Ultra-luxury, mid-range or affordable – Dubai offers buyers abundant choice. From communities offering prime waterfront villas, to communities comprised of stylish apartments with contemporary finishings, the city has something to appeal to all lifestyle preferences.
Considering the following initial points can greatly simplify your search criteria – are you single or do you have a family? Does the community have nursery and school options? How far is your workplace? Finally, what is your budget, as this will limit or widen your options accordingly.
To assist you in your search, here is a selection of the most affordable communities for sale, top communities for apartments and villas, and new projects for 2019 and beyond.
Most affordable communities for sale
Looking to climb the property ladder, but don’t have a big budget? The good news is that Dubai has several affordable communities that continue to become more reasonably priced with the ongoing market correction.
Discovery Gardens
Offering low-rise apartment complexes with studio, 1 and 2-bedroom options, in a garden-themed setting at affordable prices best suited to young working professionals.
Dubai Sports City
Dubai Sport City is a paradise with several elite sports facilities spanning cricket, rugby, football and golf on offer. It provides moderately priced apartments for residents who value a more active lifestyle.
Jumeirah Village Circle
If you are looking for peaceful village-style living, Jumeirah Village Circle offers apartments, townhouses and villas with surroundings of greenery creating a family-friendly environment.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a sustainable, future-ready city, providing a selection of apartments and villas amidst lush landscaping, and is a favourite amongst cost-conscious buyers.
International City
International City has European country-style homes amidst green open spaces and lakes, making it an ideal location for couples, families and young professionals.
Dubai Investment Park
A unique, environmentally-friendly, self-contained mixed-use district. DIP provides ample choice between low to mid-rise buildings, villas and townhouses amongst scenic landscapes.
Dubailand
Dubailand is a crowd favourite as one of the most versatile districts comprised of several residential areas consisting of both villas and apartments catering to all budgets. Abundant housing options are available in communities such as Mira, Motor City, Remraam and Arjan, to name a few.
Top villa communities
For buyers seeking villas, Dubai has a selection of prime communities that offer a family-friendly lifestyle providing security, access to amenities and peace of mind. Many of these communities are self-sufficient, complete with nurseries, pharmacies, supermarkets, shopping outlets and medical centres.
Affordable villa communities vs. luxury villa communities
| Al Furjan | AED 793 | Emirates Hills | AED 2,330 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | AED 735 | Palm Jumeirah Signature Villa | AED 3,490 |
| International City | AED 741 | Palm Jumeirah Garden Home | AED 2,043 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | AED 613 | MBR City District One | AED 1,448 |
| JVT | AED 769 | Jumeirah Islands | AED 1,128 |
| Living Legends | AED 738 | The Lakes | AED 1,164 |
| Mudon | AED 780 | Meydan | AED 1,060 |
| Reem Mira | AED 770 | The Meadows | AED 1,074 |
| The Villa | AED 728 | Jumeirah Golf Estates | AED 1,046 |
| Town Square | AED 676 | Al Barsha | AED 1,038 |
Source: Data Finder: a real estate insights and data platform under Property Finder Group (These are median sales price per sq ft between January to June 2019)
Arabian Ranches
The beautiful gated community of Arabian Ranches offers different sizes and styles of both villas and townhouses with surroundings of a golf course, polo club, community shopping centre and school.
The Springs, Lakes and Meadows
Emirates Hills community clusters – The Springs, Lakes and Meadows – are always in high demand for families with children and young couples due to their proximity to prime education, tranquil streets and perfectly landscaped green spaces. Each area offers varied choices of properties from 2-bedroom townhouses to 6-bedroom luxury villas.
Reem – Mira
Taking inspiration from nature, Reem community is growing popular with families and couples seeking a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle. It has two sub-communities, Mira and Mira Oasis that offer spacious 3 and 4-bedroom townhouses, with plenty of outdoor space and well-manicured gardens.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious addresses preferred by families and young working couples who want to live in a vibrant beachfront setting that offers vacation vibes all year round. Most villas are situated on the waterfront and popular villa communities are the Garden Homes, Signature Villas, Palma Residence and Canal Cove.
Sustainable City
For the climate-conscious among you, Sustainable City offers a selection of 500 villas with eco-friendly surroundings, over 10,000 planted trees, solar-powered homes, plenty of sports and wellness facilities as well as leisure options.
Mirdif
One of Dubai’s original communities, Mirdif offers a vast array of villas and townhouses for those seeking relaxed family living. Uptown Mirdif Mall, a unique open-air retail experience, offers all the essentials – supermarkets, restaurants and cafes – making it a vibrant community for residents.
Top apartment communities
If apartment living is more suited to your lifestyle, options are aplenty in the city’s more established top communities.
Affordable apartment communities vs. luxury apartment communities
| Discovery Gardens | AED 712 | Dubai Marina | AED 1,334 |
| Dubai Sports City | AED 775 | JBR | AED 1,329 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | AED 832 | Culture Village | AED 1,491 |
| IMPZ | AED 782 | Palm Jumeirah | AED 1,735 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | AED 725 | Downtown | AED 1,963 |
| International City | AED 625 | City Walk | AED 1,775 |
| Dubai Investment Park | AED 660 | Business Bay | AED 1,339 |
| Al Quoz | AED 735 | DIFC | AED 1,496 |
| Remraam | AED 713 | Old Town | AED 1,626 |
Source: Data Finder: a real estate insights and data platform under Property Finder Group (These are median sales price per sq ft between January to June 2019)
Dubai Marina
At the forefront of Dubai’s top apartment communities, Dubai Marina is the perfect choice for professionals and families that desire a waterfront home with abundant entertainment options and a bustling nightlife. The area comprises over 40 residential towers with luxury apartments and penthouses facing the Marina. Moreover, the area has proximity to the beach, buzzing Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and the recently opened Bluewaters Island, housing the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai.
Downtown Dubai
For those looking for an ultra-luxurious lifestyle, Downtown Dubai is an upscale community offering the option of signature living in the iconic Burj Khalifa, or spacious apartments with sweeping views of the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Opera and the Dubai Mall, making it an attractive destination for families and professionals.
Jumeirah Lakes Towers
If lakeside living is your dream, Jumeirah Lakes Towers provides an urban living experience for cost-conscious buyers. Not as pricey as neighbouring Dubai Marina and JBR, JLT offers its residents a similar laid back yet lively vibe. Comprised entirely of sky-high towers offering spacious apartments with views of man-made lakes and waterways.
Business Bay
Located in close proximity to Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Dubai Water Canal and upcoming entertainment hub, Marasi promenade, Business Bay is a dynamic hotspot. Residents can enjoy all the perks of Downtown Dubai living, without the steep price tag. Home to high-rises and high-end hotels, the area attracts a mix of young professionals and families seeking a stylish lifestyle in the heart of the city.
City Walk
A high-end lifestyle destination, City Walk offers ultra-modern apartments in 5 to 6-storey pavilion-style buildings. The stylish area is known for its pedestrian lifestyle, luxury retail, boutiques and entertainment options. Many apartments enjoy sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.
New projects and communities
If the above established communities haven’t quite ticked all the boxes, Dubai’s new projects and communities are sure to entice.
Bluewaters Island
Home to the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, man-made island, Bluewaters, offers a collection of 17 townhouses and 10 apartment complexes with distinctive glass-front exteriors comprised of 1 to 4-bedroom apartments and 5-bedroom penthouses.
Deira Islands
The Deira Islands, a collection of four man-made islands, is dubbed the new entertainment hotspot, offering a shopping mall, waterfront night market, beaches and beachfront resorts. Residential towers containing apartment and townhouses in various configurations are available to suit every need.
Dubai Creek Harbour
Where beachfront living meets the city, Dubai Creek Harbour, scheduled for completion by summer 2020, is set to impress with marina promenades offering upscale retail, restaurants and yacht clubs. Six residential towers offering residents various apartment configurations will feature stunning views over the harbour and Dubai skyline.
Town Square
The new urban lifestyle community, set along Al Qudra Road, compromises mid-rise apartment buildings and townhouses amidst green enclaves, brimming with entertainment, retail, dining and wellness offerings.
Dubai South
Close to the Expo 2020 hustle and bustle is the Dubai South residential community that will have excellent connectivity to the Al Maktoum International Airport and will offer green transport.
Encompassing the Expo 2020 site, Dubai South residential community boasts excellent connectivity to Al Maktoum International Airport. The mixed-use community is set to bring thousands of new affordable housing options to the emirate
This sums up some of the most popular hotspots in both established and newer communities within Dubai where you can find a home to satisfy your budget and lifestyle preferences, to live or invest in.
