Latest news with #MichaelBelton
Web Release
01-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
MERED Reveals 2025 Buyer Insights on Dubai's Evolving Premium Property Market
MERED, the award-winning international real estate developer, has released new buyer insights from ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina, revealing changing expectations among Dubai's premium real estate purchasers. Compiled from direct buyer engagements in H1 2025, the analysis provides a snapshot of how high-net-worth individuals (HWNI) are navigating the city's residential market. Key Buyer Priorities The report shows that 65% of buyers emphasized privacy and exclusivity, while 60% identified architectural quality as a key factor influencing their decisions. Location and connectivity were important to 55% of respondents, with 50% focused on long-term investment value. Lifestyle-driven amenities and services ranked as a priority for 45% of buyers. In every case, investors sought insights into capital appreciation potential, underscoring that financial performance remains a core consideration. Preferred Property Types and Ownership Intent Demand is strongest for one- and two-bedroom layouts, which offer greater flexibility and are well suited to both personal use and short-term rental strategies. Ownership intent is also becoming increasingly diverse, with one dataset showing 45% of buyers purchasing for self-use, 30% for investment, and 25% opting for a hybrid model. This reflects a rising demand for adaptable property formats that can accommodate diverse buyer needs and lifestyles. Changing Buyer Demographics Buyers aged between 40 and 50 still make up the majority of the market from diverse professional backgrounds, including finance, private equity, trading, legal, and healthcare. However, a growing number of younger buyers are entering the market from emerging wealth sectors like technology, digital finance, and crypto industries. This cohort brings different expectations, favoring branded residences, functional layouts, and properties that support mobility and income generation. Amenities and Lifestyle Features in Demand More than 85% of buyers asked about amenities during their first conversations, showing strong interest in private outdoor terraces and a mix of wellness and lifestyle features. These include natural green spaces, an ice-spa, padel courts, yoga studios, indoor cinemas, and dedicated kids' play areas. Although environmental sustainability is not yet a leading motivator, there is a huge appreciation for features that enhance quality of life, such as medical-grade air filtration and ultra-purified water systems, both available at ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina. Unique Selling Points of ICONIC Residences Experienced investors who have purchased properties across Dubai were surprised to find a rare offering in ICONIC Residences. It is the only development featuring fully wooden-floor apartments and heated bathrooms, creating a carefully designed microclimate that adds an extra layer of comfort to the living experience. Speaking on the evolving profile of Dubai's premium buyer, Michael Belton, the CEO of MERED commented: 'Today's generation of investors is sophisticated and discerning, expecting timeless architecture, wellness integration, and a genuine sense of community. At MERED, we see this as an opportunity to set a new benchmark with projects that speak to ambition, identity, and the way people want to live and invest in their future.' Purchase Decision Drivers The analysis highlighted four key motivations that consistently influence final purchase decisions. Around 40% of buyers are most drawn to the architectural quality and design pedigree of the project. Another 30% cite long-term investment value and returns as their primary driver. A further 20% are motivated by lifestyle and the surrounding sense of community, while 10% are focused on the developer's track record. As Dubai continues to evolve as a global capital for investment and architecture, MERED's latest findings confirm a more sophisticated premium buyer who sees property as an extension of lifestyle and legacy. Projects like ICONIC Residences are answering that demand by offering a project that sits at the intersection of performance, personality, and prestige.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MERED unveils strategic vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025
Dubai, UAE – : MERED, the award-winning international real estate developer, outlined its long-term investment plans and strategic vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025 in Riyadh. The event, a key platform aligned with Vision 2030, brought together government bodies, giga project leaders, and private sector executives to discuss development, contracting, and talent-building opportunities within the Kingdom's fast-growing construction and real estate sectors. As part of MERED's participation, CEO Michael Belton joined a fireside chat where he shared insights into the company's market entry approach and growth plans for the Saudi market. 'The Kingdom's rapid urban and infrastructure growth is reshaping residential demand and creating new opportunities for long-term development,' said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED. 'Vision 2030 and ongoing economic diversification are driving strong demand across residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors, supported by investor-friendly reforms. In major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, we're seeing increased interest in premium and luxury living, as well as growing demand for Class A office spaces that reflect the ambitions of a modern business environment. MERED is well-positioned to meet these changing market needs through high-quality, innovative developments that offer lasting value.' Yazan Al-Khalidi, Chief Commercial Director at MERED, joined a panel alongside leading developers, consultants, and contractors to discuss workforce capabilities and the skills required to deliver Saudi Arabia's giga projects efficiently and at scale. The Kingdom's real estate sector is projected to contribute 10% to GDP by 2030, while non-oil economic activity now accounts for over 50% of national GDP. Knight Frank's Saudi Report 2025 reveals that 93% of high-income Saudi nationals are actively seeking to buy property, reinforcing the country's ambition to build a competitive luxury real estate market. Alongside its growth plans in Saudi Arabia, MERED is supporting the development of future architectural talent in line with the region's broader goal of equipping young people with in-demand skills. As part of this effort, the company is sponsoring a select group of students to attend the Pininfarina Architecture Summer School in Turin this July, through its partnership with the prestigious Pininfarina Academy, founded by the renowned Italian design house. The program offers hands-on training and exposure to international design practices, giving participants valuable experience they can apply to architectural projects across the region. MERED's participation underscores its broader commitment to supporting the Kingdom's real estate ambitions through innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer. With a pipeline of projects already launched in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including the 290-meter ICONIC Residences designed by Pininfarina, the brand is well-positioned to introduce high-end, future-ready developments to the Saudi market. About MERED: MERED is an international real estate developer pioneering a new era of luxury living. The brand fosters strong partnerships with top-tier architects, contractors, and service providers, sharing a commitment to their values and create immersive lifestyle experiences, fusing automotive, yachting, wellness, elite sports, and fashion into high-energy, ultra-luxury communities. Its international team of visionary experts, driven by strategic cooperation, develops the real estate sector scout for a revolutionary branded residence concept, to transform urban living and set new benchmarks in the International real estate sector.
The National
11-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Money and Me: ‘I became a millionaire at the age of 35'
Michael Belton, chief executive of property development company Mered, grows his wealth by spotting attractive opportunities in real estate and investing in them early on. The American, 55, who was born and raised in Alaska, worked in Russia for more than 20 years and has been in the UAE for six months now. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in arts and political science and went to Russia on a foreign exchange programme and 'fell in love with everything there'. Mr Belton started working for Hines, America's largest property development company, in 1993, and was with them for eight years in Russia. He started as a leasing consultant and ended as the head of development after 10 years. He also had a short stint in Saudi Arabia, where he worked for the giga project Qiddiya as head of development for one of their business units. 'The parent company of Mered is headquartered in Russia and has been involved in real estate development for 25 years, predominantly in residential real estate, and built more than three million square metres of space,' he says. 'They saw the market in Dubai as one where they could add value with their expertise. They are a master developer like Aldar and Emaar and have the capabilities and cash flow to expand in a new market.' Mered is currently developing three properties, one in Dubai and two in Abu Dhabi, with a total sales value of $1.4 billion. 'Since my arrival in October as chief executive of Mered, we have sold $120 million worth of apartments in Dubai,' says Mr Belton, who lives in Dubai's Bluewaters Island with his wife and a daughter. I grew up in a middle-class American family with hard-working parents. We had enough for the essentials. I admired my wealthy New York relatives and learnt that dressing smartly could positively influence people's impression of me. I learnt the value of money and education by seeing them and going out with them. Like most Americans, my first job was when I was 12, delivering newspapers. My first professional job was with Hines in Moscow, earning $1,500 a month. No, I'm a very curious person, so the harder I worked, the more responsibilities I was given and the more I was able to earn. I've received consistent salary increases through promotions due to hard work. There are always cycles in the real estate market, but I've somehow been shielded from many of them. As we are in the business of residential real estate, we understand where the market is headed. So, I'm able to buy in early at a good price to get attractive investments that I take advantage of. I hire financial managers to reinvest those profits. Real estate development is a more high-risk profile, but that's why the returns are usually 30 per cent to 40 per cent on my investment. I also have a very wide investment portfolio, which is preserved more for growth and not for quick returns. My financial managers aim to offer me 6 per cent to 8 per cent returns, so it's a very different risk profile, and it's something that is more generational for me as an investment. I am neither, instead, I am an earner. I'm more focused and interested in finding ways to earn money. I reinvest earnings in short-term, mid-term and retirement vehicles. As far as saving, I try to save money every month and invest it. I'm not a shopper. I believe so. You make some mistakes, you make some good choices. But overall, when I see what I started with and where I am now, what I'm able to pass on to my children, I would say, it's been pretty good. Investing in myself and my business, specifically purchasing properties I develop. I founded my own business in 2007 called Storm Properties and sold it to one of the largest home builders in Europe in 2008. The majority of my wealth is created due to the sale of that company. No. I value people and experiences over physical possessions like cars or jewellery. I'm not attached to houses, apartments or cars. I have many of them, but when I sell them, I don't have much attachment to them. It's an important tool to provide comfort to my family and me, especially in later years. The more money you make is not equivalent to how happy you are as a person. Many people have lots of money and are miserable, and some people have no money and they're happy. Start investing in residential properties earlier. I wish I had bought my first property when I was 25 years old. Many of them cost $50,000 then and five years later, they were worth around $500,000 to $600,000. Also, maximise pension contributions to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement products. I always maximised my 401(k). By putting in maybe $300 to $400 a month when you are younger, you don't notice the money going out. But after doing it for 25 years, there's millions of dollars in my pension fund because of that. Flying business class, staying in five-star hotels and enjoying dinners with friends without budget limits. It's not necessarily to go out and buy a new Patek Philippe watch or a new Lamborghini, but I derive pleasure out of these comforts for me, my family and friends. Becoming a millionaire by age 35. I'm 55 years old and fairly wealthy. My goal is to continue to grow my family's income to pass on to the next generation. I don't have a goal to become a billionaire. It's not my thing. Financially, I've hit all the goals that I set for myself. Right now, I'm at the age where legacy is more important for me. I'm a real estate developer, so I want to build beautiful projects, which will stand for many years after I'll be gone. I enjoy taking my children around to see a project when the foundation is being poured, and then, when the building's up, they come back five years later and say: 'Wow, my dad built that.' That's my goal. It's not financial anymore. I also own three properties. I plan to maintain two to four properties, buying and selling as market conditions allow. I aim to own a property at a ski resort in Switzerland or Montana.
ME Construction
20-02-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
MERED eyes expansion into Saudi real estate market
Property MERED eyes expansion into Saudi real estate market By The developer's leadership team will engage with government agencies, investors, and developers alike, exploring new partnerships and expansion opportunities in the Kingdom Developer MERED has set its sights on real estate investments in Saudi Arabia. The move is said to align with the country's ambition to transform its real estate landscape through innovation, infrastructure, and international expertise. Backed by its sound financial foundation and experienced local team, the developer is committed into engaging with Saudi youth, adopting knowledge transfer, and unlocking the potential of the next generation, said a statement from the developer. Michael Belton, CEO of MERED commented: 'Saudi Arabia is the next frontier for luxury real estate, and MERED is ready to redefine the market as we continue expanding our portfolio of prime real estate. As both local and foreign investors show a growing appetite for buying property in the country, our experience with high-end developments and international expertise uniquely positions us to increase our exposure in the biggest Gulf economy. We're bringing bold ideas, strategic partnerships, and a fresh vision that blends innovation with Saudi Arabia's vibrant future. MERED and the PIF-run Private Sector Forum's goals go hand in hand to spur growth and prosperity in the nation.' Saudi Arabia's real estate sector is experiencing growth driven by upcoming global events such as Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034, alongside other ongoing efforts under Vision 2030. The sector's contribution to Saudi GDP is expected to increase from 5.9% in 2024 to 10% by 2030, according to Standard & Poor, while non-oil activities have surpassed 50% of Saudi Arabia's real GDP, a historic shift in the Kingdom's economic transformation, said the developer in its statement. The recent opening of the Two Holy Cities, Mecca and Medina to foreign property investment marks a significant milestone in incentivising the development of a vibrant luxury real estate market, the statement highlighted. From the 290m ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina in Dubai to a waterfront project in Abu Dhabi, MERED is now prepared to introduce groundbreaking developments in Saudi Arabia, designed for a cosmopolitan, high-net-worth lifestyle. The developer said its leadership team will engage with government agencies, investors, and developers alike, securing new partnerships and expansion opportunities in Saudi Arabia to deliver premium, future-forward projects that meet the evolving needs of the market.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MERED to bring luxury real estate to Saudi market, showcasing vision at Private Sector Forum 2025
Dubai, UAE – MERED, the award-winning international real estate developer, is set to participate in the Private Sector Forum in Riyadh on 12-13 February 2025 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center. Organized by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the event serves as a platform for fostering collaboration between the private sector and the Saudi government as the Kingdom accelerates its Vision 2030 economic diversification goals. With a strong track record in delivering high-end developments, MERED has set its sights on strategic real estate investments in Saudi Arabia. This aligns with the country's ambition to transform its real estate landscape through innovation, world-class infrastructure, and international expertise. Backed by a strong financial foundation and a highly experienced local team, the developer is committed to engaging with Saudi youth, adopting knowledge transfer, and unlocking the potential of the next generation. Michael Belton, CEO of MERED commented: 'Saudi Arabia is the next frontier for luxury real estate, and MERED is ready to redefine the market as we continue expanding our portfolio of prime real estate. As both local and foreign investors show a growing appetite for buying property in the country, our experience with high-end developments and international expertise uniquely positions us to increase our exposure in the biggest Gulf economy. We're bringing bold ideas, strategic partnerships, and a fresh vision that blends innovation with Saudi Arabia's vibrant future. MERED and the PIF-run Private Sector Forum's goals go hand in hand to spur growth and prosperity in the nation.' Saudi Arabia's real estate sector is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by major global events such as Expo 2030 in Riyadh and FIFA World Cup 2034, alongside other ongoing efforts under Vision 2030. The sector's contribution to Saudi GDP is expected to increase from 5.9% in 2024 to 10% by 2030, according to Standard & Poor's, while non-oil activities have surpassed 50% of Saudi Arabia's real GDP, a historic shift in the Kingdom's economic transformation. The recent opening of the Two Holy Cities, Mecca and Medina to foreign property investment marks a significant milestone in incentivizing the development of a vibrant luxury real estate market. From the 290-meter ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina in Dubai to a game-changing waterfront project in Abu Dhabi, MERED is now prepared to introduce groundbreaking developments in Saudi Arabia, designed for a cosmopolitan, high-net-worth lifestyle. At the forum, the developer's leadership team will engage with government agencies, investors, and developers alike, securing new partnerships and expansion opportunities in Saudi Arabia to deliver premium, future-forward projects that meet the evolving needs of the market. About MERED: MERED is an international real estate developer pioneering a new era of luxury living. The brand fosters strong partnerships with top-tier architects, contractors, and service providers, sharing a commitment to their values and create immersive lifestyle experiences, fusing automotive, yachting, wellness, elite sports, and fashion into high-energy, ultra-luxury communities. Its international team of visionary experts, driven by strategic cooperation, develops the real estate sector scout for a revolutionary branded residence concept, to transform urban living and set new benchmarks in the International real estate sector.
