Dubai: If 2021 saw Dubai developers launch off-plan projects with bigger living spaces, and even gardens where possible, this year is about gyms, gaming rooms and private pools. At Gemz, Danube Properties' latest project, the developer is taking private pools a big step further.

Of the 270-plus apartments, more than 100 will have their own pools. "Even in the affordable luxury space, today's owners are ready to move from common facilities to having their own private ones," said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman of Danube Group. "Even with creating those 100 odd pools, Gemz will not have a massive built-up area, and the cost of these units will be in the Dh1.2 million and over range." The top-end Gemz units are priced at Dh2.2 million and above.

Giving Buyers More

Developers are finding that today's buyers are much younger than in the past, typically 28 to 32, which explains the need to offer lifestyle benefits beyond the apartment itself. Top-notch gyms and fitness equipment with regular upkeep are one example, and standalone gaming rooms for buyers in their twenties are another.

Sajan believes adding more pools to a building takes these features to a new level. Located in Al Furjan, an area Danube currently favours, Gemz begins off-plan sales on May 28. To attract repeat buyers, Danube will offer a 3% first-day discount to past customers.

"A lot of buyers checking out properties to buy in Dubai/UAE will be mindful of the Dh2 million property investment value, which would make them eligible for 10-year visas," said Sajan. "So, owning multiple properties that add up to Dh2 million and more also applies. We are ready to help out owners who are eligible with their investment visas once the government authorities give their clearance.

"First-day buyers also get a chance to pick up fully furnished apartments at the same price – that too acts as a big incentive."

Back-to-Back Launches

Over the past seven months, Danube has had three launches totalling Dh1.2 billion in development costs, with Gemz accounting for Dh350 million. "There will be a couple of more launches we will try and squeeze in this year," said Sajan. "The offplan market in Dubai is ticking along nicely, delivering a new generation of homeowners." Read more about off-plan property investment in Dubai.

In another slight positive for developers, rising steel and building material costs have stabilised. Prices are still 25–30% higher than in September and October 2020, but that is a relief compared with the near-constant cost adjustments developers had to make throughout last year.

"That does help with the planning, if we see more such stability for the coming months, developers can breathe a lot easy," the Danube chief added.