Demand from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) buyers for UK residential property remains resilient as the market enters 2026, with investors becoming more strategic in where and how they buy, according to research from Nomo.
Using data from Rightmove, the research revealed that London continues to lead GCC demand, accounting for 23% of interest, underpinned by its reputation as a stable, secure international investment hub.
However, regional markets are gaining ground, with Scotland (19%) and the North West (18%) emerging as increasingly popular destinations due to lower entry prices and stronger rental yields.
The findings also suggested that GCC buyers are taking a longer-term view of the UK as both an investment and lifestyle destination.
Demand for houses rose by 6% over the past year, while interest in the “second stepper” segment increased by 5%, pointing to continued relocation ambitions rather than purely short-term investment strategies.
In terms of buyer origin, demand from the UAE and Saudi Arabia remained consistent with 2024 levels, while interest from Qatar rose by 2% year on year.
Together, these three countries accounted for 86% of all GCC-based property enquiries up to September.
The report, The Evolving Gulf Buyer: Why GCC Demand for UK Homes is Becoming More Strategic, highlighted how global economic uncertainty has reinforced the UK’s appeal for GCC investors, particularly within the sub-£2m market. Political stability and legal certainty continue to be key drivers of sustained interest.
Interviews with UK brokers also revealed a shift towards more professional investment structures.
GCC buy-to-let investors are increasingly purchasing through limited companies and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), reflecting a more planning-led approach that offers 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.”
