The short answer
Compare like-for-like properties, time periods and total costs. Neither a larger transaction total nor a faster-growing headline establishes which individual property is right for you.
- Purchase evidence
- Completed transactions, not just asking prices
- Income evidence
- Comparable rents, vacancy assumptions and recurring costs
- Delivery
- Completed and off-plan properties assessed separately
- Exit
- Likely future buyer, competing supply and sale costs
Do not confuse activity with return
A transaction count measures activity; transaction value also changes with prices and the mix of assets sold. Neither tells you the net return on a specific unit. This briefing does not claim that capital is moving from one city to the other: that would require a defined dataset and analysis.
Make a comparable basket
Use ADREC and DLD as source starting points. Choose a consistent period, property type, size range and completion status. Keep a record of exclusions. If one sample is dominated by villas and another by small apartments, their average prices do not form a fair city comparison.
Bring the comparison back to your brief
Create a side-by-side list of shortlisted properties with evidence dates and unresolved questions. Evaluate intended use, cash commitments, ongoing costs and flexibility. A city can be attractive while a particular purchase remains unsuitable.
Sources & scope
Official sources support the factual references on this page. No live inventory, current valuation, guaranteed return, finance approval, legal conclusion or residency approval is claimed.
For general information only. Obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances before committing funds. Content is reviewed and dated so readers can distinguish current evidence from assumptions.