From the UK to Dubai: Quitting Your 9-5 and Finding Financial Freedom

In this episode of Taking Care of Business, Lewis sits down with an unexpected agent - Gilles Bindels, a property developer turned real estate agent.

A highly successful developer across Europe and Dubai, Gilles has swapped the world of large-scale development for a new challenge as a real estate agent with Allsopp & Allsopp Private Office.

He reflects on his early start in property during his 20s in Monaco, his experience navigating the commercial real estate market in Luxembourg through the 2008 financial crisis, and his move into Dubai’s luxury property scene. Gilles also discusses his current focus on high-growth areas like waterfront communities, the power of specialised market knowledge, and why true expertise makes all the difference when working with clients. For a different perspective from someone who’s been on the other side of the deal - this is the episode for you!

The Start of the Real Estate Journey

Gilles Bindels shares his fascinating journey from being a small child on construction sites in southern France to becoming a key player in the booming real estate markets of Monaco and Luxembourg. He takes us back to his origins, where his love for property development was born, leading to his investments in Monaco during an era of explosive growth.

Riding the Monaco Wave

The early 2000s saw Monaco’s property market double, if not triple, due to its correlation with the stock market. While many hesitated, Gilles capitalised on this rapid growth. Unlike volatile markets, Monaco's stability in maintaining high property values even during downturns provided a solid learning ground for Gilles’ future endeavors.

Dubai’s Real Estate Pulse

As a veteran now of the Dubai property landscape, Gilles discusses the opportunities and challenges of investing in such a dynamic market. He mentions his strategic approach of purchasing when others aren't, a tactic that served him well as property prices in Dubai soared post-2020 from very low market points.

Investing in the Future

During the podcast, Gilles opens up about his continuing investments in Dubai, highlighting his focus on upcoming developments like Tilal Al Ghaf Lagoon. As the community edges closer to realising its vibrant heart of lifestyle attractions, Gilels advocates for investments in projects that promise significant returns once completed.

The Importance of Hard Work and Passion

Gilles emphasises the core belief that hard work and passion drive success in real estate. It’s not just about cashing in but understanding the market intricately and making informed decisions based on data and gut feelings. His transition from being a property investor to a seller highlights the adaptability required in the ever-changing real estate environment.

Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Gilles leaves listeners with a testament to the vibrancy and potential of Dubai's real estate market. For those interested in diving into or enhancing their positions within the real estate sector, his insights are invaluable. Whether you’re contemplating your next big buy or selling with strategic finesse, the lessons from Gilles’ journey are both inspiring and practical.

For the full Allsopp on Air podcast episode head to our YouTube channel