For those wanting to set up a home amid lush green surroundings, Victory Heights is an ideal option. This prominent residential golf-estate community in Dubai Sports City (DSC), with the award-winning Ernie Els golf course as its backdrop, is located in Dubailand along Emirates Road. The development features villas and townhouses in clusters of seven villages, five of which are complete. It has a family-friendly vibe with a school and a nursery, and residents can enjoy a mix of sporting and recreational facilities available at DSC. For those of you who want to fine-tune your golfing skills, there is also the Butch Harmon School of Golf and a clubhouse on site.
Look out for...
Ernie Els Golf Course: The 18-hole championship course meanders through the villages, providing residents with stunning views.
Kitchens: These come with a fridge, microwave, cooker, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer from Bosch or Siemens.
Jumeirah Catering Grocery: A make-shift portacabin store that provides essential supplies. Prices can be on the high side.
Al Khail Roundabout: Traffic could be a real problem during peak hours as you need to make a U-turn here to enter Victory Heights.
Sales prices
Four-bed: Dh1.6 million - Dh2.6 million
Five-bed: Dh3.1 million - Dh4.6 million
Six-bed: Dh6.5 million - Dh7million
5% Average increase in sales from Jan-June 2011, as per Gulf Platinum Properties
Annual rental prices
Four-bed: Dh125,000 - Dh180,000
Five-bed: Dh195,000 - Dh260,000
Six-bed: Dh310,000 - Dh330,000
8% Average increase in rents from Jan-June 2011, as per Gulf Platinum Properties
Positives
- Villas and town houses feature spacious and functional layouts
- Abundant greenery, parks and a championship golf course at your doorstep
- All homes come with a maid's room and private parking for two cars
Negatives
- Traffic congestion near the Al Khail Roundabout could cause delays
- Sparse retail. Some communal facilities are yet to open
- There is ongoing construction surrounding Victory Heights
Your say
Sales and leasing expert
Rental demand is high in Victory Heights as the villas are generally not available [on the market] for long. Return on investment is good.
Lindsey Russell, Gulf Platinum Properties
Resident
We chose Victory Heights for its location, access, security and the layout of the area. We are renewing our contract for the second year now.
Buks Klassen, South African
How to get there
From Dubai: Exit at Interchange 4 on Shaikh Zayed Road. Join Emirates Road (E311) at Arabian Ranches R/A. Drive straight until Al Khail R/A. Make a U-turn to join Emirates Road towards Dubai. Take slip the road and then turn right at DSC.
Area focus: Victory Heights
Carmen Village
What: Set in idyllic, lush surroundings, this horseshoe-shaped village is located right in the middle of the golf course and comprises a mix of five- and six-bedroomed villas.
You get: Homes include kitchens with Bosch or Siemens appliances, Opus entertainment connections, private gardens and private parking for two cars. The village also features a park and play areas.
Rentals
4-bed townhouses Not available
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh220,000 - Dh230,000*
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh260,000*
6-bed villas (A Type) Dh330,000*
*golf course view
Source: Gulf Platinum Properties
Sales
4-bed townhouses Not available
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh3.3m - Dh3.5m*
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh4.6m* upwards
6-bed villas (A Type) Dh6.9m* upwards
We say: A quiet place to live, the village comprises 102 villas in European, Mediterranean and Spanish styles and guarantees privacy. Residents also vouch for good security arrangements in the community. Located around the golf course, the homes here offer spectacular views. In addition to the double car ports, there is parking for visitors on the streets in the village. On the flipside, having to maintain your own private garden could mean an increase in your monthly utility bills.
Esmeralda Village
What: Being the largest village in Victory Heights, Esmeralda offers a wider choice of properties — ranging from four-bedroom townhouses and villas to five- and six-bedroom villas.
You get: The homes feature spacious layouts, big windows, top-of-the-range kitchen appliances and a maid's room. The village has walkways, jogging trails and lush areas that weave through the community.
Rentals
4-bed townhouses (TH2) Dh130,000
4-bed villas (C3 Type) Dh170,000
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh200,000 - Dh220,000*
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh250,000*
6-bed villas (A Type) Dh310,000*
Sales
4-bed townhouses (TH2) Dh1.7m upwards
4-bed villas (C3 Type) Dh2.5m* upwards
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh3.1m - Dh3.3m*
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh4.4m upwards*
6-bed villas (A Type) Dh6.9m upwards*
We say: Although the townhouses seem close to each other, you'll find they offer sufficient privacy once you step inside. With three different exterior and interior finishes to choose from, you are unlikely to be disappointed with any property type here. The golf club, known for its good food and service, is close by and is ideal for family gatherings or brunches. On the downside, the temporary fences bordering the construction areas are an eyesore, spoiling the landscape areas. However, they do provide for additional security for residents.
Estella Village
What: This village features four-bedroom townhouses and villas with a maid's room. The five-bedroom villas (also with maid's room) are available in various types.
You get: There are several parks, play areas, community centre (still to open) and Victory Heights' only grocery store. The golf club house and the Butch Harmon School of Golf are nearby.
Rentals
4-bed townhouses (TH1) Dh125,000
4-bed townhouses (TH2) Dh135,000
4-bed villas (C3 Type) Dh180,000
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh220,000 - Dh240,000*
5-bed villas (C2 Type) Dh195,000
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh260,000
Sales
4-bed townhouses (TH1) Dh1.6m upwards
4-bed townhouses (Th2) Dh1.75m upwards
4-bed villas (C3 Type) Dh2.6m upwards
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh3.3m - Dh3.6m*
5-bed villas (C2 Type) Dh3m upwards
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh4.6m upwards
We say: Being the second-largest village, Estella is popular among tenants because of its parks and play areas. Though the makeshift grocery store is here, residents head to MotorCity for a wider choice, including a Spinneys, which is a seven-minute drive from the village. For beginners, the Butch Harmon School of Golf is close by — it has computer and video equipment to assess a player's swing. The only grouse is that the community centre is yet to open. We have heard that it is expected to happen by the end of this year.
Novelia Village
What: Set in a quiet cul-de-sac in the centre of Victory Heights, Novelia offers a choice of outstanding five-bedroom villas and six-bedroom villas that feature swimming pools.
You get: Similar to other villages, Novelia homes feature well-equipped kitchens, parking ports and a driver's room.
Rentals
4-bed Not applicable
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh220,000 - Dh230,000*
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh260,000*
6-bed villas (A Type) Dh320,000*
Sales
4-bed Not applicable
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh3.25 - Dh3.4m*
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh4.5m* upwards
6-bed villas (A Type) Dh6.5m* upwards
We say: Benefiting from its central location, the village is away from the main roads, thereby providing privacy, security and a peaceful ambience. The open-plan kitchens, boasting state-of-the-art appliances, form a welcoming gathering point for a family meal. The homes here have one of the best lake views as the meandering golf course surrounds this village. If golf is your game, your best swing could be at this side of the course. For families with kids, the lack of a sizable park and play areas in this village could be disappointing.
Olivia Village
What: Adjacent to the cricket stadium, the village offers a stunning mix of homes ranging from four-bedroom townhouses to five-bedroom and six-bedroom villas.
You get: A maid's room, park, play areas, private gardens and walkways are some of the distinctive features of Olivia. The village is close to a soon-to-open community centre.
Rentals
4-bed townhouses (Th2) Dh135,000
5-bed villas (C2 Type) Dh190,000
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh220,000 - Dh230,000*
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh250,000*
6-bed villas (A Type) Dh320,000*
Sales
4-bed townhouses (TH2) Dh1.75m upwards
5-bed villas (C1 Type) Dh3.2m - Dh3.3m*
5-bed villas (C2 Type) Dh2.9m upwards
5-bed villas (B Type) Dh4.5m* upwards
6-bed villas (A Type) Dh6.9m* upwards
We say: Though the village has a mix of homes, take note that only B, C1 and A-type villas are directly on the golf course. These villas offer spectacular views. The East Gate, currently the main entrance, is located here. However, being close to the cricket stadium, the gate remains closed during tournaments. You may also have to face traffic chaos and noise during matches. On the bright side, being close to the Canal Residence (besides Estella), residents could benefit from the retail when the Canal Promenade is open.
