Real Estate: Unique Properties Strengthens Leadership Team

Experienced real estate professionals Chris Jones and André Henry Watson join the company as Sales Directors

Unique Properties, a 16-year-old Dubai-based real estate agency for over 16 years, has expanded into the secondary market. Having secured 36% of its transactions in this segment since January 2024, the company has brought on board Chris Jones and André Henry Watson as Sales Directors. With their combined expertise, they will spearhead the company’s continued growth and strategic direction in this dynamic market.

The addition of Chris and André to Unique Properties' leadership team marks a significant step in the company’s strategic growth plan by focusing on Dubai’s secondary market, which accounted for 41% of total transactions in 2023 according to Deloitte’s Real Estate Predictions 2024.

With 17 years of experience across UK and UAE real estate, including 15 years in management, Chris recognized the potential growth and established the secondary market division at Unique Properties less than a year ago, and now leads a team of over 30 real estate agents. Known for his ability to drive sales growth and expand market share, he is responsible for crafting and executing innovative sales strategies, setting ambitious targets, and mentoring his team to achieve exceptional results. His disciplined, target-oriented approach, combined with exceptional planning and organizational skills, will be key in seizing opportunities in high-demand areas like Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, Emaar South, Emirates Living, Jumeirah Living and the townhouse communities surrounding the Al Qudra Road.

The secondary market offers immense opportunities for growth and with Chris and André leading the charge, we are confident in our ability to expand our presence in this critical market segment. Their leadership will be pivotal in helping us connect more buyers with the exceptional properties that Dubai has to offer, further cementing our position as one of the leading brokerage firms in the industry.

Armin Jalili, Partner and Board Member of Unique Properties

In his first year as an agent, Chris was recognized as one of the top two agents out of over 100, showcasing his remarkable sales acumen. His achievements include receiving the Manager of the Year award in 2009 and orchestrating one of the largest leasing deals in Dubai in 2016. He has a proven track record of developing talent, having successfully guided brokers from trainee roles to managerial positions and trained numerous real estate professionals who have gone on to become managers themselves. Since 2010, he has led over 200 brokers, reflecting his supreme leadership and ability to drive success in the industry.

André has built a remarkable reputation for his exceptional negotiation skills and leadership in the real estate industry, managing sales teams at some of Dubai’s top real estate firms. With over seven years of experience in both the UK and UAE, he brings a deep understanding of sales management, teamwork, customer experience, and business development. His strategic approach and ability to elevate team performance have consistently delivered impressive results. Known for his professionalism and keen insight into client needs, André is set to drive substantial growth and success in the competitive Dubai secondary real estate market, leveraging his extensive background to enhance team effectiveness and achieve outstanding outcomes.

Commenting on the new leadership team, Armin Jalili, Partner, and Board Member of Unique Properties said, "The secondary market offers immense opportunities for growth, with Chris and André leading the charge, we are confident in our ability to expand our presence in this critical market segment. Their leadership will be pivotal in helping us connect more buyers with the exceptional properties Dubai has to offer, further cementing our position as one of the leading brokerage firms in the industry. Chris and André’s expertise will also significantly influence Dubai’s real estate market, driving innovation and excellence.”

Further enhancing its performance in the secondary market, Unique Properties will capitalize on its state-of-the-art CRM system, which incorporates years of scrupulously curated buyer data, allowing the company to more effectively penetrate the secondary market. This technology not only streamlines client interactions but also improves the ability to quickly match buyers with suitable properties. By leveraging this comprehensive database, Unique Properties can better predict market trends and client preferences, delivering a more personalized and efficient service. Alongside the introduction of its dedicated call centre in October 2024, this technological advantage positions the company as a key player in the secondary real estate market.