Case Study: Two Best Friends from London Buy Together at Sola Residences, Wasl Gate

“From renting side by side in Stratford to co-owning a sleek apartment in Dubai — they turned friendship into future wealth.”
👫 Two Lives, One Vision – Why They Chose to Invest Together Abroad
Tariq and Emily, both 29, had been inseparable since university. They worked in creative and finance sectors in London, shared a love of travel, and always talked about “doing something big” with their money — instead of watching rent swallow half their salary.
“We weren’t ready to buy in London,” Emily shared. “Prices were wild, and we didn’t want to be stuck with a tiny flat miles from the Tube.”
In 2023, after yet another frustrating UK mortgage meeting, they started exploring joint overseas property investment. Not as a romantic couple, but as friends with financial alignment.
That’s when they stumbled across Sola Residences by Octa at Wasl Gate — and everything changed.
🌇 Discovering Sola Residences – The Perfect Mix of Cool, Connected, and Affordable
Located in Wasl Gate, a vibrant master community near Ibn Battuta Mall and Expo City, Sola Residences caught their attention with its:
- ✅ Boutique-style mid-rise apartments
- ✅ Stylish 1- and 2-bedroom layouts with floor-to-ceiling windows
- ✅ Smart pricing, ideal for first-time or co-investors
- ✅ Walking access to metro, retail, green spaces, and cafes
- ✅ Modern architecture by Octa Properties, a rising developer
- ✅ Part of a long-term government-backed community vision
“It wasn’t just another building. It felt like a lifestyle hub,” said Tariq. “It looked like something we’d design ourselves.”
🤝 Working with Aeon & Trisl UK – Making Joint Ownership Easy
They reached out to Aeon & Trisl’s UK office, curious — and a little skeptical.
But what they got was:
- Transparent guidance on joint ownership structures
- Clear cost breakdowns with no hidden surprises
- Legal support for a 50/50 buyer agreement, even as friends
- A walkthrough of future growth projections for Wasl Gate
- Guidance on exit strategy options in case one of them sells in the future
They reserved a 2-bedroom unit with dual balconies, right on the 6th floor — paid 10% booking, with a 50/50 split, and signed the MOU from their laptops in London.
📈 The Result – Investment and Independence
As of today, their apartment:
- Is fully handed over and leased to an expat couple working at Jebel Ali Free Zone
- Earns them 6.9% net ROI annually, split evenly
- Appreciated 14% in value since launch
- Doubles as a potential vacation pad (each gets 2 weeks per year)
- Cost them less combined than a single London deposit
“We own a cool place in Dubai. We still live in London. And we did it all legally, cleanly, and with zero stress,” said Emily.
🧭 Why Wasl Gate is a Smart Bet for UK Buyers
Wasl Gate is one of Dubai’s quiet success stories. Tucked between major business zones and lifestyle areas, it’s a mid-market community with strong infrastructure — ideal for:
- Young professionals
- Digital nomads
- First-time buyers
- Co-investors and friends
- Rental-focused investors seeking clean yield
And Octa’s entry via Sola Residences offers affordability without sacrificing finish quality or location.
📘 Related: How to Invest in Dubai Apartments from the UK – Step-by-Step
🌟 Final Thoughts – Owning Together Without Overthinking It
Tariq and Emily didn’t have a trust fund, didn’t inherit a lump sum — they just trusted each other, and worked with the right people.
Sola Residences gave them:
✔️ A modern apartment in a future-proof location
✔️ Passive income with low management overhead
✔️ A smart international asset
✔️ And a property that reflects their energy and vision
“Who says you need to be married to invest together?” Tariq laughs. “We just made a good decision, as friends.”
🔍 Want to Learn More About Sola Residences?
View the full project here: 👉 Sola Residences by Octa at Wasl Gate
Speak with Aeon & Trisl UK to explore co-ownership, smart property models, and how you can buy abroad without complexity.