Fine & Country has announced a new licensee for Dubai – Mike Birkett. 

He’s been part of the Fine & Country network since 2017, beginning his career with the Fourways office in South Africa. By 2020, he became a shareholder in the business, helping it to expand steadily across five suburbs while retaining the brand’s boutique culture.

“Dubai is a hub of economic activity with few barriers to property ownership for foreigners, and its popularity worldwide is growing rapidly” explains Birkett. 

“The property market in Dubai offers strong capital appreciation, developer-backed payment plans, and a business-friendly environment that makes it one of the most exciting investment destinations globally.”

Birkett will initially focus on the city’s off-plan market, where new developments provide investors with exceptional opportunities and accessible entry points. Typically, developers request a 20% deposit followed by staged payments, with the balance due upon completion, making the market attractive to both seasoned and first-time investors.

“The property market in Dubai is very open to expats and is continuing to grow at astronomical levels. I see Dubai as the ideal investment hub for our clients, where you can have capital appreciation, great tax benefits, a warm climate, beaches and easy access to travel opportunities. It is the perfect investment hub for our international clients” Birkett adds.  

Jonathan Handford, interim managing director of Fine & Country, adds, “We are excited to see where Mike and his team can take the Dubai region. His proven experience within the Fine & Country network and his strong vision for the UAE will play an important role in strengthening our global brand. Dubai is one of the most exciting real estate markets in the world, and we are confident that Fine & Country Dubai will provide an exceptional service to both local and international clients.”