Nomo’s analysis of the latest Rightmove search data shows sustained interest from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)[1] residents looking at UK homes. At a time when many buyers are seeking stability and diversification, the UK’s reputation as a trusted destination for international capital remains a significant advantage.
The UAE continues to lead regional demand, accounting for 47% of all GCC searches for UK residential property.[2] This reflects the strength of an established buyer base, including expats, with long-standing personal and business ties to the UK.
The search data also indicates continued interest in regional UK markets, with Milton Keynes and Liverpool both ranking high. This aligns with the findings from Nomo’s recent thought leadership report, The Evolving Gulf Buyer: Why GCC demand for UK Homes is Becoming More Strategic[3], which found that GCC residents are no longer focusing solely on traditional prime postcodes. Many are now assessing a wider range of locations based on affordability and yield potential.
The recently announced UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement could add further momentum to Gulf residential investment in the UK.[4] Expected to boost the UK economy by £3.7 billion a year and strengthen cooperation in financial services, the agreement will further consolidate the close economic and cultural bonds that exist between the UK and the Gulf.
As Gulf buyers continue to look to the UK for long-term value, demand for specialist, Sharia’a-compliant property finance is likely to remain strong. To support this demand, Nomo recently launched Nomo Academy, a platform which offers training and resources for brokers working with GCC residents looking to finance UK property purchases. The Academy will be holding its next Sharia’a finance “myth-busting” webinar on June 17.[5]
[1] The six GCC countries are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
[2] Rightmove 2026 Q1 data
[3] nomo-the-evolving-gulf-buyer-jan-2026.pdf
[4] UK and Gulf strike historic multi-billion-pound trade deal – GOV.UK
[5] Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
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