Barnaby Crompton shares his wisdom of 24 years on the British and Dubai real estate markets to help you make better choices
Since moving to Dubai in 2008, Barnaby ‘Barney’ Crompton has successfully set up Crompton Saltini Real Estate to help new and old homeowners in town.
Dubai’s residential landscape is littered with a variety of housing options, which means Barney aims to help those new to the city – or those simply bewildered by choice – with some information regarding three of the best areas for families to settle in the city.
Firstly, Emirates Hills, one of Dubai’s most coveted and private communities, which exemplifies luxury living. The development is one of the most expensive villa communities in Dubai, with prices starting from AED 20 million, rising to AED 400 million – at the time of writing.
One of the reasons it enjoys enduring popularity is its oversized villas, and expansive parcels of land, thoughtfully set around the Montgomerie Golf Club.
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The landscape is peppered with well-established trees, flora, fauna and lakes. The 667 plots that comprise Emirates Hills are predominantly bespoke, with prime properties lying next to the golf course, followed by those abutting the lakes. Those villas with views of the Dubai Marina command a decent price, followed by those which back on to other villas. The market is willing to pay a premium for extra privacy and space.
This community – dubbed, rightly or wrongly, the ‘Beverly Hills of Dubai’ – is divided into nine different sectors. While many buyers opt for a ready-built property, others choose a plot of land, to construct their bespoke dream home. You will find plots in a variety of shapes and sizes, from 12,000 square feet to 52,000 square feet. Homes mostly range from 5 to 8-bedroom, but there are a few 4-bedroom villas. Some of the more expansive, custom-built mansions feature eight and 9 bedrooms. The largest I know of has 18 bedrooms.
Expect your Emirates Hills property to include facilities such as a gym, sauna, private pool and extensive gardens with a barbeque and outdoor cooking facilities.
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The community lies within easy reach of Sheikh Zayed Road, beaches and the shopping and restaurants of Dubai Marina – and yet the greenery, parkland and manicured walkways create a rural paradise.
The community is well served by hotels, restaurants and shopping, in the wider Emirates Living project. The Montgomerie Golf Course complex includes the Address Montgomerie, an upmarket hotel offering dining, wellness and relaxation facilities.
Education at all levels lies within easy reach, too. There are nearby nurseries, and two schools in Emirates Hills. There are clinics and hospitals within half an hour of the community, so healthcare is never an issue, either.
And while it’s a family-friendly environment, with ample schools, parks and playgrounds, you’re likely to be rubbing shoulders with affluent captains of industry.
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Dubai Hills – upmarket family living
Dubai Hills is one of the city’s newest developments – a meticulously planned community spanning 11 million square meters, which will eventually include 4,600 villas and 22,000 apartments, three luxury hotels, three schools and a tennis academy.
It offers a luxurious living experience among a green environment, with modern, high-end villas, townhouses and apartments on offer.
At the heart of Dubai Hills is an 18-hole championship golf course, offering views of the Burj Khalifa and the cityscape. The clubhouse includes two restaurants – Duck Hook and Hills Brasserie – a bar and a gym.
Some of the best properties in Dubai Hills line The Grove, a stretch of large villas, while Hills Views – when completed – will eventually boast houses that rival Emirates Hills.
There’s also a large central park offering lush green spaces, jogging tracks, play areas and picnic spots.
Dubai Hills Mall includes a diverse range of retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment facilities and the region’s biggest cinema screen in a space bigger than Mall of the Emirates.
Renowned schools and nurseries ensure convenient access to quality education for families living in the area. There’s also easy access to healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals.
Crucially, Dubai Hills is well-connected to other parts of Dubai through the major road networks, and close to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Dubai Internet City.
Sports fans will be pleased to hear there’s a bespoke 45-kilometre track for cycling and running, a tennis academy, gyms, and Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club is a short drive away.
It’s all about upmarket family living – as well as the planned and existing acres of park, there are kids’ play areas and three schools planned for the 11 square kilometre site.
In my opinion, Dubai Hills aims to create a modern and upscale living experience, blending natural landscapes with contemporary amenities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle in Dubai.
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Luxury in your Palm
The Palm Jumeirah must be among the world’s most iconic places to live.
The location is a luxurious, exclusive residential community with a range of villas, townhouses, and apartments to suit different family sizes and preferences. Properties here are renowned for their high-quality construction, modern amenities and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf or the city skyline.
Direct access to the beach – regardless of whether you choose a villa or an apartment – is one of the keys to the Palm’s success.
There are several areas good for kids – most notably the linear park between the shoreline apartments that has play areas, a great long pathway for riding scooters and also a running track. There are also cafes abutting the promenade.
And don’t forget the world’s largest waterpark and aquarium, Aquaventure. You can spend the day on the white knuckle water slides or even swim with dolphins, or simply enjoy watching the 65,000 marine animals.
A downside of Palm living is the lack of schools. There are a few nurseries, but you need to venture off Island for secondary and further education, albeit close by.
As well as being a sun worshipper’s paradise – with many villas even having their own splash pools and private beaches, there’s activities for all the family, like paddle boarding, play areas, trampoline parks and countless gyms.
Shopping is convenient, with the upmarket Nakheel Mall running underneath the shoreline apartments. There’s a large Waitrose supermarket, and a range of stores including the likes of Footlocker, Borders and L’Occitane.
In terms of public transport, there isn’t a square inch of Dubai that’s not covered by the RTA, Uber, Careem and the new kid on the block, Yango taxis. The Palm’s elevated monorail transports passengers from the multi-storey car park at the base of the trunk to the Atlantis, with a stop at the Nakheel Mall.
I believe the area is designed with families in mind, offering a wide array of amenities and facilities. Many of the man-made island’s residential compounds feature private pools, landscaped gardens and recreational areas for children. Then there are the parks, playgrounds, and open spaces where families can enjoy outdoor activities together.
The island also offers a dedicated security team and gated entrances, providing a safe, secure environment for families.
The Palm lifestyle revolves around convenient leisure and beach life, with a wide range of recreational and leisure activities suitable for all. The world-class resorts and hotels provide family-friendly services and facilities, including water parks, kids’ clubs, and entertainment options. Residents also have easy access to fitness centres, spas, restaurants, and retail outlets.
Whichever area you are considering to raise your family in, it’s testament to the vision of Dubai that you’re spoilt for choice – and set to enjoy a truly luxurious life.
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