Declan King MRICS, Senior Partner & Group Head - Real Estate at ValuStrat

 

As a Senior Partner & Group Head of Real Estate at ValuStrat and a Chartered Valuation Surveyor with extensive experience across diverse property markets, could you introduce yourself and explain how your strategic insights address the complexities of today’s evolving real estate landscape. 

I am a Chartered Valuation Surveyor and member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). As Senior Partner at ValuStrat, I am responsible for the firm’s valuation and research functions. ValuStrat is a UAE head quartered company, originally established in Sharjah 1977 – we have since grown to become one of the largest real estate advisory businesses in the region. Our UAE offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are joined by an international presence in Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and London too.

Luxury real estate demands a blend of artistry and analytics. How do you balance data-driven analysis with the emotional and prestige factors when valuing luxury properties? 

Our Residential Valuation Department is one of the largest in the UAE – our team of valuers boast years of local & international experience in the appraisal of residential property. The valuation of high-end villas & apartments necessitates the same detailed analysis of market data as all valuations do. However, the need to appreciate local neighbourhood nuances, developer credentials, buyer preferences, current and possible future market dynamics becomes even more crucial at the top-end of the market.

Sustainability and “smart homes” dominate conversations—but what one unexpected trend will redefine luxury buyer priorities in 2026?

Although we don’t act as sales brokers, one growing trend we have seen in valuations over the last couple of years is buyer demand for fully refurbished homes in turn key condition. Rising construction costs, and heightened competition for quality contractors, has motivated many purchasers to buy fully renovated homes they can move straight in to. With the age of some established Dubai communities now reaching 20 years, upgrades are not just cosmetic – they now involve a full strip back to shell & core, with upgrades of MEP elements and installation of energy efficient systems.

Outside of the UAE, which unforeseen MENA market is poised to become the next luxury hotspot, and what’s driving its potential?

Whilst not unforeseen, the continued advancement of mega projects in KSA towards completion will likely be the next location to test international buyer appetite for luxury real estate in this region.  

How do you evaluate a luxury asset’s “timelessness” versus its short-term hype when advising investors on long-term value?

As valuers we are always looking for evidence. How is a particular district trending, how are current and future buyer demands likely to affect it? A proven location is always a great starting point, in real estate location is everything.

In volatile markets, should investors prioritize trophy assets as safe havens—or chase higher returns in emerging niches?

History teaches us that market corrections around the globe often see older more established neighbourhoods remain more resilient in downturns. That’s not to say that they too don’t experience price corrections, just that quality always remains in demand and proven areas generally bounce back first.

AI can now predict neighborhood trends and simulate designs. Which tech advancement will most disrupt how we value luxury real estate?

Improved sharing of transaction data is the single biggest advancement we need in this part of the world. Better data aids market transparency and accurate valuations. Dubai has led the UAE in this regard, Abu Dhabi has followed more recently. We really need to see all other Emirates move in this direction. As valuers we benefit from real time transaction details – information on sales & leasing prices, with their respective building & land sizes and a full property address are very useful to us. AI and Block Chain can clearly assist land departments in the collation and organisation of large data pools, and the sharing of such trusted information with all stakeholders.   

How is ValuStrat innovating to stay ahead of disruptors (e.g., blockchain for transparency, AI-driven market insights)?

ValuStrat was the very first firm in all of Africa and Asia to be awarded the prestigious RICS Tech Affiliate designation. This speaks to our use of technology in the delivery of fast turnaround times in valuation services to our bank clients, and our work in the area of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs). Additionally, the ValuStrat Price Index (VPI) was a market leader in the provision of trusted real estate indices across multiple asset classes – Since its launch in 2015, the VPI has tracked sales and rental performance for residential, office & industrial sectors in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Doha. The VPI stable of multiple indices has grown to become a widely referenced, and highly trusted, benchmark of performance property data.         

Luxury developments often face criticism for exacerbating socioeconomic divides. How can the industry reconcile exclusivity with social responsibility?

Western planning models encourage developers to deliver a wide spectrum of property types within their projects - from 1 bedroom starter apartments to larger 4/5 bedroom family homes. Thus, allowing single buyers and couples to trade-up within the same community as their lives change over the years ahead. It would be good to see this approach become more common here. There has also been some success in the incorporation of subsidised lower income sales & rental units within schemes, to better provide housing supply to all, and encourage improved socio-economic integration. 

How do you envision RISE Expo bridging gaps in cross-sector collaboration or innovation within real estate and how could this elevate the UAE’s position as a global magnet for high-impact investments? 

Any forum that brings together stakeholders in the real estate sector is to be welcomed – the sharing of ideas between government departments, developers, contractors, investors and all the various consultants that operate within the property sector will surely help identify solutions and improve market dynamics.   

To know more about ValuStrat, visit www.valustrat.com