourism industry, first class medical and health care, low crime rate and excellent year-round climate with 340 days of sunshine a year.

Cyprus also has one of the fastest growing property markets in Europe with prices still highly competitive in comparison to other European Mediterranean destinations. Apartments are available from Dh 507,310 (€104,600) and villas from AED 1,409,895 (€290,700). For golfers, properties on championship courses are priced from AED 751,750 (€155,000). In addition, the re-sale market on the island remains buoyant and for yield investors there are ready properties with guaranteed rental returns of 5% per year for up to 3 years, priced from AED 742,535 (€153,100).

Anyone considering Cyprus or looking for excellent investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi should contact LLJ Property on 02 495 0500 or log on to www. lljproperty.com

Jane Woods is Director of Business
Development, LLJ Property