Property
For NRIs living in the Gulf, real estate in India has always been a much-preferred mode of investment, thanks to steady returns compared to other options.
Due to the rupee-dollar fluctuations, NRIs have gained an upper hand over domestic buyers as the value of property has decreased by up to 35 per cent. “Property investments in India are believed to be the smartest move for the long term. If an investor keeps a horizon of two-three years, he can get a guaranteed return of 25-30 per cent,” says Sunil Jaiswal, property expert and CEO of Sumansa Exhibitions, the organisers of Indian Property Show in Dubai and elsewhere.
Investing in real estate in Dubai can be a profitable decision too. “India and the UAE are two different markets and there is a huge difference in pricing,” says Jaiswal. “A two-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina (below), for instance, will cost a buyer Dh2.2 million whereas a two-bedroom apartment in any of the metro cities (except south Mumbai) in India will cost him only Dh530,000. Despite this, Dubai continues to be one of the favourite property destinations for NRIs since it has a lot to offer in terms of infrastructure, services and strategic location.”
Gold
The demand for gold peaks during the Diwali season, as many consider it auspicious to invest in precious metals during this time. But, what’s the return?
“Jewellery, though by far the most traditional and dominant form of buying gold for Indians, is not a good investment as far as our personal finance goes,” says Sandi Saksena, Sales Manager, Nexus Insurance Brokers.
“It is only an expense for pleasure, symbolising wealth. There are heavy losses in the form of wastage and making charges, from 10 to 35 per cent. Real estate and equities beat gold squarely on the capital appreciation front giving returns of about 11 per cent over inflation since 1979,” adds Saksena.
Agrees Allirajah, of Acuma. “As expat Indians increasingly become aware of the concept of asset allocation and diversification, gold has less influence. For any NRI looking to invest, gold should not feature more than 5 – 10 per cent of his overall portfolio.”
For savvy investors, buying bullion bars or coins is a good option, say experts.
Bonds and shares
Diwali is an auspicious occasion to invest in shares and bonds. “Buying direct stocks of companies on any stock exchange is a high-risk investment and is for people who have an in-depth understanding of how the stock market works and are aware of its risks and rewards,” says Saksena. The better option is to start a systematic savings and investment plan for education/marriage for the children or a retirement plan taking advantage of fluctuations in the stock markets to buy up more units. “These investment vehicles give you exposure to stocks, bonds and commodities and they are more affordable than building a portfolio with an investment or stockbroker,” Saksena says.
Pamper
What better time to make yourself a priority than the festive season? Commemorate the festival of lights by investing in a collector’s timepiece. “This is always a good time to buy a luxury watch that will probably see you through generations,” says Dipesh Depala, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The Qode, a luxury PR and events agency in Dubai. An Audemars Piguet or a Bulgari Octagono in rose gold should certainly be on your wish list.
The uber-stylish Rosemin Manji, who is no stranger to the luxury business and owns luxury brand consultancy company RR and Co, says one of Manish Malhotra’s designs, available at Studio 8, can be a great gift. His Reflections show last month has some stunning numbers, she says. For men a range of Jodhpuri trousers by Raghavendra Rathore are the perfect pants to flaunt on Diwali.
All women know that you don’t need an occasion to buy shoes, but this is a good chance to get the deliciously decadent Gianvito Rossi pointed heels. The pair can be yours for Dh2,235.
After all the shopping, indulge in some stay-at-home pampering with the luxurious Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask by La Prairie — it makes your party-worn skin feel better than new.
Gifts
Gifting forms an integral part of the festivities. But, while it can be fun and put a serious dent in your festive budget, it is also perhaps the most difficult of purchases. Depala suggests gifting your closest buddies a Bottega Veneta trolley bag in brown. “It is always a good proposition, especially ahead of the travels this holiday season.” Another thoughtful gift for a hostess is the Michael Aram serving tray available at Harvey Nichols for Dh400. And since everyone is probably receiving jewellery this time of year, says Manji, why not give someone a jewellery box. Nada Debs designs the most luxurious mother of pearl and wood boxes — available at Harvey Nichols for Dh3,850.
Home
Diwali isn’t complete without a string of house parties. And the It home isn’t complete without a Hossein Rezvani rug, the 21st-century equivalent of the Persian carpet. Marcos Cain, Managing Director of Stickman Design, known for his contemporary and edgy interiors, suggests a new spin on lights with elaborate to minimalistic candleholders and shades from around the world — the lotus-shaped floating candle stand from Delhi-based designer boutique Viya Home; glazed spinning lamps from Johanna Tammsalu from Estonia’s; Arteriors Home in Dubai’s wall scones and pendant lamps; and Dutch-Iranian designer Siba Sahabi’s candle stands made of paper and felt.
