Berlin Tech Founder Acquires AED 15M Dubai Hills Villa for Family
Dubai Hills Estate • 44 days to close • 40% cash, 60% mortgage
The Client
German family relocating from Germany.
The Challenge
A Berlin-based SaaS founder wanted to relocate his family (wife + 3 children) to Dubai to access regional markets (MENA, South Asia) and establish a holding company with tax advantages. He needed: (1) a family-sized villa in a gated community with international schools nearby, (2) a 60% mortgage on a non-resident income base (German company), (3) school enrollment coordination (three different grade levels), (4) partner visa/sponsorship setup for his wife (career transition planning), (5) currency hedging on AED exposure. Previous brokers couldn't coordinate the non-resident mortgage with school logistics.
Our Approach
We positioned a Dubai Hills villa (AED 15M) with proximity to GEMS World Academy and Dubai Hills School. For financing, we structured a 60% mortgage (AED 9M) through a specialized international business lending desk at FAB, which accommodated German-sourced income documentation (tax returns, company accounting records translated to English). We coordinated a 45-day approval timeline (vs. standard 60 days) by pre-submitting documentation during SPA negotiation. For family relocation, MRK engaged: (1) school enrollment team (coordinated applications across three schools, expedited admissions), (2) Dubai Health Authority medical assessment (family health screening for visa sponsorship), (3) family visa structuring (wife as dependent, children as dependents under parent sponsor), (4) corporate setup advisory (Berlin company to establish a UAE holding company with DIFC registration for IP/licensing income). We also provided business orientation: tax zones, VAT, corporate governance.
The Outcome
Closed AED 15M in 44 days. Mortgage approved at 4.4% fixed (40-year term). All three children enrolled in schools with September 2025 start dates (preschool through Grade 4). Family visa and Golden Visa sponsorship approved in parallel with property registration. The founder established a DIFC-registered international holding company and relocated his family by August 2025. Tax optimization through the holding company structure is projected to save ~AED 350K annually on regional licensing/IP income. The family is now actively exploring second property investments for portfolio diversification (Marina rental units and Palm Jumeirah land development).
Key Results
"Moving a family internationally requires seamless coordination across real estate, schools, immigration and tax. MRK didn't just sell us a housethey managed the entire relocation. That's why we're already planning our second investment with them."
Services Provided
Privacy Notice: Client identities have been anonymized at their request. Transaction values, timelines and outcomes are accurate as recorded with the Dubai Land Department. This case study is presented to demonstrate MRK Real Estate's capabilities and expertise in complex transactions. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.