A study by RAW Capital Partners found that the UK property market is attracting a wider range of international investors than previously thought.
The survey found that 35% regularly work with clients outside the UK, while 48% do so occasionally.
Additionally, only 5% never deal with international clients.
Most brokers, about 60%, reported an increase in overseas demand over the past five years, and 63% expect this demand to grow or stay stable in the next five years.
Brokers dealing with international clients cited Europe and the Middle East and UAE most frequently, each mentioned by 30% of brokers over the past five years.
North America followed at 25%, with Far East Asia at 23%.
Despite more attention on the Middle East, Far East, and US investors, demand from other regions remained strong.
Tim Parkes (pictured), CEO of RAW Capital Partners, said: “When we think of international investors purchasing UK properties, we often assume the buyers are based in places like the UAE, Hong Kong or the US.
“However, our research indicates that international demand for UK property investments is actually really diverse.
“The problem is that investors coming from places like Africa or even Eastern Europe are poorly served by the mortgage and specialist finance markets, with many lenders choosing to focus primarily on high-net-worth (HNW) investors from the traditionally dominant markets.”
Parkes added: “This overlooks the fact that there are emerging middle classes in these regions, and these affluent investors are often drawn to the stability and historical strength of UK property as an asset they want in their portfolios.
“For the market to keep pace with the changing nature of the global investment landscape, brokers and lenders must collaborate to broaden their offerings and develop financial products that accommodate a wider range of borrowers.
“In doing so, they can expand accessibility to not only benefit investors but also drive more meaningful growth in the UK property market in the months and years ahead.”
