Photo:DXB
Dubai’s real estate market has received a major boost after two of the world’s biggest private equity firms, Permira and Blackstone Inc., announced a $525 million investment in Property Finder, one of the leading real estate platforms in the Middle East. The deal, confirmed on September 9, 2025, shows that global investors see Dubai as a strong and promising market, even at a time when analysts expect slower growth in housing prices.

A Big Step for Property Finder

Property Finder was founded almost twenty years ago. Today, it is one of the largest online platforms where people can search for houses, apartments, and offices in Dubai and across the region. The platform connects buyers, renters, and real estate agents, and has grown to compete with other big names like Dubizzle and Bayut.

Over the years, Property Finder has expanded beyond Dubai to several countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Its growth has attracted the attention of large international investors. In 2018, General Atlantic, another global investment firm, bought a stake in the company, helping Property Finder expand its operations.

The Deal in Detail

The new $525 million investment will give Permira and Blackstone a minority stake in the company, meaning they will not control the business but will hold an important share. As part of the deal, General Atlantic will sell part of its holdings but still keep a significant stake.

The involvement of three major firms—Permira, Blackstone, and General Atlantic—means Property Finder will now have access to financial strength, global expertise, and international networks. This support is expected to help the company improve its services, grow its technology, and expand into new markets across the MENA region.

The valuation of Property Finder after this deal has not been made public, and the agreement will still need approval from regulators.

Why Dubai Attracts Global Investors

Dubai has become a global hotspot for property investment. Between 2020 and 2024, residential property prices in the city jumped nearly 70%, according to Knight Frank, a real estate consultancy. Much of this growth is due to government reforms, such as easier visa rules, longer residency permits, and policies that attract skilled workers and foreign investors.

Dubai has also positioned itself as a business and tourism hub, with strong infrastructure, international schools, and world-class healthcare. These factors have encouraged many families and investors to buy homes in the city.

However, some experts believe that Dubai’s property market may slow down. A report by Fitch Ratings earlier this year warned that housing prices could fall by double digits in 2025 and 2026. Despite this, the new investment shows that global firms are still confident about Dubai’s long-term prospects.

Permira’s First Step in the Middle East

For Permira, this is the first investment in the Middle East. The company recently opened an office in Dubai’s financial district, which is home to global banks, investment firms, and regional headquarters. This move shows Permira’s growing interest in the region, where wealth funds and private investors are becoming more active in global markets.

By choosing Property Finder, Permira is betting on a platform that combines technology with real estate services—two industries that are both expected to grow strongly in the Gulf.

The Role of Private Equity

Private equity firms like Permira, Blackstone, and General Atlantic play a major role in shaping businesses. They provide not just money, but also management experience, global contacts, and long-term planning. For Property Finder, their involvement could mean better technology, improved customer experience, and faster growth across the region.

It also strengthens Property Finder’s reputation, as having the backing of three of the world’s biggest investors gives confidence to partners, agents, and customers.

A Look at the Bigger Picture

This deal comes at a time when Dubai is trying to position itself as a global hub for investment. Post-pandemic reforms have helped attract both companies and individuals, while mega-events like Expo 2020 put the city on the world map.

Last year, Property Finder also raised $90 million from Francisco Partners to buy out an earlier investor. That move strengthened its balance sheet and gave it more control over its future. With this new deal, the company now has a solid foundation to expand further in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and beyond.

What This Means for the Future

With $525 million in fresh funding, Property Finder is expected to:

Expand services across the Middle East and North Africa.

Invest in technology, making it easier for people to search for and buy homes.

Build new partnerships with real estate agents, banks, and developers.

Strengthen its market position against competitors like Dubizzle and Bayut.

For Dubai, the deal underlines that foreign investors still see the city as a strong and safe place to put their money. Even if short-term price drops happen, the long-term outlook remains positive.

Conclusion

The investment by Permira and Blackstone in Property Finder is more than just a business deal. It is a sign that Dubai’s real estate market continues to attract global attention. For Property Finder, it means new growth opportunities, stronger services, and better technology. For Dubai, it reinforces the city’s role as a hub for real estate and international finance.