• Dubai recorded 125,538 real estate transactions amounting to AED 431 billion
• South Africa itself recorded FDI inflows of $661 million in Q1 2025
Dubai, UAE – 28th October 2025 – Banke International Properties today announced the opening of its first branch in Johannesburg, The new Hyde Park Lane office brings Banke’s international expertise closer to South African clients, offering access to real estate opportunities across the UAE and other global markets.
The move comes at a time when South African investors are increasingly active in Dubai’s thriving property market. In the first half of 2025 alone, Dubai recorded 125,538 real estate transactions worth AED 431 billion, a 26% year-on-year surge, with 58% of deals driven by international investors1. South Africans have been a visible part of this trend, drawn to Dubai’s strong yields2, averaging 6–8%, among the highest globally, and the city’s reputation as a safe haven for capital3.
“South Africa has long been one of our most engaged investor bases, with strong demand for off-plan, luxury, and secondary properties in the UAE,” said Porush Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Banke International Properties. “By establishing a local branch, we are deepening that relationship, bridging markets more seamlessly, and bringing our global real estate expertise closer to clients who are looking not only at Dubai but also the UK, India, Qatar, and beyond.”
The Johannesburg branch will deliver Banke’s complete range of services, off-plan projects, secondary sales and leasing, commercial real estate, luxury property investments, portfolio management, and cross-border transactions. South African clients will now be able to tap into Banke’s international portfolio through a local hub that combines personalized service with cultural insights drawn from the company’s diverse team.
The South Africa branch will be led by Ravikant Sharma, a seasoned real estate professional with over a decade of experience across global markets. In Dubai, Ravikant spearheaded Banke’s secondary sales and leasing division, while in Ras Al Khaimah, he successfully guided high-performing teams in both primary and secondary markets. His international background, spanning roles at Eurostar, Saregama India Ltd., iYogi, and Wipro, equips him with both a global perspective and hands-on expertise to steer Banke’s expansion into South Africa.
“Launching in Johannesburg is about more than opening a new office; it’s about creating accessibility,” added Ravikant Sharma, [title to be confirmed]. South African clients want trusted guidance in navigating both domestic and international property investments. By being here, we can meet them on their terms, offer localized insights, and connect them directly to opportunities across the UAE and other global markets.”
The expansion comes against the backdrop of deepening UAE–South Africa economic ties. Between 2014 and 2024, UAE companies invested in 28 FDI projects in South Africa, worth an estimated $23.6 billion4. South Africa itself recorded FDI inflows of $661 million in Q1 2025, underscoring renewed investor confidence5.
