Happy New Year, to all my readers

2017 will be remembered as the year where the number of off-plan sales transactions exceeded those for the secondary market and agents, developers and pundits talked about affordable housing but couldn't agree on what was "affordable".  

This was the year that developers attracted investors and first-time buyers with creative payment plans, DLD fee waivers and seasonal price incentives.

The government pushed ahead with infrastructure projects for the Expo 2020 and their plans for creating a city to accommodate a population which is growing at the rate of 7% per year.

Now for even more exciting times ahead - see  Five real estate trends to watch out for in 2018

Thank you for reading these weekly emails, for your feedback, questions and requests, and I look forward to seeing you in Dubai in 2018

Its been a quiet news week due to the holidays:-

• Earlier this year, Emaar announced that it would be developing residences and a hotel project at Dubai Harbour, a new waterfront location between the Jumeirah Beach Residences and The Palm Jumeirah. Among other features of Dubai Harbour are a 1,100-berth marina, a cruise ship port and two terminals, a shopping mall, an events arena, food and beverage concepts and I have heard it rumoured it could also include an FIA  approved street circuit. I understand the first properties will be released for sale early in 2018 – watch this space for updates.

• I am also reliably informed that the developer will be launching some very affordable townhouses in Emaar South early next year, we believe that prices will be a little over AED 1m.

• Belgravia Heights in JVC is expected to be launched in the next couple of weeks, and these apartments will undoubtedly sell extremely fast as they are a perfect size and price for both investors seeking attested high rental yields and capital growth and for home buyers looking for a modern and high-quality apartment in a very popular area of new Dubai. One beds from under AED 800k and two beds at circa AED 1m – if you want me to contact you when I have more information then please click here 

• I revisited the massive site that is Akoya Oxygen this week, where construction appears to be advancing at a rapid pace; the developer is expecting the first residents to move in by the end of 2018.   The Cavalli homes are worth a look; they are selling out but you should be able to buy a three-bed townhouse costing  AED 1.3m which is expected to be ready in 2020 and is located within its own Cavalli branded gated community surrounded by the golf course and boasting its own Cavalli clubhouse featuring a communal pool and gym.

This week’s featured listings are here.

The owner of this large two bedroom apartment has reduced the price for a quick sale - now has the lowest price per sq. ft. of any property in this popular building

We also have a rental department and they have just listed this fully upgraded 4-bed townhouse in Arabian Ranches

One of the most interesting Hotel residences on offer

It's rare to find someone selling a one bedroom apartment in this building

An apartment in the Marina with great potential  

Some of our other properties for sale.

Thank you for reading this far and I am sending my very best wishes to you and your family for 2018. 

I look forward to seeing you very soon

All the very best