Luxury Fatigue Leads Dubai Homebuyers to Seek Breath of Fresh Air
New apartments and villas coming to market in the UAE city
Dubai developers have long competed to out-pamper home buyers by offering headline-grabbing incentives such as a free sports car or a glass-walled garage. But after 15 years of intense competition among the emirate’s biggest developers, buyers are looking for even more.
This is reflected in the latest launches coming to the market offering options that expatriate investors may miss from home–such as space, vegetation and more of a connection to the outdoors. Healthy living is the big theme of the latest crop of luxury homes across the city.
The bling has not quite been banished, of course, but developers are increasingly pushing more wholesome and healthy selling feature this fall. Dubai property investors are looking beyond the sleek finishes and luxury sales gimmicks to a broader lifestyle appeal.
1. La Reserve Residences, Dubai Healthcare City 2, Oud Metha
Healthy living doesn’t come much healthier than Dubai Healthcare City. This development is an addition to a part of Dubai better known for high-end clinics and hospitals than luxury homes.
La Reserve Residences, developed in partnership with Dubai Healthcare City, has a design that traces back to the Arabic word, Wadi—a riverbed or oasis that often forms from waterfalls.
There is a flamingo reserve nearby, a reminder that this part of Dubai close to the Creek is a popular destination for birdwatchers tracking a wide variety of species. Straddling old and new Dubai, this development is an option for people who want access to both parts of the city, while also being within a five-minute drive of the international airport. Construction is already underway and scheduled to be complete in 2019.
Number of units: 230 simplex, duplex and penthouse
Price: From AED 1.5 million to AED 10 million (US$408,000-US$2.7 million)
Developer/architect: Swiss Property /10design
Unit sizes: One-, two-, three- and four-bedrooms
Amenities: Pedestrian trails, running track, leisure, lap and kid’s pool, expansive landscaping for recreation, shaded pavilions, fully equipped gym, large storage rooms, upscale lobby, walking distance to Swiss International Scientific School
Website: swissproperty.ae
2. Hartland Estates Forest Villas at Sobha Heartland, Nad Al Sheba
Sobha is offering buyers access to both water and forestry at its latest scheme, part of a $4 billion mixed-use development within Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City. Located close to the city’s vast new man-made canal as well as the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa this development will be surrounded by 2.4 million square feet of trees. In fact, almost one-third of the entire project will be covered in trees.
The L-shaped homes come with eight different floor plans with four- or five-bedroom options. The development is within 3 kilometers of downtown, home to both the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. Two show villas are open and potential investors are offered a chauffeur service to look around the development–a welcome option when summer temperatures are topping 45 degrees Celsius and humidity often peaks in September.
Owners have the option of a glass-fronted garage, too. The developer says that more than 70% of phase one and two of Sobha Hartland has already sold out. The first phase of the project comprising 48 villas is expected in December 2018.
Number of units: 48 villas (first phase)
Price: From AED 11.1 million to AED 15.4 million (US$3 million-US$4.2 million)
Developer/architect: Sobha/PNC Architects
Unit sizes: Three- and four-bedrooms
Amenities: Swimming pools, gyms, extensive forestry, trails, country club, two international schools, three boutique hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and leisure activities
Website: sobha.com
3. Jumeirah Islands, Al Asayel Street, Dubai
Jumeirah Islands was built in 2006. making it one of the old timers of Dubai freehold developments. The big selling point, as its name suggests, is that the villas are built on small man-made islands designed to mimic a series of interconnected lakes.
Nakheel, the developer behind Dubai’s famous palm islands, has now released 84 four-bedroom townhouses for sale in the development, one of the larger communities in the city.
It was built at a time when developers had to work harder to convince foreign investors to buy property in what was a new and unfamiliar market, so the proportions are relatively large compared to more recent schemes. The new release of townhouses offer 3,630 square feet and come with a private garden as well as a roof terrace.
Number of units: 84 townhouses
Price: From AED 4.15 million (US$1.1 million)
Developer/architect: Nakheel/M. Al Shaikh Mubarak Architectural & Engineering Consultants.
Unit sizes: Four bedrooms
Amenities: Swimming pool, private garden, laundry room, parking for two cars, pavilion club, fitness club
Website: nakheel.com
4. The Palm Tower, Palm-Jumeirah, Dubai
The Palm Tower will become the centerpiece of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and at 52 stories will offer some spectacular views. Like a number of other high-rise developments in the city, it will include both residential and hospitality elements. The luxury hotel, St. Regis Dubai–The Palm, will occupy the first 18 floors of the building.
Residents and guests at The Palm Tower will have access to Nakheel Mall, which is expected to open next year. The Palm Tower will also offer direct access—via a bridge and walkways—to Palm Jumeirah’s beach clubs.
Number of units: 502
Price: Two-bedrooms start at AED $2.4 million (US$653,000)
Developer/architect: Nakheel/RSP Architects Planners & Engineers
Unit sizes: Studios and one- and two-bedrooms
Amenities: Infinity pool, viewing deck, restaurant, beach club, shopping mall
Website: nakheel.com