Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

Evening bored!

I have a friend, that is looking at a position in Jebel Ali. Him, his mrs and 2 toddlers. I'm confident enough in advising him over the flights/salary/medical sort of stuff, however pretty clueless on the property front.

They would be looking for a 3 or 4 bedroom home, and there would be a preference for a villa over an apartment, but not a very important point.

Looking at a maximum of 45mins commute to Jebel Ali (if possible and for the purpose of this question, let's say interchange 9 or 10 since Jebel Ali is a fair old size).

I can't really help him as I know bugger all about property in Dubai, and wasn't overly confident at the few google search results.

I will suggest he speaks to an agent over here, but any rough indications of what he should be expecting to pay and the sort of locations that he would be looking at would be appreciated!

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

Loads of places close to Jebel Ali as the road connections are excellent now onto the old Emirates Road (E311). Springs/Meadows, Jumeirah Village Circle, Victory Heights, Jumeirah Park, Green Community, Al Furjan releasing soon (although roads not great yet).
Dependant on budget Jumeirah Islands or Emirates Hills. Avoid Disco Gardens.

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

Jumeriah Village Triangle....(not circle) just in case nothing is coming up. Its a good suggestion, newish reasonble villas, however, apparently there is a lack os 3 beds at the mo.

Emirates Hills..... very expensive as the villas are massive (private pool, lift between floors etc).

Disco Gardens can be OK, just need to look around.

My boss actually lives with his family in a villa in Jebel Ali Village which is nice.

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

No not JVT, I live there and only 2 beds. JVC has many 3 and 4 beds being released and has facilities which JVT does not.

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

I stand corrected!

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

Thanks, what about the utilities?

I've heard that aircon is charged separately at some of the developments (and can be up to 2000 AED p/month for some locations!).

We only pay 300 AED a month for water/electricity combined where we are, seems an excessive jump? Or have I misunderstood things?

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

you understand it correctly.

Winter DEWA (water, tax, and leccy) for me is 1200. Summer 2500-3000.

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

bloody hell that's dear!

same story with apartments?

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

DEWA is made up on the spot, it's just a great big con! Our bills make zero sense! Confusingly our bills are more in the winter when we don't have the AC on than when it is running a lot in the summer.

When you realise that locals don't pay for DEWA then you realise who does! All those stupid lights covering a house for a wedding.... thats coming out of your pocket!

As for AC, it depends. If you are in JBR or on the Palm you will have to pay for district cooling rather than individually within your DEWA. This means you are likely to be paying for all the communal areas in your building aswell. So if you are out of the country and not using anything you are still running up a bill. This is additional to your DEWA bill.

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

and don't forget the bloody housing tax based on a percentage of your rent.

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

I just see the tax as rent. all the same - money out of the door. In fact it is rent paid on slightly better terms than my rent.

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

what budget?

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

he's still in the negotiating stage, he's looking for a number to suggest to the employer, or if he isn't asked, that he can tell whether the offer is in the right area or not.

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

Not everyone is paying housing tax.... :whistle:

Re: Dubai Villas/Apartments
 

Nor am I. WHat's the penalty?