Jumeirah Islands

Character and layout

Jumeirah Islands is built around a series of island clusters, each holding a group of villas and reached by its own road. Water and landscaping surround the clusters, so many gardens back directly on to a lake. The effect is private, green and calm, with a resort feel that is unusual this close to the city's business districts.

The community was developed by Nakheel and has matured over many years. Mature planting and well-established gardens are part of its appeal.

Homes in Jumeirah Islands

The stock is made up of large detached villas, offered originally in several architectural styles. Over time many owners have renovated or extended, and some homes have been rebuilt to a contemporary standard.

What to check:

• whether the villa backs on to water, and the state of the water edge and garden
• approvals for any extension, pool or major alteration
• the condition of air-conditioning, waterproofing and plumbing in older homes
• privacy from neighbouring plots and the opposite bank

An independent snagging or condition inspection is worth commissioning even for renovated homes.

Who does it suit?

Jumeirah Islands suits families who want a big house with a garden and water views, and who like a quiet street where children can play. It also appeals to buyers who want a prime villa without moving away from the Marina and JLT side of the city.

It is less suited to buyers seeking a small, low-maintenance property. Large waterside gardens and older homes need ongoing care, which many owners outsource to a villa management provider.

Getting around and amenities

The community sits beside Jumeirah Lake Towers and Jumeirah Park, with access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. JLT and Dubai Marina provide restaurants, retail and the Dubai Metro Red Line.

There is a community clubhouse and pavilion area, and supermarkets and services are close by in neighbouring districts. There are schools and nurseries within the wider area; families usually drive for the school run.

Considerations for buyers and tenants

• Maintenance: waterside homes need attention to damp, irrigation and pest control.
• Cluster choice: some clusters feel more secluded than others; visit several.
• Running costs: ask for the current service-charge figure and check it through Mollak.
• Tenancy terms: tenants should agree in writing who maintains the garden, pool and water edge.

How Jumeirah Islands compares

• Jumeirah Park offers large family villas next door, on wider streets without the island layout.
• Emirates Hills sits in a higher tier, with custom-built mansions around a golf course.
• The Meadows offers established family villas with lakes at a different price point.

For the steps of buying, see how to buy property in Dubai.