Research from Sharia compliant international property finance provider Nomo, using data from property search portal Rightmove has revealed the latest trends shaping Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investment in UK residential property into 2026. The research finds that over the past 12 months:
- London remains the most attractive market for GCC buyers due to its reputation as a secure international investment hub, accounting for 23% of GCC demand.
- The popularity of the UK’s regions continues to grow, with Scotland (19%) and the North West (18%) emerging as clear favourites for Gulf residents due to lower value entry points and stronger yields.
- Demand for houses has increased by 6%, along with a 5% increase in the second stepper segment, indicating that Gulf buyers continue to view the UK as a long-term destination to relocate to for lifestyle purposes.
- Demand from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia remains similar to 2024, while interest from Qatar increased by 2% year on year. These three countries accounted for 86% of all GCC-based inquiries (to September).
The research, published in The Evolving Gulf Buyer: Why GCC Demand for UK Homes is Becoming More Strategic, examines the reasons why Gulf buyers continue to be drawn to the UK property market as we enter 2026.
Analysis reveals that global economic volatility has underscored the appeal of the UK’s longstanding political stability. For GCC clients, that assurance has helped sustain consistent investment volumes across the UK residential market in 2025, particularly within the sub-£2 million segment.
Through interviews with UK based brokers as part of the research, Nomo, which is part of Bank of London and The Middle East (BLME), found that GCC buy-to-let investors have increasingly turned to limited companies – particularly Special Purpose Vehicles – when making purchases. This is reflective of a more professional, planning led approach among Gulf residents with SPVs offering a range of advantages, including greater tax efficiency, improved estate planning and a stronger UK financial footprint.
Layla Hamidian, Head of Property Finance Sales and Servicing at Nomo, said:
“Property finance providers in the UK played a crucial role in supporting evolving GCC demand in 2025, adapting their products to better meet the needs of overseas buyers. Last year, property finance providers became more flexible in both pricing and structure, introducing higher finance-to-value ratios, cashback incentives and legal-fee support to attract and retain Gulf clients. Nomo has also evolved its offering in response to these trends, including the introduction of property finance with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 75%.
“Now in 2026, Nomo predicts that demand from the GCC for UK residential property has the potential to be boosted by falling borrowing costs and an improved macroeconomic outlook. Gulf buy to let investors should also plan carefully as the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect. With expertise in international property finance work, this is something we’ll be supporting clients with across the year ahead.”
