Leading private luxury developer in the region, Damac Properties, has announced a marked increase in buyer interest in its portfolio of completed and near-completed projects across the Middle East.

It said that the Middle East is suffering from a significant shortage of quality residential properties for investment and end use, which may endure for several years.

“Reports of increasing demand are being reflected in our diminishing supply of inventory in our completed projects,” said Niall Mc Loughlin, senior vice president of Damac Properties. “At Damac Properties we have very few apartments left in our projects which have been handed over, and we are now seeing investors shift their focus to projects which are more than 60 per cent complete.”

Investor interest in the region has increased in 2011, according to property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle. However, interest remains focused on a narrow band of completed, income producing properties.

In its latest quarterly report, the consultancy claimed there is a lack of investment grade stock coming to market.

“Across the Middle East, the surge in demand for quality residential properties is outstripping the current supply,” Mc Loughlin said. “Standards of living are also changing rapidly in this region and people now expect a lot more for their money.”

The change in consumer behaviour is prompting developers, such as Damac, to pay greater attention to the quality of the finish and standard of facilities in developments currently under construction, said a statement.

“Our developments in the UAE have set a high standard for quality, and customers in other regional markets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon and Jordan, are now demanding the same level of quality and luxury,” Mc Loughlin said.

Saudi Arabia will need nearly one million new housing units over the next three years, according to wealth manager NCB Capital, while Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, says the country could face a severe shortage of quality housing this year.

In Saudi, where Damac Properties is building the 47 storey ‘Al Jawharah’ residential tower, demand for luxury apartments is growing due to a major demographic shift currently underway in the country.

The Kingdom has a very young demographic profile, with around 45 per cent of the population currently aged below 20 years, the statement said.

The young population and rapid rate of urbanisation has been a significant factor driving the real estate market, with many young professionals now looking for apartments away from the traditional family home.

“There is very strong positive sentiment about the outlook for Saudi’s economy, and that is fuelling demand for high quality properties within the Kingdom. We are seeing strong demand from both end users and investors seeking a market with high yields and plenty of scope for capital growth,” Mc Loughlin said.

In 2011, Damac Properties handed over a total of 21 buildings, successfully launched its Versace-branded residences in Saudi as well as its hospitality offering Damac Suites and Spa.

In addition, the company also won a string of regional and international awards including being named ‘Developer of the Year’ in the Big Project BGreen Awards. – TradeArabia News Service