Middle Eastern investors gain greater access to Floridian housing
Property developers are optimistic about potential Middle Eastern investment in the Floridian real estate market after Emirates introduced direct flights between Dubai and Orlando. Property expert Gareth Kenny noted that although the majority of visitors will be mainly tourists seeking to visit the state’s theme parks such as Disney World or Universal Studios, there remain a large number of people from across the globe looking to invest in Central Floridian real estate; Kenny hopes that Middle Eastern buyers will inject millions of dollars into the market. 
How Dubai flights are set to change Orlando real estate demand

The new direct flights launched early in September from Dubai to Orlando have been called a “real game changer” by Central Florida businesspeople.

The new direct flights launched early in September from Dubai to Orlando have been called a “real game changer” by Central Florida businesspeople.

And Garrett Kenny, Chief Executive Officer of top developer and agent, Feltrim Group, believes the same is true for the Central Florida real estate sector, which could see millions more invested by investors from the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

Mr Kenny was among business leaders taking part in the Florida Dubai Link trade mission held to mark the launch of the first Emirates direct flight between the two cities on 1 September.

The lifestyle and business exhibition event featured a VIP reception, seminars, networking opportunities and an exhibition at which Feltrim Group developments were promoted, including its new luxury lakeside Balmoral by Water’s Edge project.

While in Dubai, Mr Kenny also represented Feltrim at the leading Middle East Cityscape Global property show, where investors showed a keen interest in Central Florida property, particularly with direct flights now available.

Garrett Kenny says, “Everyone knows about Orlando because of Disney, Universal and our other theme parks, but we were able to tell real estate investors that the area has so much more to offer than tourism alone. It is a major hub for aerospace, life sciences and Research and Development.

“Feltrim Group real estate attracts buyers from around the world and we know that they are impressed by the quality of our developments and the rental income potential that Orlando offers as the world’s number one theme park and entertainment capital. It seems like we can now add Middle Eastern investors to the long list of interested buyers.”

It is believed that the new route could bring up to 100,000 visitors a year to Orlando, with significant benefits to the local economy and real estate sector that could be worth $100million annually.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer says, “Emirates' nonstop service to Dubai opens a new world of opportunity for Orlando to pursue tourism and business exchanges with the Middle East, Africa and Asia.”

Mr Kenny has been liberally quoted in press reports and Feltrim Group has received international publicity during the trip.

With Dubai and Florida tourism bodies keen to set up reciprocal links and business connections being formed through the trade mission, which could become an annual event, it does look indeed as if the new flight route really will help real estate demand take off.

Balmoral at Water’s Edge, in Haines County, south of Orlando, features high-end custom homes with three to eight bedrooms, set in a 113-acre private gated community featuring lakes, tranquil parks, gardens, walkways and a wide range of amenities. For more details see www.balmoralflorida.com