Property Finder Secures US$250 Million from Ares Management to Accelerate Expansion and AI Innovation

Dubai-based classifieds firm Property Finder has entered into an agreement with Ares Credit funds for a $250 million debt financing commitment to accelerate growth and innovation across its regional platform. The financing will enable Property Finder to invest in product innovation, AI-driven solutions, marketing and branding, and strategic partnerships as it scales operations across its markets.

Property Finder has delivered consistently strong financial performance, with a 40%+ group revenue CAGR from 2020-2024. In the UAE alone, the company’s core real estate revenues grew from $30 million in 2021 to $117 million in 2024, reaching $73 million in the first half of 2025, while UAE EBITDA margin expanded to above 60% in the first half of 2025, demonstrating both growth and profitability.

“This financing marks another important milestone in our journey to build the region’s most trusted and intelligent property platform,” said Michael Lahyani, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Property Finder. “The support of world-class financial partners underlines the strength of our business and the scale of the opportunity ahead. This transaction allows us to accelerate our growth in the region through investments in product innovation, AI-driven solutions, marketing and branding and strategic partnerships.”

The transaction follows Permira and Blackstone acquiring a $525 million minority stake in Property Finder in September 2025, when early backer General Atlantic partially exited but remained a significant minority shareholder. The combination of equity investment and debt financing positions Property Finder to capitalize on the region’s growing real estate market while maintaining its category-leading position.

“We are pleased to support Property Finder as it enters its exciting next chapter of strategic growth,” said Michael Dennis, Partner and Co-Head of European Credit at Ares. “Property Finder has built a category-leading business with a demonstrable track record of execution, profitability, and innovation under the leadership of strong management. We look forward to working closely with Michael and his team, as well as Property Finder’s other investors, as they continue building out a differentiated offering.”

The debt financing provides Property Finder with capital flexibility to pursue its expansion strategy while continuing to invest in AI-driven technology that enhances the property search and transaction experience across the Middle East and North Africa region.

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