In a dynamic global property landscape, where investment flows are increasingly transcending borders, Indian investors have emerged as one of the most influential buyer segments in international real estate. Among the many destinations that attract their attention, Dubai continues to stand out—not just for its world-class infrastructure and tax efficiency, but for its deep cultural and economic ties with India. At the forefront of this cross-border investment wave is HowToDXB Real Estate, a decade-old brokerage firm with a strong presence in both Dubai and Mumbai.
Founded by Aditya Earnest John, HowToDXB Real Estate has built its reputation on trust, transparency, and technical excellence. What truly differentiates the firm is its end-to-end, compliance-led advisory model—combining deep market knowledge with in-house financial expertise. By bridging the gap between Indian taxation laws and Dubai’s real estate dynamics, the firm ensures that every transaction is both profitable and structurally sound.
With a clear vision to create a seamless bridge for investors across the UAE, India, and beyond, HowToDXB Real Estate stands as a trusted guide for global wealth creation.
In this exclusive interaction, he shares his insights on the evolving trend of cross-border investments, Dubai’s enduring appeal, and the data-driven future of real estate advisory.
Here are the excerpts from the interview.
1. Can you share a brief overview of your company’s journey and what sets it apart in the real estate brokerage space?
We are a ten-year-old real-estate brokerage with offices in both Dubai, & Mumbai allowing us to operate seamlessly across two key markets for our clients.
What sets us apart is our end-to-end, cross-border advisory model. While many Dubai agents market properties to Indian buyers, few understand Indian taxation and compliance. We bridge that gap with in-house Chartered Accountants in both cities and a dedicated FEMA consultant, ensuring every transaction is structured correctly from India’s perspective.
At the same time, many Indian agents who pitch Dubai real estate lack on-ground knowledge of the Dubai market. Having lived and invested in Dubai for over 18 years, our team brings deep cultural and market insight. From purchase to leasing and property management, everything is handled in-house, giving clients a single point of accountability. We’re not just agents—we’re investors ourselves, and we advise the way we would invest our own capital.
2. How do you see the trend of cross-border real-estate investments by Indian HNIs evolving over the next few years?
The trend of cross-border real-estate investments by Indian HNIs is set to grow exponentially in the coming years. Wealthy Indians today think globally—they travel widely, educate their children abroad, and want their portfolios to reflect that same global perspective.
Dubai has become the natural base for this diversification. Its location—just a short flight from most major global cities—makes it an ideal hub.
Add to that its reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, backed by world-class infrastructure and one of the lowest tax regimes among developed economies, and the appeal becomes clear.
The introduction of the Golden Visa, providing long-term residency to property owners and entrepreneurs, has further transformed Dubai from an investment market into a destination for living
Indian cross-border investment into Dubai isn’t just a trend—it’s the foundation of a new wealth strategy.
3. What factors make Dubai one of the most preferred destinations for Indian investors today?
Indians have long been part of the Middle East’s growth story—right from blue-collar professionals to top CEOs. In fact, Indian passport holders accounted for nearly 22% of all real-estate transactions in Dubai last year, and Indians represent about 37% of the city’s total population. This connection is built on decades of trust, opportunity, and shared ambition.
The reasons behind this enduring love for Dubai are clear. First, the lifestyle—a cosmopolitan environment that offers safety, convenience, and world-class living. Second, the opportunity—a dynamic economy supported by transparent regulations.
Third, tax efficiency—a system with zero property tax and no capital gains tax, allowing wealth to compound freely.
Fourth, currency stability—investing in Dubai is effectively investing in the U.S. dollar, since the dirham is pegged to it, offering a hedge against rupee depreciation.
Fifth The introduction of the Golden Visa, providing long-term residency to property owners and entrepreneurs makes them feel welcome and a part of dubai
And perhaps most importantly, Dubai feels emotionally familiar. It’s a place where Indian culture, food, and values coexist with a global lifestyle. For many, Dubai represents the perfect balance—“home away from home,” yet full of global opportunity.
4. How is data-driven advisory reshaping client confidence in international property investments?
One of the most remarkable aspects of Dubai’s real-estate market is its transparency. The Dubai government has built a system where every investor—big or small—has access to real, verifiable data. Since 2012, transaction records for every area, building, and even individual apartments are publicly available, including historic sale prices, & rental returns. This level of openness is unmatched globally.
At our firm, we rely heavily on this data. My partner Mahesh Kevalramani, a former analyst at Ernst & Young, brings a research-driven approach to every recommendation. Every property we propose is benchmarked against comparable transactions and projected for expected rental yields using both historic and live market data.
This combination of transparent data, strong investor protection laws, and Dubai’s proven delivery record over the past two decades has completely reshaped client confidence. It turns property buying from a speculative decision into a data-backed, science-driven investment.
5. What are your future plans for expanding your presence and services across global markets?
When we started our advisory firm a decade ago, our worldview was simple—Dubai represented something truly unique: a city offering safety, low taxes, world-class infrastructure, and the freedom to live and express oneself in a modern, forward-thinking way. That balance of opportunity and openness became the foundation of our business philosophy.
We believe that in the next decade, global capital will increasingly move eastward. While the West faces structural and economic challenges, the Middle East and Asia are emerging as the new centers of wealth creation.
We’re already active across the UAE—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah—and are closely tracking Saudi Arabia’s transformation, which presents enormous promise once the next phase of projects matures.
With offices in Dubai, Mumbai, and Singapore, our next step is expanding to London, creating a seamless bridge for east-west investment. Our vision is to be the go-to advisory for clients seeking clarity, transparency, and global reach—while staying rooted in trust, integrity, and personalized service.
