Prince Ufuoma Eshalomi is the Sales Director at Powerhouse Real Estate

Prince now handles a strong portfolio of stunning Dubai properties, focusing on The Springs, The Meadows, The Lakes and Emirates Hills collectively known as Emirates Living.
He values the importance of delivering excellent customer service with quality and care. He believes professionalism is imperative in a fast-paced environment like real estate, and takes the time to really understand client needs by listening carefully and exploring all avenues to ensure maximum opportunities.

1. What, to you, constitutes luxury?

Luxury is something you can’t describe, it is or isn’t. The world has different measures for what is luxurious but the true measure is in the value, Dubai is synonymous with extravagance.

1a. And what makes a property luxurious?

A property is made luxurious when a lot of money has been spent, the marble is imported, the columns are classic and the lines symmetrical.

2. Where are the most luxurious areas of the UAE, in terms of property?

Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Bay, District One, Palm, Dubai Hills, Al Barari and of course Emirates Hills.

3. Who is buying luxury properties? Where are they from?

Celebrities, entrepreneurs and investors; Pakistan, India, USA, Russia, Europe – Mainly British, Italian and German.

4. What do you see as the trends in luxury property?

Typically views of the sea, golf course, lakes, lagoons or landmarks.

5. How did you get into luxury property sales?

Followed my client’s needs, as I started renting properties above the 1 million mark, then started selling properties above 50 million.

6. Is luxury property still a good investment?

Yes, of course, investors are buying in choice locations, completing the renovations and then leasing for a year or short-term holiday letting. The biggest rental in Dubai was in Emirates Hills for 7.5 million AED and a six-month rental on the Palm for 4 million AED

7. How would you advise someone looking to buy a luxury property – what should they look for, and what are the most important factors to consider?

It’s only considered luxury when it’s exclusive and hard to get, the views are 360 degrees, the architect is known in the hottest circles, and the furnishings have been imported from the best locations.

8. Do you think Dubai and the UAE are now synonymous with luxury property?

Dubai is one of the most luxurious cities in the world, it’s on par with Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris and Singapore.

9. And let us in on uber luxury – those one in a million properties – what sort of features do uber luxury properties include, and what sort of clientele?

The uber luxury properties that are being talked about at the moment have everything down to bowling alleys, cinema, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, helipads, underground parking for more than 15 plus cars, working kitchen/show kitchen, the list goes on and on.

10. Have you sold any properties to celebrities?

I haven’t sold to any celebrities, but I’ve sold to politician’s (politically exposed individuals) and super wealthy business people.