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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Will US tariffs cast a shadow over Trump's luxury-branded residences and affordable housing?
Geopolitical tensions could weaken the appeal of one of the most recognisable names in ultra-luxury branded residences, Trump, say real estate experts. While the brand has long been associated with exclusivity, luxury benchmarks, and global prestige, current political and diplomatic headwinds may challenge its positioning. Some experts, however, argue that its role is largely limited to setting luxury benchmarks, with minimal impact on the actual project. Geopolitical tensions may dent the appeal of Trump-branded luxury residences in India, despite the brand's long association with exclusivity and global prestige. (Representational Photo)(Unsplash ) At the other end of the market, proposed US tariffs on Indian exports could dampen affordable housing sales. According to real estate consultancy Anarock, the tariffs may hurt small businesses and reduce the incomes of their employees, a key buyer segment for homes priced up to ₹45 lakh. 'Homebuying is known to be a sentimental decision. The geopolitical situation in India has had an impact on the brand Trump, and it would undoubtedly hurt the sales,' said a senior executive at Knight Frank India, noting that brand perception plays a critical role at the top end of the housing market. While the Trump name has long been associated with exclusivity, luxury benchmarks, and global cachet, the ongoing political and diplomatic headwinds could challenge its positioning, he said. Others believe that the brand's role is largely limited to setting luxury benchmarks, with minimal influence on the actual project. 'High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) tend to look beyond the name on the door,' said Anuj Puri, chairman of ANAROCK Group. 'The brand has little to do with the actual project other than setting luxury benchmarks, a fact which actually works in their favour. These buyers focus on the overall value proposition: location, amenities, quality of construction, and exclusivity. Moreover, supply in these towers is extremely restricted, ensuring continued demand from a niche audience.' Also Read: RBI holds repo rate at 5.5% amid Trump tariff pressures; Home loan demand may rise during festive season Limited supply, exclusive access Experts say that Trump-branded residences in India are sold in very limited numbers and are marketed to a select pool of UHNIs. This makes gauging demand through traditional metrics such as open market inquiries or secondary transactions almost impossible. They say that the clientele for such homes considers multiple factors beyond branding, from long-term capital appreciation potential to the lifestyle offered. As such, even if the Trump brand loses some of its lustre, there will still be takers, they say. There are currently four Trump Tower properties in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, and Kolkata. With more launches expected in the coming months, India will have the highest number of Trump Towers, surpassing the United States. Will political optics influence luxury home buying decisions? Luxury property buyers in India are no strangers to global brands, from Armani to Versace to Trump. However, the influence of international politics on purchase decisions remains debatable. For the ultra-wealthy, experts say, the real driver remains financial stability and portfolio diversification, not political headlines. 'They would potentially be affected only if their personal finances are impacted by the economic fallout of geopolitical tensions,' Puri explained. 'Such individuals are generally able to make decisions without being dictated to by such considerations. All that said, we will have to wait and see how much, if any, of the brand's sheen erodes, thus bringing down the overall value proposition." India's luxury housing market has been expanding steadily, driven by a rising class of globally exposed entrepreneurs, executives, and investors. Branded residences, often developed in collaboration with luxury fashion houses, design studios, or celebrity personalities, have become a distinct segment, offering not just homes, but status. Also Read: The Trump Organization has partnered with leading Indian developers, earning nearly ₹175 cr from seven projects: Report Sales of affordable homes may be hit with likely impact of US tariff on MSMEs employees: Anarock According to realty consultant Anarock, affordable home sales are likely to be hit by the proposed US tariffs on Indian exports. This will hurt small businesses and the incomes of their staff, who are major buyers of housing properties costing up to ₹45 lakh. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for a significant chunk of goods exports to the US, and a higher tariff will make their products less competitive. This will result in reduced business orders and, in turn, adversely impact the staff employed by these enterprises. ANAROCK data shows that in H1 2025, affordable housing accounted for just 18% of total sales, about 34,565 units out of 1.90 lakh sold across the top seven cities. This marks a sharp decline from 2019, when the segment held over 38% of the market. The segment, defined as homes priced at ₹45 lakh or less, is heavily dependent on demand from MSME and SME workforces, which could be severely affected by the U.S. tariffs. Prashant Thakur, executive director, Research and Advisory, ANAROCK Group, said the tariffs could significantly reduce future income for this large workforce, curbing demand further and potentially leading to higher loan defaults in the segment. "This category of homes priced ₹45 lakh or less was already gravely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and is still struggling to find any semblance of firm ground. Trump's mercenary tariffs will snuff out even the dimmest ray of hope for this segment,' he said. Experts say that because of the disruption in this large workforce's future income thanks to the tariffs, affordable housing demand may very possibly derail and further impact sales in this highly income-sensitive segment. "Because of the disruption in this large workforce's future income thanks to the tariffs, affordable housing demand may very possibly derail and further impact sales in this highly income-sensitive segment," Thakur said. Further, he added that this would curtail launches of affordable homes by developers. 'Concurrently, such a drop in demand will curtail launches by developers, who will have to contend with tighter working capital due to lower sales. As it is, they have been grappling with serious input cost inflation since the pandemic," Thakur added.
India.com
04-08-2025
- Business
- India.com
India's richest people's secret revealed! 60% of super-rich invest money in only these 2 things, they are…
The widening gap between the rich and the poor in India can be seen in a recent report. Global asset management firm Bernstein revealed in its report that the top 1% of the country's wealthy population holds nearly 59% of the total wealth. These individuals primarily focus on just two investment sources, where they allocate most of their money. The report refers to them as the 'uber rich,' which includes Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNI) and High Net Worth Individuals (HNI). India's 60% Uber-rich's Wealth In Real Estate And Gold Around 60 per cent of India's Uber rich wealth is still parked in real estate and gold, according to a report by Bernstein. Uber rich individuals include Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNI), High Net Worth Individuals (HNI), and the Affluent class. The report stated 'Uber Rich own approx. USD 2.7 Tn in serviceable assets, approx. 60 per cent wealth still parked in real-estate & gold'. As per the report, India's total household assets are valued at USD 19.6 trillion. Out of this, USD 11.6 trillion, which is 59 per cent, is held by the top wealth bracket referred to as the 'Uber Rich'. This group includes the Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNI), High Net Worth Individuals (HNI), and the Affluent class. 1% Hold 60% Of Total Assets Together, they account for just about 1 per cent of Indian households but hold 60 per cent of the total assets and 70 per cent of the financial assets in the country. Of the USD 11.6 trillion held by the Uber Rich, only USD 2.7 trillion is considered to be in serviceable financial assets like direct equity, mutual funds, insurance, and bank or government deposits. This USD 2.7 trillion is defined as the 'Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM)' for wealth managers, suggesting that this segment of financial assets can be actively managed, advised on, or invested. As per report, the remaining USD 8.9 trillion is parked in non-serviceable assets such as physical real estate, gold, promoter equity, and currency assets, areas that are traditionally not managed by wealth managers or are harder to reallocate easily. (With Inputs From ANI)
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DBS appoints Loic Voide as head of Private Banking for Middle East & Africa
Singapore – DBS Bank today named Loic Voide to the newly-created role of Head of Private Banking for Middle East & Africa (MEA), effective 1 August 2025. He will be based at DBS' branch in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Voide was most recently Chief Executive Officer and Chief Country Officer of Deutsche Bank (Switzerland). Prior to that, he served as co-CEO and Head of Private Banking for MEA. A veteran of the wealth management industry with deep expertise in the MEA region, Voide has held senior positions at several leading private banks including UBS Wealth Management and Credit Suisse. At DBS, Voide will report to Vikas Jaidka, Region Head (Middle East, Africa, NRI), DBS Private Bank, and be responsible for driving growth and performance across the region, with a focus on ultra-high net worth clients and their families. Said Shee Tse Koon, Group Head of Consumer Banking and Wealth Management, DBS Bank: 'The growth of our wealth management franchise is underpinned not only by Asia's burgeoning wealth but also our ability to facilitate capital and wealth flows between the Middle East, Asia and beyond. We are therefore delighted to have Loic on board. Loic brings with him a wealth of experience and will play an integral role in taking our private banking business in the region to the next level. We will continue to strengthen our franchise by adding to our talent pool and investing in technology, as part of our commitment to providing bespoke wealth solutions via our award-winning 'phygital' model.' DBS operates in the Middle East through its branch at the DIFC. The Dubai presence offers many advantages, including being a vital gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Africa – two key wealth corridors that anchor the bank's global wealth management footprint. In recent years, DBS has also observed a growing trend of Middle Eastern families establishing family offices in Asia, with Singapore and Hong Kong – where the private bank's booking centres are located – emerging as preferred destinations. Dedicated wealth planning teams support these clients with customised legacy and estate planning services to meet multi-generational needs. Leveraging its award-winning 'phygital' model and world-class wealth platform, DBS serves private banking clients across the GCC and Africa with tailored investment advisory and bespoke portfolio diversification solutions. The bank also advises clients on both their personal and business needs through its integrated 'One Bank' approach, allowing them to tap into its corporate and investment banking capabilities to expand their businesses across Asia. As at April 2025, DBS' high net worth assets under management stood at USD 236.6 billion, placing third in Asian Private Banker's Asia 2024 AUM league table. Most recently, DBS was named 'World's Best Private Bank for HNW' and 'Asia's Best Private Bank' by Euromoney and 'Best Private Bank in Asia for Family Offices' by Professional Wealth Management. These accolades are an endorsement of DBS' wealth proposition, strong culture of innovation and client focus. About DBS DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world. Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named 'World's Best Bank' by Global Finance, 'World's Best Bank' by Euromoney and 'Global Bank of the Year' by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named 'World's Best Digital Bank' by Euromoney and the world's 'Most Innovative in Digital Banking' by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the 'Safest Bank in Asia' award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024. DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region's most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience. With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Michael Page's UAE 2025 Salary Guides unveil key hiring insights
Dubai: Leading global recruitment firm Michael Page, part of FTSE 250-listed PageGroup, has released its highly anticipated 2025 Salary Guides, offering a comprehensive analysis of the UAE job market. Drawing on in-depth research and real-time data across 17 industries, the guides provide valuable insights into hiring trends, salary benchmarks, and recruitment challenges facing businesses today. UAE Job Market Trends With salaries remaining a top concern for both employers and employees, understanding hiring trends has never been more critical. According to the latest insights from Michael Page, skill shortages continue to be a key challenge for hiring managers. In the past year, 37% of business leaders reported difficulties in finding candidates with the right expertise, while almost one in three (30%) faced challenges in retaining talent. Nearly half (48%) cited aligning salary expectations with candidates as their biggest hurdle. Jon Ede, Regional Director UAE at Michael Page, comments, 'In today's dynamic business landscape, companies are facing mounting pressure to attract and retain top talent. The growing skills shortage, increased demand for specialised expertise, and changing employee expectations are forcing businesses to rethink their hiring strategies. Offering a well-rounded package – including benefits, career development opportunities, and workplace incentives – can help businesses stand out from the competition.' Most In-Demand Roles in Banking and Finance The UAE's growing asset management sector, coupled with increased investor interest, regulatory advancements, and a rise in Family Offices and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), has fuelled demand for banking and finance roles. Fundraising and institutional sales professionals are particularly sought after for their industry expertise and regional networks, with businesses. Meanwhile, compliance professionals with FSRA and DFSA authorisation are also in high demand, with Chief Compliance Officers and MLROs being one of the most sought out high paying roles. Key Trends in Sales and Marketing The UAE's sales and marketing sector has also seen steady growth [CW1], particularly within B2B industries. Increased investments in technology, real estate, energy, and logistics have contributed to a rising need for experienced professionals. Key roles such as Business Development Manager, Chief Commercial Officer, and Strategic Sales Director remain highly sought after, with business development, key account management, and communications skills being particularly valuable. Ede concludes, 'The hiring landscape in the UAE is evolving rapidly, and businesses that embrace adaptability will be the ones to thrive. Employers who take a strategic approach, leveraging data-driven salary benchmarks, will position themselves for long-term success.' For businesses looking to gain deeper hiring insights, download the Michael Page UAE Salary Guide here. PR and Marketing contact for Michael Page Middle East: Taronish Dastoor Marketing Manager taronishdastoor@
