Tax shake-up prompts UAE developer’s Australian push
BNW Developments has opened a Sydney office, the UAE developer looking to build its Australian investor base with a development pipeline concentrated across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
The company today launched its local operation, establishing a local office at Bella Vista
Wealth advisers and property investment channels are the target.
The arrival comes as Australian investors face changes to the taxation of residential property investment.
Due to take effect from July 2027, the reforms will restrict negative gearing to new residential properties and introduce changes to the taxation of capital gains.
Alternative market: BNW
BNW is positioning the UAE as an alternative market, pointing to differences in taxation, rental returns and residency settings.
The pitch centres on international diversification and exposure to the UAE’s residential development pipeline.
Dubai’s residential market is currently producing gross rental yields of about six per cent for apartments on citywide data, the group said, although returns vary materially between locations, property types and individual assets.
Ras Al Khaimah is an emerging market heavily weighted towards off-the-plan sales.
Residential transactions in the emirate totalled $5.2 billion (AED12.4 billion) across about 6600 deals in 2025, the group said, pointing to Cavendish Maxwell research (continues below).
Off-plan transactions accounted for about 85 per cent of activity, it added.
BNW sets up in Australia
Globally headquartered in Dubai, BNW says its development portfolio – its website spruiks 13 launched residential projects – has a gross development value of $13.3b (AED32 billion).
Tonino Lamborghini Residences (artist’s impression top of proposed complex) is one of its brands.
Founder and chairman Ankur Aggarwal said Australian investors were increasingly considering where capital could be deployed and the income generated from property.
“Australian investors are increasingly looking beyond their domestic market and asking different questions about where their capital can be deployed, the income a property can generate and the broader benefits of international diversification,” according to the executive.
“The UAE offers a very different proposition…combining an established international property sector with strong tourism and population growth, attractive tax settings and a pathway to long-term residency for eligible investors,” he added.
“With our Sydney office, we can bring our local market knowledge and development pipeline directly to Australian investors, while providing the level of service and guidance they expect when making an international property investment”.
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