Property Talk from Louise's Lounge

Exclusive Links Podcast, Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information, and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.

We are excited to announce that Episode 33 of Property Talk from Louise's Lounge is now live! This episode promises to be one of our most insightful and valuable yet, featuring an esteemed guest who is a cornerstone of Dubai’s business community.

Meet Our Guest: Neil Petch, Founder & Chairman of Virtugroup

Neil Petch is one of the most highly regarded entrepreneurs in Dubai, known for his visionary leadership and his role in establishing over 70,000 businesses in the UAE. As the Founder and Chairman of Virtugroup, Neil brings a wealth of experience in company formation, angel investment, and strategic business growth. His contributions to the business landscape in Dubai are unparalleled, making him the perfect guest to discuss the incredible opportunities of Dubai’s Golden Visa.

Episode Highlights:

• Who can get a Golden Visa: Understanding the criteria and categories.
• How to apply: A step-by-step guide through the application process.
• Costs involved: Detailed breakdown of the investment and fees required.
• Validity: Information on the duration and renewal process.
• Fantastic opportunities: How a Golden Visa can enhance your business and lifestyle in Dubai.
• Expert insights and tips: Neil’s advice on navigating the Golden Visa application smoothly.
• Success stories: Real-life examples of individuals who have thrived with a Golden Visa.

As Neil aptly puts it, “It’s priceless.”

Why You Should Tune In:

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in making the most of Dubai’s vibrant opportunities. Whether you’re considering applying for a Golden Visa or simply curious about the benefits it offers, this episode will provide you with invaluable insights.

👉 Subscribe and listen now ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Qw926q

Tune in to discover how a Golden Visa can transform your future in Dubai. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear from one of Dubai’s foremost business experts and start your journey towards a brighter future.

Thank you for being a valued listener of Property Talk from Louise's Lounge. We hope you enjoy this episode and find it as enlightening and inspiring as we did.

Exclusive Links Podcast, Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information, and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.

We are excited to introduce our guest for this episode, Ronan Lynch, CEO of Mortgage Solutions. With over 16 years of experience in finance and real estate, Ronan brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. He started his career in the UK and moved to Dubai in 2008 to join Mondial, specializing in financial planning and wealth management. Ronan holds qualifications from the London Institute of Banking & Finance and is currently expanding his expertise in International Trade Finance.

In this episode, titled "Finding Your Place in Dubai’s Mortgage Market," host Louise Heatley and Ronan Lynch delve into the intricacies of securing a mortgage in Dubai. This episode covers:

📘 Understanding the Mortgage Process: A step-by-step guide for newcomers to Dubai.

🏦 Why Use a Mortgage Broker?: The added value of brokers compared to direct bank dealings.

📉 Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Flexibility for managing significant increases in monthly installments.

🌍 Non-Resident Finance: Availability and restrictions for various nationalities.

🏗️ Off Plan Mortgages: Eligibility, timing, and lending options.

🏡 Equity Release: Utilizing equity from UK properties for investments in Dubai.

Discover the world of mortgages in Dubai with our expert insights. From understanding loan options to navigating fluctuating rates, we provide comprehensive coverage. Stay informed about the latest trends and government initiatives shaping the Dubai real estate market.

Don’t miss out on this invaluable discussion! Tune in to gain essential insights into the Dubai mortgage market. We look forward to your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.

Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to [email protected].

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. 

Joining host Louise Heatley on Episode 31 of Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is none other than Dr. Sohaib Shahid, Founder of Bespoke Options Academy. With a PhD in economics and over a decade of experience in finance and real estate investments, Dr. Shahid brings unparalleled expertise to this episode. From his tenure at the IMF and World Bank to features in top media outlets like the Financial Times and Reuters. 

In this episode, Louise Heatley, with her 19 years of market expertise, explores how to 'Scale Up Your Real Estate Portfolio Through the Stock Market' alongside Dr. Sohaib Shahid. Together, they uncover the synergy between Dubai's real estate market and stock options, offering valuable insights and strategies for wealth-building. From the importance of diversification to the fluidity of investments, Dr. Shahid's personal stories and expert advice are invaluable for navigating the complexities of the financial landscape and maximizing investment opportunities. 

• Dr. Sohaib Shahid shares the strategies that are taught at Bespoke Options Academy 
• Why is investment diversification so important? 
• Gain knowledge across the multiple asset classes and how to remain fluid in your investments   
• Louise questions what the minimum investment is needed to get started - financially and in time  
• Why are more people not growing their property portfolio through income from stock options?   
• Dr. Sohaib Shahid addresses any scepticism and shares worst and best-case scenarios

Tune in to gain invaluable insights and strategies for optimizing your investments, bridging the gap between real estate and options trading and unlocking new avenues for wealth generation.

"Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to [email protected] 

Step into the world of Exclusive Links with the dynamic duo Louise and Zarah, as they celebrate their 2023 triumph at the Property Finder Awards and set the stage for an exciting Dubai property market in 2024. In this episode, explore the foundation of their winning concept, uncover their strengths and weaknesses, and gain insights into the challenges and highlights of the Dubai real estate market in 2023. Discover their ambitious plans for 2024 and tap into their valuable learning curves

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. 

Today we go live with Episode 29 of our Podcast “Elevating and Educating the Dubai Real Estate Industry.” Louise is delighted to be joined by guest Silvia Eldawi - an esteemed professional in the real estate industry since 2002 and founder of PROPOLOGI. Silvia is no stranger to podcasting as she also hosts her weekly podcast called ‘Golden Nuggets with Silvia Eldawi.’  Silvia is striving for better agents and a better industry and has mentored more than 750 property professionals in the UK, UAE and KSA. Her exceptional efforts have earned her over 50 recognition awards and regardless of all of this, she still oozes personality, passion and a whole lot of energy

• So what is PROPOLOGI?  How is Silvia hoping to impact on the current state of the real estate market in Dubai? 
• What are the main differences Silvia notices between London and Dubai real estate agents? 
• Why do people have a common misconception about the Dubai real estate market? 
• Silvia is becoming the Mary Poppins of the industry, helping agents stand out from the crowd. How and why? 
• Louise and Silvia talk about the current state of the industry, the training available and how PROPOLOGI is hoping to contribute to an improved property landscape
• With much experience between them, both ladies discuss their hopes for a more improved industry
• What impact do commission-only salaries have on the long-term experience of agents in the market? 

Thank you Silvia for spending time with Louise chatting through many facets of the market and how it is perceived - where it is today and how you would like to see it evolve in the future into a more educated industry.       

Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to [email protected]  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. 

Today we go live with Episode 28 of our Podcast “Navigating the Property Sales Progression Maze” where host Louise Heatley is joined by two of her managers, Michael Cullen and Saleh Maktabi. With 13 years in the industry,  Michael has been with Exclusive Links for the past 5 years and holds a key management role within the company and is vital to the continued success of our retail property shop in the Marina. Joining Michael on the couch is the newest member of the Exclusive Links management team, Saleh Maktabi.  Saleh joined our team as Head of Sales Progression with 21 years of knowledge in conveyancing, property transactions and banking.  An expert in his field, Saleh is already making waves as a consummate professional who is appreciated by our customers and members of our team. 

• So what are the biggest changes that have evolved in the property transfer process over the past 10 years? 
• Hear some of what now seem archaic, processes from the past on property transfers and lost title deeds.  
• Saleh delves into the origins of trustee offices and their immense benefits for agents and clients within the Dubai market. 
• Louise is interested to know more about the Dubai Land Department Vault. How does this speed up the transfer process? 
• What other services are offered at the 14 registered trustee offices throughout Dubai? 
• Hear the trio expertly clarify Property Sales Progression and the benefits for buyers and sellers in the Dubai market.
  
  
  

Thank you Michael and Saleh for spending time with Louise explaining to our customers what is the role of a Sales Progressionist and how this service is a must-have when transferring property ownership in Dubai.    

Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to [email protected]

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. 

Today we go live with Episode 27 of our Podcast “Communities, Comparisons & Contradictions” and Louise is honored to have return to our podcast for a third time Zhann Jochinke.  Zhann had previous international real estate experience in New York before taking his career to the next level as CEO of Keller Williams Dubai & Middle East. He then transitioned out of the brokerage side of the Real Estate industry and into the PropTech and FinTech segments as COO role of Property Monitor, the UAE’s leading real estate data analytics and market intelligence platform.  At the end of 2022 the Cavendish Maxwell Group, the UAE’s preeminent real estate advisory and largest property valuation firm, acquired a majority stake in seeing Zhann expand his responsibilities serving an additional role as Director of Market Intelligence & Research within the Group. Zhann - or certainly the predictions he makes or statements he shares - have made him a household name in the Dubai property industry and the marketplace waits every month for his monthly report on how communities, pricing and segments of the market are performing. 

• So how many of the predictions that Zhann made in 2022 are bang on the button - or not? 
• What happened in March and May of this year to cause property mayhem? What is the prime driver? 
• Louise talks with Zhann about the latest Emaar mega community Oasis and of course the much anticipated Nakheel Palm Jebel Ali that are soon to hit the market. 
• So if we are in the growth and expansion stage of the cycle at the moment - what comes next? 
• How can corporation tax benefit the Dubai property market? 
• Zhann talks us through some of the evolving must watch developments including a few of his favoritie communites. 

Thank you Zhann for yet again gracing the couch of Louise’s Lounge and for your contribution to our podcast and the Dubai property industry.   

Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to [email protected]  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. 

Exclusive Links has always worked closely with the regions leading property portal Property Finder and through the years we have supported their vision of a better industry. At the end of 2022, owners of Exclusive Links Louise Heatley and Zarah Evans took home a win in the Women in Leadership category at the Property Finder Awards.  Therefore it comes as no surprise, that Louise was asked by Sevgi and Property Finder to get on board with their SheForShe mentorship program aimed at creating the next generation of female leaders in the industry. 

Today we go live with Episode 26 of our Podcast  “Mentoring Female Leaders in Real Estate” where Louise welcomes the Chief Marketing Officer at Property Finder, Sevgi Gur.  These two ladies have been spending quite a bit of time together since International Womens Day on 8th March.  Sevgi is the driver behind the first-ever female mentorship initiative launched by Property Finder to support more female leaders in the real estate industry. Louise is one of the female titans chosen to lead this 6 months program where she will share her insights and perspectives and coach aspiring female stars. Sevgi joined Property Finder 2 years ago and it soon became evident that the real estate industry in the UAE, especially at a senior level, is very male-dominant. She was also meeting more and more female leaders who were ‘shaping and shaking’ the industry. Property Finder supported her idea of making the industry better through diversity and introduced this program, SheForShe.  

• Did you know that women make up 60% of the real estate industry workforce in Dubai? But they account for only 3% of its leadership.
• Louise asks Sevgi the million-dollar question - why is there a minority in female leadership? 
• So what did the male real estate leaders in Dubai think of this initiative?  Will Property Finder be launching a HeForHe program in the future?
• What support will be provided by Property Finder and the mentors as aspiring female leaders are chosen to grow and develop through this program? 
• Real Estate in general is a male dominant industry and perhaps even more in the UAE.  Why is that? 

Thank you Sevgi for your time today and for sharing with us more about your ideas behind the initiative SheForShe.  We wish you all the success with the program and also all the female applicants looking to grow as leaders in the UAE real estate industry.   

Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to [email protected]  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. 

Exclusive Links has maintained its position as a leading property management company helping owners with long term rental services now since 2005 and last year we made the conscious decision to open a new division under the company umbrella – Exclusive Links Vacation Homes.  This was not only to respond to the increasing number of tourists choosing Dubai as their destination but also to provide our managed owners with an alternative income source and profitable way to manage their rental income and property. 

Today we go live with Episode 25 of our Podcast  “Long Term V Short Term” where Louise welcomes two of her senior managers to answer some questions on the pros and cons of both long term and short term rentals.  Sarah Watmore has 27 years in the property industry both in the UK and Dubai where she has spent the last 11 years with Exclusive Links as one of our Property Managers. Sarah is joined by Anjouli Suryakumar – who this time last year was brought into the company to set up and spearhead our Short Term holiday homes division  - Exclusive Links Vacations Homes.  Anjouli joined the company with 5 years in the Dubai short term and hospitality industry and with a background as a qualified chef.  Both of these ladies bring to the table many qualities including attention to detail, discipline and strong work ethics. 

• Are you looking to make an income from your investment property in Dubai? Listen as the ladies talk through both long and short term options that Exclusive Links provide under one umbrella. 
• Did you know that Dubai was voted in the top 10 cities on Airbnb for the highest revenue in the year 2021? How is Exclusive Links Vacation Homes setting the new standards in the industry? 
• Are owners looking for assured income or higher income? Whilst both ladies look after owners and their properties - a lot lies with ‘happy’ tenants and guests. 
• When preparing short term projections, Anjoulie like to remain conservative but she is confident to offer owners at least 15-20% higher income over a year when choosing short term. She shares one case study which provided the owner with 50% higher income! 
• Sarah and Anjouli chat about the comparable products and what offers more flexibility and control to property owners - long or short term? 
• Louise asks the ladies to explain the differences in owner’s legal responsibilities and what are the legal requirements of Exclusive Links as the management company.   

Thank you Sarah and Anjouli for your time today and for sharing your experience on the differences between Long Term and Short Term rental solutions.   

Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to [email protected]  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge,  is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we go live with Episode 24 of our Podcast  “Past, Present and Future of Cryptocurrency” where Louise is joined by Jonathan Wood, Chief Commercial Officer at HAYVN.  Jonathan leads a team of Private Bankers who manage overall revenue strategy, client experience and support ecosystem. He has worked in mergers and acquisitions banking at Rothschild and later joined MEX Digital owned by MultiBank as Director of Sales.  As a new preferred partner of Exclusive Links, HAYVN is a digital asset-focused financial institution delivering payments, trading, custody, asset management and research to our global client base. HAYVN are regulated by the ADGM, AUSTRAC and the CIMA and they are the trusted partner that institutional cryptocurrency investors demand and deserve. HAYVN’s cryptocurrency ecosystem is built on unprecedented levels of transparency, security, regulatory compliance and execution capability – all in line with the services standards provided by Exclusive Links.

• Jonathan starts off his chat with Louise by explaining the basics of what is Cryptocurrency and outlines some of the opportunities and pitfalls.  
• So how can you buy a property with Cryptocurrency?  Louise is very interested in the streamlined process and security it can offer Exclusive Links customers. 
• Should we be looking at blockchain as a threat or an enabler? What is in store for future generations? 
• How does someone get into Cryptocurrency and when is the right time to invest in Cryptocurrency? Is it a get-rich-quick scheme? 
• Jonathan explains the auditability, transparency and security that come with transacting in Cryptocurrency.
• What is meant by stablecoin or tainted coin? 

Thank you Jonathan for your time today and for sharing your knowledge and experience.  We hope you enjoyed today's chat about Cryptocurrency and please get int touch with any questions. 

Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to [email protected]