Affluent Indians Are Turning to Overseas Luxury Real Estate as the Ultimate Safe Haven

Image: Dubai Tourism

For generations, real estate has been one of the strongest symbols of wealth in India. From family estates to city apartments, property has always represented stability and prestige. But today, the story is no longer limited to Indian soil. In 2025, overseas luxury real estate is fast becoming the ultimate safe haveAffluent Indians Are Turning to Overseas Luxury Real Estate as the Ultimate Safe Havenn for affluent Indians. What was once considered a lifestyle statement—a villa in London, an apartment in Manhattan, or a penthouse in Dubai—is now viewed as a long-term store of wealth.

The shift is clear: global properties are being valued not only for their exclusivity and comfort but also for their ability to protect and grow wealth in uncertain times. Amidst stock market volatility and economic unpredictability, India’s high-net-worth individuals are putting their money into homes, apartments, and even islands abroad, confident that these tangible assets will appreciate in the years to come.

Rising Interest in Global Property

The numbers speak for themselves. According to the 2025 India Luxury Residential Outlook Survey by India Sotheby’s International Realty, the proportion of affluent Indians showing interest in overseas real estate has doubled in a single year, from around 10 to 11 per cent to an impressive 22 per cent. This surge highlights a growing belief that international property markets are a safer and smarter investment compared to financial instruments that are vulnerable to sudden changes. Owning property abroad also provides something that stocks and bonds cannot—a sense of security and lifestyle flexibility. Families can use these homes for holidays, business stays, or even as a second base, all while benefiting from long-term appreciation in value.

Interestingly, this surge in Indian investment comes at a time when prime property prices worldwide have continued to rise, despite the economic slowdown in 2024. Indian billionaires and ultra-rich families are not just buying apartments; they are diversifying into luxury holiday homes, branded residences, and even private islands. The cost of prime property varies sharply across cities. According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report, one million dollars can buy 99 square meters of prime property in Mumbai. In comparison, the same amount will only secure 32 square meters in Singapore, 34 square meters in London and New York, 44 square meters in Shanghai, and 78 square meters in Dubai. These differences highlight two trends: Indian metros are still relatively undervalued on a global scale, while at the same time, demand for rare, high-quality property abroad continues to rise.

The Big Three: London, Dubai, and New York

When it comes to where Indian capital is flowing, three destinations continue to dominate: London, Dubai, and New York. London has always attracted Indian buyers with its historic ties, world-class schools, and cultural life. New York, with its thriving business ecosystem and status as one of the world’s most resilient property markets, continues to be a favourite for those seeking a global foothold.

Dubai, however, has carved out a unique space. Its zero-income tax regime, simplified regulations, and open-door residency policies make it especially attractive to Indian investors. In addition, the city’s luxury lifestyle and central location between East and West add to its appeal. As Akash Puri, Director International at India Sotheby’s International Realty, explained in an interview with Outlook Money, prime central London saw annual price growth of 2.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, while New York’s Manhattan luxury market posted a 3.1 per cent year-on-year rise. Dubai, meanwhile, is benefiting from consistent inflows of Indian wealth due to its tax advantages and strong investor ecosystem.

Beyond the big three, other markets are beginning to draw attention as well. Hong Kong, for instance, is seeing a surprise comeback. Foreign ownership has surged, with a 54 per cent month-on-month increase in property transactions. This momentum is being driven by improved affordability and favourable government policies, making it an attractive destination for long-term investors seeking value.

Dubai continues to be one of the most dynamic markets for Indian capital. In 2024, prime residential prices in the city rose by 6.8 per cent, and forecasts suggest an even sharper rise of 15 to 20 per cent in 2025. Much of this growth is being supported by policy reforms, investor-friendly incentives and the ambitious Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which is transforming the city into a global hub for luxury living and business.

A Shifting Definition of Wealth

These trends highlight a wider reality: the global luxury real estate market is proving remarkably resilient. While traditional investment assets remain subject to volatility, prime properties in leading cities continue to demonstrate stability and sustained growth. Demand is outpacing supply in many urban centres, driven by wealthy investors seeking safe havens, better quality of life, and opportunities to diversify across geographies. The result is that luxury real estate is no longer merely about prestige—it has become an essential component of wealth strategy for the world’s elite.

For affluent Indians, this marks a fundamental shift in the psychology of wealth. Prestige alone no longer defines success; security, stability, and long-term value now drive cross-border investment decisions. A home in London provides more than an address; it secures a family’s presence in Europe. A penthouse in Manhattan is not just about skyline views; it offers access to one of the most resilient and influential property markets in the world. And a villa in Dubai is more than a luxury—it is a tax-efficient, long-term investment that comes with unmatched lifestyle benefits.

As markets fluctuate and wealth strategies evolve, one thing is clear: international prime real estate has become the most reliable symbol of secure affluence for India’s elite. It offers not only financial resilience but also the freedom, flexibility and global reach that define modern luxury. In the new era of wealth management, owning property overseas is no longer about owning more—it is about owning smarter.