Where Should You Buy a Villa in 2018?

As the UAE’s leading property portal, Bayut.com has access to a wealth of insights and data to help you make sound property investment decisions, with all relevant information at hand. This time around, we take a look at the most popular villa communities in Dubai for those looking to buy a home, based on user searches, average buying price and changes in price over 2017.

Please note that the below data is based purely on Bayut.com’s listings and does not reflect actual real estate transactions. The range of prices mentioned for each area is the average buying price for three- to five-bedroom villas in the respective communities.

Arabian Ranches: AED 3.2M – AED 5.9M

One of the most popular communities to buy a villa in Dubai, Arabian Ranches garnered the most number of user searches on Bayut in 2017. The prestigious gated villa community in Dubai consists of 23 residential neighbourhoods and is considered to be one of the best residential areas in Dubai for families. Its villas and townhouses are influenced by Arabic, Mediterranean and European architectural elements, that give the popular community a distinctly serene vibe.

Most properties in Arabian Ranches are freehold and open to non-local buyers and investors. Functioning as a self-sufficient community, Arabian Ranches by master-developer Emaar is home to a top-notch golf club and the Dubai Equestrian & Polo Club, located near the entertainment hub of Global Village. Conveniently connected to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, Arabian Ranches provides easy access to localities within Dubai as well as other emirates.

To know more about which area to invest in this popular locality, take a look at the most popular sub-communities in Arabian Ranches.

How much will it cost?

Those looking to invest in Arabian Ranches can expect to pay an average price of AED 3.2M for a three-bedroom villa, AED 4.4M for a four-bed, and AED 5.9M for a five-bedroom house. Prices vary depending on the sub-community with Arabian Ranches. Some of the premium townhouses located in Polo Homes go up to AED 27M.

Pros: Expat families can get full ownership of homes in a safe villa community with world-class amenities including swimming pools, parks and barbeque areas, basketball and tennis courts, lakes and walking trails. Healthcare centres, educational institutions, retail outlets and popular restaurants and cafes are also within easy reach.

Cons: Arabian Ranches is located away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai main city, which might be a good thing for most families, but can also feel a little isolated at times.

Reem Community: AED 2M – AED 2.4M

Another master-planned development by Emaar, Reem Community is another popular area amongst users browsing villas for sale in Dubai. Inspired by nature, the concept behind this quaint gated villa community is to offer families and couples a luxurious, comfortable oasis to come home to. Still in its initial phase of development, the community is already gaining traction in the market with its two sub-communities, Mira and Mira Oasis launched in 2013. With some properties in Reem Community available off plan, the popular locality has fared well amongst those looking to buy villas in Dubai.

Featuring a cluster of bright and spacious three- and four-bedroom townhouses, the community ideal for smaller families to lead a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of outdoor spaces and close proximity to the plethora of conveniences in the neighbouring Arabian Ranches.

How much will it cost?

Reem community is one of the more affordable communities for those looking to buy villas in Dubai, largely due to off-plan listings. Prices for villas in Reem Community range from AED 1.4M to AED 2.9M. Three-bedroom houses reported an average price of AED 2M, while four-bedroom villas are priced at AED 2.4M on average.

Pros: Expats can get full ownership of the house since Reem Community offers freehold properties. The neighbourhood is located within close proximity to Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, and entertainment hub Global Village. Reem Community is well-connected to the arterial Dubai Bypass and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Roads.

Cons: The area is still under development, with only two sub-communities currently on the market.

Dubailand: AED 1.6M – AED 3.6M

The third most searched-for area in 2017 was Dubailand, a largely work-in-progress area with several projects in the pipeline that are generating quite a buzz in the Dubai real estate market. Notable projects include Living Legend and the Falcon City of Wonders. A lot of the residential projects in this community are still under-construction but continue to pique the interest of property investors, thanks to attractive payment schemes and ambitious plans for luxurious villas, townhouses and apartments. The area boasts a strong potential for high ROIs as it steadily takes shape and continues to evolve into a full-fledged cluster of self-sufficient communities.

Not too keen on buying off plan? Check out these 5 reasons to invest in off-plan properties in Dubai and our handy guide to buying off-plan property in Dubai.

How much will it cost?

Since a lot of the villas in Dubailand are off plan, buyers can benefit from competitive prices when it comes to buying a home in this area. Prices range from AED 998k to AED 11.5M, depending on the size and number of bedrooms you opt for. Average buying price for a three-bedroom villa in Dubailand is AED 1.6M, four-bedroom houses are for AED 2.8M, while larger five-bedroom will cost you an average of AED 3.6M.

Pros: One of the prime up-and-coming residential hubs in Dubai. Potential investors are drawn to it for its huge potential as one of the prime up-and-coming residential hubs in Dubai with numerous amenities and an increasing number of homes.

Cons: Those looking to move in right away may find that there are limited shopping, entertainment, dining and nightlife options. Also, Dubailand is not the best choice of neighbourhood for those who don’t drive. Residents have limited access to public transport and may struggle with their daily commutes.

Palm Jumeirah: AED 8M – AED 15.5M

The iconic man-made archipelago shaped to look like a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is easily one of the most sought-after villa communities in Dubai. The area has a laidback holiday lifestyle, with beautiful waterfront properties that boast a luxe vibe and attract investors from all over the world, including celebrities who own property in Dubai. Located away from the congested streets and towering skyscrapers of the main city, Palm Jumeirah villas make a family-friendly yet high-on-luxury residential area for high-flying professional and larger families looking for a comfortable home in a beautiful location.

Located primarily on the ‘fronds’ of the palm-shaped island, the villas are fitted with state-of-the-art conveniences, with the backyards of most homes opening directly to the beach. Popular villa communities at this chic island development include Garden Homes, Signature Villas, Palma Residences and Canal Cove.

How much will it cost?

Priced slightly on the high-end spectrum, villas in Palm Jumeirah are the most expensive of the top villa communities for property buyers. Three-bedroom houses in this area are for an average price of AED 8M, while four- and five-bedroom villas cost AED 11.5M and 15.5M, respectively.

Pros: One of the most iconic addresses in Dubai that offers a safe, family-friendly environment right by the beach. Residents also have plenty of dining and nightlife options.

Cons: Commuting to and from Palm Jumeirah, and moving around the neighbourhood, can be a little tricky for those who don’t drive. However, the tram does run through Palm Jumeirah connecting the neighbourhood to Dubai Media City, Al Sufouh and JBR.

The Springs: AED 2.1M – AED 3.1M

This peaceful neighbourhood of beautiful villas and townhouses, with lush landscaped gardens, quiet streets and gorgeous lakes, also ranked high amongst the most popular villa communities in Dubai for property buyers. The Springs is a master-planned community by the famed developer Emaar, offering a quaint family-friendly residential area. Despite being tucked away from the main city, residents of The Springs have access to numerous lifestyle amenities including community retail centres, cafés, restaurants, swimming pools, parks and fitness facilities.

The Springs has over 4,800 houses ranging from two- to four-bedroom configurations and are designed to offer the highest standard of living, in Emaar’s signature style.

How much will it cost?

A huge plus for property investors looking to buy property in The Springs is the affordability of villas here. Average asking price of a two-bedroom house here will cost AED 2.1M, while the average cost a three- and four-bedroom villa in this tranquil neighbourhood is AED 2.7M and AED 3.1M, respectively.

Pros: The Springs offers a safe and family-friendly environment for those with children and pets. The properties here are spacious, reasonably-priced and look out to a serene neighbourhood. Residents have access to numerous amenities that offer a wholesome, healthy lifestyle.

Cons: Not the most convenient option for those who don’t drive. Even within the area, residents may need a car or bike ride to reach the community centre. In addition, there aren’t many establishments that are open 24 hours, so buying late-night essentials poses a bit of a challenge.

And that sums up our list of top communities to buy a villa in Dubai in 2018. The Dubai real estate market is buzzing with new developments and projects, and if you’re planning to stay here for a while, now is the time to put down some hard-earned money towards owning a home in this vibrant city. Check out all villas for sale in Dubai to pick the best one for you!

While you’re here, how about checking out a round-up of exciting events happening this March? Or take a look at our monthly recap of real estate developments to stay up-to-date with the UAE’s ever-changing property market.