Property Finder, known as a leading property portal across the Middle East and North Africa, has announced a significant strategic investment totaling $525 million. Permira leads the funding round with substantial participation from Blackstone Growth. This infusion of capital marks a pivotal moment for Property Finder, reinforcing its position as a leader in the region’s rapidly evolving property classifieds sector.
The investment represents a meaningful minority stake and signals strong confidence in Property Finder’s long-term trajectory. It also reflects a broader endorsement of the company’s vision and execution by some of the world’s most experienced investors in digital marketplaces. General Atlantic, which has been a key shareholder since 2018, has partially exited its position while maintaining a substantial minority interest. Together, Permira, Blackstone, and General Atlantic bring a wealth of global experience and a proven track record in scaling online classifieds platforms, including their shared involvement in Adevinta ASA, one of the largest players in the space.
Property Finder has built its reputation by consistently delivering a trusted, user-centric experience for millions of people navigating the real estate landscape. Its platform offers a deep and diverse inventory of listings, supported by advanced technology and AI-driven tools that simplify the process of buying, selling, and renting homes.
The company’s commitment to innovation has enabled it to become the most preferred property portal in the MENA region, with the UAE serving as its most significant and active market. Valued at approximately $160 billion in 2024, the UAE real estate sector is projected to grow by around 13 percent over the next five years, offering significant upside for platforms that can meet the demands of a digitally savvy and increasingly mobile population.
This latest investment will allow Property Finder to accelerate its growth strategy, expand into new markets, and deepen its technological capabilities. With access to Permira and Blackstone’s global networks and operational expertise, the company is well-positioned to scale its platform and capture emerging opportunities across the region. The transaction also highlights the increasing importance of digital transformation in the real estate sector, as consumers and industry stakeholders alike seek more efficient, transparent, and data-driven solutions.
Advisors/counsel: This deal remains subject to customary approvals. J.P. Morgan acted as the sole placement agent to Property Finder and General Atlantic on the transaction. Moelis & Company served as Independent Financial Advisor to Property Finder, with Axis Arbor Partners acting as Debt Advisor. Cooley acted as Legal Advisor to Michael Lahyani. Citigroup Global Markets Limited acted as sole advisor and Clifford Chance as Legal Advisor to Permira. Weil, Gotshal & Manges were Legal Advisors for General Atlantic. Dechert acted as Legal Advisor to Blackstone.
KEY QUOTES:
“This partnership represents a defining moment in Property Finder’s journey. By welcoming Permira and Blackstone alongside General Atlantic as strategic investors, we are accelerating our mission to reshape real estate across the region through technology, AI, and an industry leading property platform. This investment is a clear vote of confidence in Property Finder, in the UAE, and in the vast opportunity ahead. I want to thank our customers and partners, users, regulators, and the incredible Property Finder team whose dedication continues to fuel our growth story.”
Michael Lahyani, CEO and Founder of Property Finder
“We are delighted to partner with Property Finder, a market leader in one of the most dynamic property markets. This investment builds on our track record of backing leading digital platforms with powerful network effects and deep consumer engagement. Property Finder’s scale, technology, and brand trust creates a strong platform to capture long-term growth as the MENA real estate sector digitises. For Permira, this investment in the region – following the opening of our Dubai representative office – underscores both our conviction in the market opportunity and our confidence in the significant growth potential of the business, led by an exceptional management team.”
David Erlong, Partner, Global Co-Head of Consumer at Permira
“We are excited to be supporting Property Finder´s management team given the sustainable, structural drivers fuelling the growth of Property Finder going forward, and to bring global best practices to support the company’s continued expansion across the MENA region.”
Robert Hou, Vice President at Permira
“We are excited to partner with Property Finder, a clear market leader with a strong track record of innovation in the MENA region’s property sector. This investment reflects our confidence in the company’s growth potential and our commitment, together with Permira and General Atlantic, to supporting its mission to make property search and transactions more seamless for consumers and partners alike. It also underscores Blackstone’s long-term conviction to invest in high-quality businesses across the region.”
Paul Morrissey, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone Growth
“We are proud to have supported Property Finder’s journey for over six years, helping it flourish into a leader in MENA’s classified property marketplace. Today’s transaction allows us to crystallise part of the value created, while importantly, we remain strongly invested in Property Finder´s future. Property Finder is well positioned to continue its growth trajectory, and we look forward to partnering with Permira and Blackstone to unlock the next phase of expansion for Michael and the team.”
Chris Caulkin, Managing Director and Head of Technology for General Atlantic in EMEA
