There is no doubt that the UAE is home to some spectacular properties. From penthouse apartments to plush villas with sprawling gardens and incredible pools, it’s a real estate haven.
Each week, The National showcases some of the best homes on offer in its Property of the Week. This week, it's a villa in Dubai's Jumeirah Islands ...
The key details
This five-bedroom property has been fully upgraded and is set within an extended plot covering a built-up area of 6,200 square feet and 12,800 square feet overall. It has four bedrooms upstairs, one downstairs, and comes with two lounges.
It is on the market for Dh9.75 million with LuxuryProperty.com.
What's the story?
You'll be hard pressed to find a more conventional home in terms of family living in Dubai. Two storeys, spacious living areas, green lawn and a large swimming pool for endless splashing and shrieks of joy.
It's a slice of suburban bliss, but with that something extra thrown in – that being the "island" setting of Jumeirah Islands.
For buyers craving watery surroundings, they need not seek the high-life of Dubai Marina or the coastal areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
And for budgets that don't stretch to Emirates Hills but go beyond The Springs, this central location should make more than a ripple.
The community has enough for all the family – walkways for the pushchairs, prams and bikes, a clubhouse for social mixing (when it becomes the norm again), and sports facilities for when the tranquillity needs breaking.
As for the property, don't expect the grandeur of some of Dubai's mega mansions, but instead, and as befitting its price range, it's a cut above many of the new builds across the city, especially with its upgrades.
While big enough to spend time by yourself, it's unlikely you'll have that "can't remember which wing I put my wallet down" moment.
The interior shell is predominantly whites and greys, with the furnishings adding colour and character. The glass staircase and sleek kitchen are the most obvious pointers when it comes to bringing the property into 2021.
The key feature however is the garden and views to the rear – most of which are of nature with no adjacent property to one side, an unusual sight for communities consisting of hundreds of villas.
Birthday party, pool party, sunbathing, badminton ... it has the potential for all sorts of entertainment.
What the brokers say ...
Where does Jumeirah Islands rank in Dubai's upmarket communities?
Jumeirah Islands is, in some ways, a hidden gem of a community. It is one that many are perhaps aware of, but not too many people realise the extent of the offering in the community and the beautiful homes that exist here. It would be hard to pin down exactly where it ranks, but it is one well worth investing in.
What would be the advantage over a newer build such as Jumeirah Golf Estates?
This is a very established community, with no construction at all. There are several options for architectural styles, and many of the homes on the market have been upgraded quite extensively from the original design, with all new interiors and finishes.
The gardens and pools are quite sizeable compared to some of the newer communities, and it is a beautiful green location with an abundance of lakes. It's also a very convenient location for families, minutes away from some of the top schools in Dubai.
Does it come furnished?
The owner is open to selling this unfurnished or furnished, as per the buyer's preference.
What are buyers in the Dh10m bracket generally looking for in Dubai?
One of the main priorities right now is privacy and space. Buyers are looking for a standalone villa with a large garden and a pool, offering enough interior space to set up a home office, study room and any other amenity they have in mind. Great views are always a plus, as is beautiful architecture.
How long has the property been on the market?
This home has been on the market for over 12 months. However, the price has recently been reduced, as that is usually the big factor that keeps a home on the market for prolonged periods.
Kelly Johnston, private client adviser, LuxuryProperty.com
