Autumn 2012
Arabian Ranches ARABIAN RANCHES TO GET NEW NEIGHBOURS
NAME AND SHAME DRIVE PROVES SUCCESSFUL
RENTS JUMP UP, BUT NOT TOO HIGH BY COMPARISON
GLOBAL VILLAGE IS ALL SET FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Emaar Properties has purchased land adjoin-
After Emaar publicly named service fee dodgers,
Rents in Arabian Ranches increased by 2% over
Global Village is set to re-open on October 21.
ing Arabian Ranches, which it will transform
many are settling their bills. Others, however, are
the last year. It was one of the lower jumps, with
Offering fairground rides, quirky stalls and
into another residential community.
refusing to pay until the fees are more reasonable.
other residential area rents increasing by 3-5%.
entertaining shows, it’s family fun for all.
Arabian Ranches in Numbers
4,000
The approximate number of
properties in the Arabian Ranches community.
336
The number of stables at the Dubai Polo &
Equestrian Club, situated opposite Arabian Ranches.
70
The number of golfers who took part in the Dubai Duty Free Seniors Cup,
recently held at Arabian Ranches Golf Club.
20
The number of retail outlets, including shops, cafés,
services and restaurants, housed in the Village Community Centre.
50
The annual cost in dirhams to become a member of Ranches Ladies, an
organisation that holds social activities including charity events, book groups and fitness classes.
Bliss on the Edge of Town This green haven offers every imaginable convenience – and it’s so close to the city too
by Kelly Marie MacKinnon
Arabian Ranches from afar looks like the perfect ‘family’ community – and it really is – but what most people don’t know is that it also caters for the rest of us. Having lived in Dubai for more than six years, from JBR to villas in Jumeira, Arabian Ranches is definitely where I want to stay – it’s so nice to live where you’re not surrounded by building work. The area also has a modern and trendy twist that has come as a pleasant surprise to me. I work in fashion and media, so I’m very attuned to that sort of thing. Since I founded my business, Lush – a modelling agency and events management group –
I have been working very long hours, and it’s bliss to come home to such a serene haven. Dubai is so built-up, but here it’s perfect for children and animals – my two dogs love their daily walks (and so do I!) as we have specially designated walk ways, grass and even doggypoop bins! You just wouldn’t get that in the Marina or Downtown. I hear a lot of people say, “Oh I couldn’t live at the Ranches, it’s miles away,” when in fact it’s a mere 15-minute drive from the Marina and Downtown. Although the convenience of the Ranches means you really never need to leave it, except for work. Most villas, like mine in Mirador, have their own pools, and, for those that don’t, the community pools are immaculate and there is one on every corner.The community shopping centre offers pet shops, bookshops, music shops and a travel agent. One of the downsides, though, is for my waistline: there are so many yummy eateries at Arabian Ranches, the temptation is too great!
On the flip side, it couldn’t be easier to keep fit, as it has bike paths, running tracks and little parks where you will find regular boot camp-style classes being held. The fitness club at the golf club also offers daily classes. Talking of which, Arabian Ranches Golf Club is one of the friendliest places I’ve been to and its great for a drink with the girls, a family meal or a good breakfast after a late night. And, of course, it’s ideal for golfers. I’m more of a horsey person and often pop over the road to the Polo Club to enjoy a ride, followed by one the spa’s amazing massage treatments. Despite there being a school within the Ranches community, there is never a problem with traffic – and the only time parking is an issue is at prayer time on Fridays, when the local mosque gets very busy. But it’s nice have a mosque in the neighbourhood. I cannot think of one downside to living here and I guarantee that if, like me, you start off by renting here, you will end up buying.
WWW.LUXHABITAT. AE
245
The cost in dirhams for a member to play
an 18-hole round of golf at Arabian Ranches Golf Club during winter (Oct 1-May 31), Thursday to Saturday.
530
The number of pupils enrolled at JESS (Jumeirah
English Speaking School) Arabian Ranches Primary School.
1,650
The number of acres Arabian Ranches is
spread across.
7,230
The maximum square footage of a villa in
Arabian Ranches.
TO READ MARKET UPDATES FROM OTHER NEIGHBOURHOODS
www.thejournal.ae/neighbourhood
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THE JOURNAL
Autumn 2012
www.luxhabitat.ae
Arabian Ranches
Expert View CHRIS JONES Luxury Sales Specialist E: cj@luxhabitat.ae | T: +971 56 789 7252
An Area in Demand This five-bedroom villa in Savannah is 5,458 sq ft, with a lovely lush garden and modern finishings. Situated right opposite the community pool and near the tennis courts, it is the perfect property for a family with older children. POA. Property Ref. 899
Developed with great thought and care from the outset, Arabian Ranches has matured into a delightful neighbourhood
It is not hard to see the attraction of the Arabian Ranches community, and its appeal is borne out by demand that has resulted in a reported appreciation of villa prices of some 15 per cent year on year, with rental yields increasing by some 16 per cent. This well-established network of villas and townhouses, complemented by retail and leisure outlets has become a benchmark of expectations in real estate development here in Dubai. In fact, a large proportion of our enquiries come from buyers already living in the UAE, who are keen to benefit from all that the neighbourhood offers. Luxhabitat has continued to increase our representation in the area as more of our clients seek stable homes for their own families to live in, which also represent good long-term investments. Demand remains steady, with most of our enquiries coming from younger families who are looking for a safe and vibrant community with very good leisure facilities. The fact that there is a very well-regarded school within the community is a huge plus for many. New phases of smaller two- and three-bedroom homes have been launched in recent months, with reports that all units were secured within a 24-hour period – and there is talk of plans to expand the Alma enclave. However, the issue remains a shortage of the larger homes that we specialise in, such as Hattan and Mirador la Coleccion. Emaar has been slower to release new units in this bracket, driving up demand for the existing units and ultimately increasing the asking price of said properties. Add to that the fact that the vast majority of homes are now owner-occupied, we are seeing a real shortage of good, large villas coming onto the market. The Golf Homes that were released in March and reported in our last issue of The Journal demonstrated the thirst that exists for properties in Arabian Ranches and, as such, leaves
HORSING AROUND Dubai’s polo season is just around the
With high demand continuing, and Emaar slow to release new units of the larger-sized properties, prices are being pushed up
corner and nowhere is there a finer place to watch the matches than at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, right opposite Arabian Ranches. Pack a picnic, or let the club pack one for you, and find a grassy pew from which to catch the action. Matches are held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with the big games, such as the Dubai Polo Gold Cup, draw-
many people wondering how they can secure property in the area without having to wait for possible new releases of large-format units, which are proving few and far between. Fortunately, during the period June to September we have been able to list five properties in Arabian Ranches that meet our stringent standards, working mostly via personal referrals from our other clients. To provide a flavour of what can be found in the market at present, I have a selection of properties to introduce to you that are pictured around this article – and if this is the market for you, I would recommend arranging a viewing in person as the soul of the properties is revealed only when they are seen in person. Equally, given the demand, these good properties are likely to sell quickly. While Arabian Ranches continues to operate in the basic rule of economics (supply and demand) we expect a watching game to ensue, with the best-placed cash buyers ready to snap up any offering coming out of Emaar. We hope that Emaar will recognise the role that Arabian Ranches plays in the larger UAE real estate market and develop more of the type of homes for which Luxhabitat has secured listings. However, if this proves to be a long waiting game we are confident that we are best placed to continue servicing the community based on our unique service offering and long-term client relationships. Chris Jones was talking to Dominic Andrews
ing serious numbers. Watching the matches is free, but parking on Fridays costs Dhs50 or Dhs100 during tournaments. Polo Picnic Boxes (available on Fridays only) cost Dhs300 for two including one car pass.
This Hattan villa, with its large garden and five ensuite bedrooms offers the best of family living. POA. Property ref.946
Autumn 2012
www.luxhabitat.ae
THE JOURNAL
IT’S TIME TO CONSIDER THE NEIGHBOURS... With larger, high quality properties remaining scarce in Arabian Ranches, people are increasingly extending their search to neighbouring developments that offer a similar quality of life, with a golf course at their heart – albeit without quite such a well-established offer of local shops as those within the Ranches. Victory Heights, just a few kilometres along Emirates Road, is now in high demand and especially popular with people With a large garden and views over the golf course, you truly feel a million miles away from the city in this six-bedroom villa in exclusive La Avenida. The
being attracted to the well-designed and
finishings are of a more homely, traditional style, giving it a warm and welcoming feeling for everyday family life. AED 7,350,000 Property Ref. 975
finished villas, the golf course views and stylish family neighbourhood. The average price of type C1 villas (5 bedrooms) has increased to AED 4.6million, from AED 3.8million
six months ago – and
these are without a golf course view. Those facing on to the golf course are selling for AED 5million–5.2 million. The new golf club is now open, as are two small community swimming pools, although there is still no grocery shop. However, Motor City, with its very large Spinneys and other amenities, is barely five minutes away. Also well worth looking at, as it offers very pretty golf course villas, with materials and finishes markedly superior to most in Dubai, is Lime Tree Valley at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where Luxhabitat has a Set in the Mirador enclave, this very attractive and well-maintained five-bedroom villa is south-facing, so it makes the most of
good selection of villas listed.
the Dubai sunshine. For more information (and a peek at its lovely garden) see p18. AED 5,650,000. Property Ref. 952
Part of the larger Arabian Ranches complex, Dubai Equestrian & Polo Club is encircled by its own group of villas that offer wide-open views. Even for those who don’t ride, it has become a favourite enclave, with very good restaurants, bars and gym facilities
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THE JOURNAL
Autumn 2012
www.luxhabitat.ae
FEATURED PROPERTIES
Property Gallery
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With a very large pool, great landscaping and extensive grounds wth potential for further development, the outside of this villa is equal in every way to the very stylish and light-filled interior. Indoors and out, it has been very well maintained. The well-planned interior, spanning 5443 square feet (2,202 sq.m) includes five ensuite bedrooms, as well as formal reception rooms for entertaining and open-plan living areas for a relaxed family lifestyle. Price on Application. Property Ref. 946
This Mirador villa has its own pool and a shaded outdoor eating area. With six bedrooms and bathrooms (five ensuite), it is
This 4,559 sq ft (1,844 sq.m) property has a gorgeously landscaped garden, complete with water features, pathways and a
ideal for large families who like to make the most of the Dubai weather. AED 6,700,000. Property Ref. 905
pergola. Indoors there are five bedroom suites and open-plan living areas. AED 5,650,000. Property Ref. 952