For GCC Investors
Acquiring London property
from the GCC.
CM2 helps buyers based in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman make better-informed decisions about London residential property — from agreeing the mandate to completion, usually without needing to travel.
London property is not automatically profitable. CM2's role is to show you the evidence, the costs and the risks, so the decision is yours and well-informed. Typical allocations from £500,000.
What GCC Buyers Should Weigh
The considerations, stated plainly.
Legal title and process
England has a well-established conveyancing process and title registered at HM Land Registry. There is no general restriction on overseas ownership of residential property. A UK solicitor handles the legal work, and purchases can usually be completed remotely.
Currency — a factor, not a reason
Most GCC currencies are pegged to the US dollar, so the sterling cost of a London purchase moves with GBP/USD. Exchange rates can move in either direction during an off-plan period or a holding period, affecting both entry cost and eventual sale proceeds. CM2 does not treat currency as a reason to buy.
Tax and running costs
Non-UK residents pay a 2% Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge, and a further surcharge applies if you already own residential property anywhere. Rental income and gains can be taxable in the UK, and UK residential property is within the scope of UK inheritance tax. Service charges and letting regulation affect net returns. Take independent tax advice before committing.
Developer choice
Many GCC buyers already know Aldar Properties from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Aldar owns London Square, a London residential developer — a familiar name is useful context, but each London development still needs to be assessed on its own merits.
How CM2 Helps
Better-informed acquisition decisions.
01
Mandate
Budget, purpose (income, capital preservation, family use, education), location, horizon and risk tolerance.
02
Research and assessment
Comparable pricing, rental evidence, running costs, supply and exit considerations — estimates labelled as estimates.
03
Focused shortlist
A small number of London options that fit — and, where relevant, Abu Dhabi or Dubai alternatives for comparison.
04
Acquisition support
Reservation, due diligence coordination, communication with the developer, and coordination with your solicitor and tax adviser.
CM2 operates on the buyer side while receiving compensation from participating developer partners, including Aldar Properties and London Square. You are not charged a fee by CM2. CM2 does not provide regulated legal, tax or financial advice.
Closer to Home
Abu Dhabi and Dubai, assessed the same way.
For some GCC buyers the right acquisition is local. CM2 works selectively in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, mainly with Aldar Properties developments, and applies the same evidence-led assessment — including off-plan, supply and currency considerations.
Private Consultation
Start with your mandate.
Tell us your budget, purpose and timeframe. Julian Noble will review your enquiry personally and arrange a confidential consultation.