New developments in Dubai

There are currently 2,876 projects for sale. Prices start at AED 499k, and the highest starting price is AED 350 million.

Areas with the most new development: Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) (338), Business Bay (166), Wadi Al Safa 5 (130), Meydan (126), Dubai Islands (117).

The most prominent developers here are Emaar Properties, Damac, Azizi, Binghatti, Meraas and Sobha.

How to read the map of Dubai

The city stretches along the coast, and almost everything of interest to a buyer is within a 30-minute drive of a single road: Sheikh Zayed Road. Prices are higher closer to the sea and Dubai Marina, and markedly lower further towards the desert for the same standard of finish.

First ring: waterfront and central areas: Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown and Business Bay. These areas have established infrastructure, the highest rents and the most predictable demand. Second ring: areas developed over the past decade: JVC, Al Furjan, Dubai Hills and Meydan. Entry prices are lower there, you get more space for the same money, and construction is active. Third ring: areas being developed right now: Dubai South by the new airport, Dubai Islands and Wadi Al Safa. Launch prices are the lowest, but the wait is longer.

What to choose for rental income and for your own use

For rental income, buyers typically choose studios and one-bedroom apartments in areas with established demand, where vacancy periods between tenants are shorter. For their own use, they tend to choose two- and three-bedroom apartments in developments with a park, school and medical centre within the neighbourhood. The criteria are different, so we begin by asking what the apartment is being bought for.