Direct Owner Secondary Real Estate Listings in DhakaCapital of density, noiseand nonstop motion

Unlocking Opportunity: Secondary Real Estate in Dhaka for Global Buyers

Dhaka, the dynamic heart of Bangladesh, offers international investors and expatriates a compelling secondary real estate market defined by rapid urbanization, robust rental demand, and evolving infrastructure. For English-speaking professionals—from multinational NGO staff to South Asian diaspora seeking long-term returns—the allure of secondary real estate in Dhaka lies in established neighborhoods, immediate rental income, and competitive entry prices compared to new developments. Resale apartments and townhouses in sectors like Gulshan, Dhanmondi, and Banani often trade 15–25% below off-plan rates, granting turnkey access to furnished units with proven occupancy histories. Coupled with recent metro launches and planned expressways, Dhaka’s resale sector delivers both convenience and growth potential in one of Asia’s most densely populated capitals.

Market Drivers and Neighborhood Insights

Corporate and NGO Expatriates favor move-in–ready apartments in Gulshan’s diplomatic enclave or Baridhara’s lake-lined streets, where security, maintenance, and utilities are included. South Asian Diaspora Investors are drawn by yields of 4–6% in Mirpur and Uttara, underpinned by long-term leases to local professionals and students. Local Professionals and Young Families upgrading in Dhanmondi benefit from proximity to international schools such as the American International School, driving resale values upward. Strategic Landlords target emerging suburbs near MRT Line 6 stations at Agargaon and Farm Gate, where resale prices remain 10–15% below peak but promise appreciation once full service begins.

Established pockets like Gulshan offer low-rise townhomes behind leafy boulevards; resale villas here can be updated with modern interiors to command resale premiums. In contrast, Dhanmondi’s 1980s condominium blocks afford value-add potential through façade renovations and common-area upgrades. Banani’s mid-rise complexes, perched above commercial plazas, allow short-stay serviced-apartment conversions that cater to visiting corporate teams and researchers.

Legal, Tax & Financing Essentials for Non-Residents

Foreign buyers benefit from Bangladesh’s clear title registration via the Land Records and Survey Department. Ownership Restrictions generally limit freehold land purchases, but approved condominium resales are exempt once titles are clear, enabling direct apartment ownership. Stamp Duty and Registration Fees on resale transactions amount to 1–2% of assessed value plus a 1% charge, significantly lower than duties on new projects. Annual Holding Costs include property taxes capped at 1% of valuation and maintenance fees of $0.50–$1.50 per square foot per month. Financing Options include mortgages up to 60% of resale value for non-resident Bangladeshis at rates around 8–9% APR, while expatriates may leverage home-equity lines or bridge loans via international banks. Due Diligence should cover professional encumbrance searches, verification of building compliance with the Bangladesh National Building Code, and review of homeowners’ association budgets in complexes older than ten years.

Engaging licensed property consultants ensures compliance with anti-money-laundering protocols and facilitates repatriation of rental income through approved banking channels. A 10% capital gains tax applies to properties held under five years, but exemptions exist for non-resident Bangladeshis selling back to citizens, enhancing after-tax yields on resale flips.

Dhaka’s transport renaissance bolsters resale appeal. Since late 2023, MRT Line 6 has reduced cross-city commutes by over 40%, leading to 10–12% resale premiums for units within 500 meters of stations. The Dhaka Elevated Expressway and upcoming airport rail link to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport promise to alleviate congestion and shorten travel times for residents and business travelers. Road upgrades extending into Uttara and Purbachal mean resale plots on the northeastern fringe offer low-cost entry and clear growth runway.

Investors near universities in Dhanmondi enjoy a perennial stream of student rentals managed by local agencies. In Baridhara, resale luxury townhouses—once homes to diplomats—command premiums 20–25% above average Dhaka rates, thanks to their prestige and reliable occupancy during conference seasons and academic semesters.

Finally, micro-niche opportunities abound: compound developments near Gulshan Lake allow small-scale co-living conversions, while low-rise villas in Bashundhara Residential Area can be partitioned for subletting. By understanding local market nuances, leveraging favorable resale duties, and aligning purchases with infrastructure milestones, overseas investors can secure both lifestyle-oriented homes and robust investment returns in Dhaka’s evolving real estate landscape.