What does 360,000 AED rent get you versus 14.7 million to buy? We went behind the scenes to find out.
Since starting Dubai Diary, we've had so many questions about which areas to live, what suits families, and how different price points compare. We've been hesitant to recommend anywhere we haven't personally experienced – but we were introduced to Dan from Tier One Properties, and he offered to show us some listings on camera.
So off we went – cameras rolling, curiosity high.
Property 1: Tilal Al Ghaf – Aura 2
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Type | 5 bed + maid's room villa |
| Size | ~3,500 sq ft |
| Rent | 360,000 AED/year |
| Developer | Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) |
| Status | Just handed over – completely raw |
This is double the rent of our place at Villanova. So what do you get for the extra money?
The Layout
Honestly? Quite unique. The living and dining area felt smaller than expected – we discussed it off camera. But then you walk through and discover:
- Downstairs bedroom – Not the maid's room, an actual bedroom with fitted wardrobes
- Maid's room – Separate, with a very tight shower/toilet combo ("Poor woman ain't got much room")
- Garage – Proper garage entrance
- Massive laundry cupboard – "Could fit a single bed and a desk in there. Harry Potter's room."
Upstairs
This is where it gets impressive:
- Massive landings – Seriously spacious
- Two bedrooms that feel like master bedrooms – both have en-suites
- One with a walk-in wardrobe and vanity area
- One with its own terrace access
The Rooftop Terrace
This is the standout feature. Huge space for entertaining – you could put a BBQ up there, create a games room area. Amazing for having friends over.
"What a great space for entertaining up here."
Community Status
Tilal Al Ghaf is still developing:
- Swimming pool not finished yet
- Gym still being built
- Many villas still vacant (owners moving in, waiting to sell, etc.)
- Prices and rents could change based on demand
But they have District Mall nearby with Carrefour and cafes, and the clubhouse (currently a sales office) will eventually have restaurants.
Appliances Included
Unlike Villanova (which was an empty shell), this came with appliances – Siemens fridge and built-in kitchen. Most new properties now include some level of appliances.
Schools Near Tilal Al Ghaf
| School | Curriculum | Ages | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| RGS Guildford | British | 3–18 | Walking distance |
| Victory Heights Primary | British | Primary | 5–10 min drive |
| GEMS Metropole | British | 3–18 | 10 min drive |
Great school options for families.
Property 2: Bulgari Residences – Jumeirah Bay Island
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Type | 1 bedroom apartment |
| Size | ~1,600 sq ft |
| Purchase price | 14.7 million AED |
| Rent | ~700–800K AED/year |
| View | City skyline (including Burj Khalifa fireworks) |
Now we're in a completely different world.
What You're Buying Into
Bulgari is a branded residence – you're not just buying a flat, you're buying a lifestyle:
- Full access to Bulgari Resort facilities
- Yacht club membership available
- Private beach access (25% discount for residents)
- Top-tier restaurants, bars, afternoon tea
- Wine cooler built into the kitchen
- Everything fully fitted
The Space
A typical one-bedroom in Dubai is around 700–1,000 sq ft. This is 1,600 sq ft – nearly double. Spacious living area, massive bathroom with bath and shower, walk-in closet.
"Goals. Not big enough for us, but great for a couple."
The Views
City view apartments look at the Burj Khalifa – perfect for New Year's fireworks. Marina view is more expensive and only available in 2+ bedrooms.
Price Context
- Two-bedroom: ~25 million AED
- Three-bedroom: ~35 million AED
- Upgraded three-bedroom: 40–50 million AED
- Ocean Mansion (Ronaldo bought one): Undisclosed but... a lot
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo bought here when he moved to Saudi Arabia.
What's Being Built
- The Lighthouse: Fancy tower with half-floor and full-floor penthouses
- Jumeirah Bay Island villas: One just sold for 335 million AED
Property 3: One&Only Za'abeel
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Type | 2 bedroom hotel apartment |
| Size | ~1,500+ sq ft |
| Purchase price | 12.5 million AED |
| Rent | 900,000 AED/year |
| Status | Fully furnished, brand new |
This is hotel living – but you own (or rent) the unit.
The Link
One&Only Za'abeel is connected to the World Trade Centre via "The Link" – a stunning bridge with:
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- World's longest infinity pool (claimed)
- Michelin-starred restaurants
- Nightclub with glass dance floor on top floor
- A recreated Paris love-lock bridge (very Dubai)
Fully Furnished Means FULLY Furnished
Beds made. Towels in bathrooms. Concierge on speed dial. You could move in today.
"It's literally made to stay here. If you were to stay here today, you could stay here today."
The Views
City view with Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, and Dubai Frame all visible. Heights are serious here – we're talking 40+ floors.
The Amenities
- Barley-inspired residence pool – Ground floor, very nice
- CYRO Gym – Premium fitness. Football players from Saudi Arabia train here (yes, including Ronaldo)
- World's longest infinity pool – In The Link
- All hotel services available
Service Charges
~60 AED per sq ft = approximately 90,000 AED/year on top of rent/mortgage. Additional services (cleaning, etc.) cost extra but are all in-house.
Quick Comparison
| Property | Type | Size | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilal Al Ghaf | 5 bed villa | 3,500 sq ft | 360K rent | Families with kids |
| Bulgari | 1 bed apartment | 1,600 sq ft | 14.7M buy / 800K rent | Couples, investors |
| One&Only | 2 bed hotel apt | 1,500 sq ft | 12.5M buy / 900K rent | Luxury seekers, hotel lifestyle |
Our Take
The Bulgari and One&Only properties are probably not a fit for most families following our channel – but we were super curious about what that kind of money gets you in Dubai.
For families? Tilal Al Ghaf offers serious space, a rooftop terrace, good schools nearby, and a community that's still developing (which could mean price flexibility).
It's double what we're paying at Villanova, but you get significantly more space and that incredible rooftop.
What Came from This Video
After this tour, Dan asked if I'd be interested in getting a broker's license. I loved showing people around properties so much that I'm now pursuing exactly that.
More property tours coming – let us know which areas you'd like to see!
Curious which Dubai neighbourhood suits your family? Take my neighbourhood quiz to find your perfect area, or check out the relocation package if you want hands-on help with the search.
From one expat family to another – happy house hunting! 🏡