mission

all the above are in poor condition

DXBtoDOH

I won't dispute much of what you say except to point out that 1-bedrooms are always at a premium due to the higher demand. When you get to the 2 and 3 bedrooms then the savings differential substantially increases.

scrubbedexpat141

As an example, Executive Towers are not Emaar 'quality' in terms of finish but they're far from shit. We're astounded at the amount of money people pay to live in dark, tatty, 700sqft shoeboxes on Emaar Boulevard.

I can't get my head around how you think spending more for less is better? Has someone hijacked your account or is it just to disagree with me?

At least there aren't 10-15 new towers being built in Downtown at the moment. The traffic is only going to improve.

newbie123

So are there any buildings in good condition? All the apartments I can see on property websites seem to be pretty dingy/ bad condition.

Given there is always so much construction going on, I would have thought there would be loads of new buildings but I haven't really spotted any in Downtown yet.

mission

the thing is, and this goes for the majority of the apartments/buildings in Dubai regardless of location and developer, once an apartment becomes more than 3-4 years old it starts to deteriorate - unless the owner has made sure the apartment has been maintained in prime condition.
Apartments which have been lived in for more than 5 yrs i wouldn't even touch with a barge pole.

DXBtoDOH

Well, I wouldn't live in either Downtown or BB. I don't find BB pretty (it's downright ugly and dusty) and I like Downtown bette because it's groomed and landscaped and has many more amenities right at your door and you can easily walk over to the Dubai Mall. I don't need 1k if a 700sqft apartment in a better location serves my needs better. I also like that I wouldn't have to faff around with a/c charges and a separate account and deposits with the district cooling. Or have to buy my own white goods whilst Emaar buildings have them provided. Emaar also keep the whole place spic and span and the buildings tend to have better pools / gyms. So I can easily see why many pay the extra to be in Downtown.

But as mentioned, wouldn't live in either areas at current asking rent.

DXBtoDOH

Yeah. Have to agree with this.

Wear and tear in Dubai is terrible.

In Downtown, the newer buildings should still be ok - Standpoint and Claren towers are two that come to mind.

Millhouse

Just visit them. They are all much of a muchness and one emaar flat looks like every other. All this talk of 'higher quality' is total nonsense though - it all falls apart by the third tenant and these places are old.

Downtown is ok, but the truth is you'll venture further afield. You won't be walking down the street buying your paper, milk and eggs for breakfast in hipster jeans saying hi to the local store keepers every weekend like you would in Putney.

newbie123

Haha! that made me laugh... although i agree and totally understand. I would like to be able to get out and about a bit near my flat. I think its doable in JBR despite all its other issues.

Are there any other communities similar to JBR (near a beach somewhere maybe?).

I am trying to do my research online but answers from this forum are better and certainly more entertaining

Really appreciate everyones thoughts!

scrubbedexpat141

Just remember that for half your tenancy you won't want to be strolling around much anyway...

jam25mack

JBR...... now we are talking about rundown! Som great sized apartments in there but the whole place is a soul less legoland where they haven't done any maintenance in years.

newbie123

soulless lego land.... any places in Dubai you would describe differently?

I liked the idea of being close to the beach in order to have some outdoor activity (for a few months of the year at least!), but the apartments are not great and it doesn't seem worth the commute to Downtown.

Anyone on here living in Downtown? Please share your experience about the buildings. I'm focusing on new builds in the Downtown area but surprisingly the Marina seems to have some bigger apartments.

Also is Dubizzle the best place to go to for property rentals?

Thanks!

Sabi Star

You might consider the Views ( as in the Views and the Greens) especially the buildings nearer to SZR - Golf Towers 1 + 2 and even some buildings in The Greens - all Emaar buildings, well maintained but not near beach.

DXBtoDOH

I was going to suggest the Greens too. Nice area and convenient to everywhere. Small community shopping area with a supermarket so walking to get your coffee and groceries is feasible. Lovely landscaping.

Fairways has one of the best pool complexes in Dubai. Golf Towers is the best quality and still has a decent pool. Both towers have great views. Links is in between.

I wouldn't sweat not being right on the beach. If you have a car it's better to go to the open beaches in Jumeirah than the dirty beaches of JBR and it's only 10 minutes from most places along Sheikh Zayed (whether Greens or Downtown).

scrubbedexpat141

Two different sets of friends have lived in Burj Views. First was years ago and I was jealous, lovely apartment.

Most recent left last year, less jealous. Apartment was tired, cupboards broken and generally a bit worn. Common areas alright, but again, bit tired. Worst thing was the security and rules. Emaar permissions to move in and out aren't as easy to get as other buildings, but maybe my mate just dealt with someone particularly special. Had to have an argument at 5 or 6am once with security about filling my car with about 5 boxes, couple of suitcases and some other bits to take to a flea market. He wouldn't let them out the building without a permit for 'moving items'. Shit like that can swivel.

The Residences (I think) we're really nice, mate was in there. Good size. Check them out

Dubizzle is the only source.