Current new build projects
Emaar continuously launches new phases in The Valley, Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches III. The Valley Phase 2 offers 3- to 5-bedroom villas from AED 2.2 million with a 60/40 payment plan.
DAMAC Lagoons is an ambitious project with water lagoons inspired by Mediterranean destinations. Villas with 4 to 7 bedrooms start from AED 2.8 million. Sobha Reserve in Dubailand offers luxury villas from AED 4.5 million with Sobha's hallmark finishing quality.
Tilal Al Ghaf by Majid Al Futtaim is a sustainable community with a central swimmable lagoon, villas from AED 3.2 million and a distinctly green character. Nakheel's Palm Jebel Ali offers early-stage investment opportunities in villas with a private beach.
Payment plans for new build villas
Developers in Dubai typically operate interest-free payment plans. The most common structure is 80/20 or 60/40 (construction/handover). For a villa of AED 3 million on an 80/20 plan you pay:
- Reservation: AED 300,000 (10%) - During construction: AED 2,100,000 in instalments (70%) - On handover: AED 600,000 (20%)
Some developers, including DAMAC and Samana, offer post-handover plans that allow you to pay interest-free for up to 3–5 years after completion. This lowers the monthly outlay considerably and makes it possible to use rental income towards the remaining payments.
Build quality and specifications
New build villas in Dubai are constructed to the Dubai Building Code, which sets high standards for structure, insulation and fire safety. All projects are inspected by Dubai Municipality.
Finishing varies by developer and price bracket. Sobha leads the market in build quality with in-house production of kitchens, sanitaryware and joinery. Emaar delivers a consistent standard with brands such as Grohe and Bosch. DAMAC partners with design houses such as Versace, Fendi and de Grisogono for interior finishing.
Before purchasing, pay close attention to: the exact specifications in the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), the type of cooling (central vs. split units), the landscaping and the community facilities included.
Risk assessment and due diligence
We only recommend new build projects that meet our strict selection criteria: RERA registration, an escrow account with an approved bank, and a proven developer track record of timely delivery.
Emaar has delivered more than 80,000 homes with an average delay of less than 6 months. Sobha generally delivers on schedule. DAMAC has a longer delivery history but has improved significantly in recent years.
Augusta Properties monitors construction progress, verifies escrow status and proactively keeps you informed of milestones and any delays.
Advantages over existing stock
New build offers several advantages: a lower entry price (10–25% below market level at handover), interest-free payment in instalments, the latest construction standards and energy-efficient systems that reduce running costs.
Moreover, many projects still allow you to adjust the layout and finishing. Sobha offers upgrades to premium materials, Emaar provides interior packages and DAMAC lets you choose from several design themes.
The drawback is the waiting time: the average construction period for a villa community is 24–36 months. During this period, the property cannot be occupied or let.
