Al Ghurair Centre, Deira
The deal
Rental payments accepted in up to four cheques, annual leasing cost includes all white goods, utility charges (water, electricity and cooling), security services, personal post box facility and exclusive access to all facilities in Al Naadi health club.
Current annual rentals
Two-bedroom units: From Dh100,000
Three-bedroom units: From Dh120,000
Five-bedroom units: From Dh200,000
Tenant talk — Sneha Rege
My family and I moved into a three-bedroom apartment in Al Ghurair Centre two years back. The main reason why we chose to live here is because we were impressed with the facilities offered. In addition to the rental deal, the maintenance service provided is excellent.
Leasing firm: Al Ghurair Centre
"Al Ghurair Centre is a community development integrated with a thriving shopping mall. Its landscaped gardens provide a breathing space within the city. The homes are suitable for families and business executives," says Hani Dabash, senior leasing manager — apartments at Al Ghurair Centre.
Property's verdict
Though the rentals could be on the higher side in comparison to other units available in Deira, we feel the facilities and services offered here cannot be matched. The inclusion of all white goods and utility charges could amount to additional savings. Residents also have full access to the health club that features a temperature-controlled swimming pool, five tennis courts, well-equipped gym, table tennis and squash courts, etc., not to mention the great shopping experience at the mall below. You couldn't ask for more.
Editor's pick: Skycourts Towers, Dubailand
The deal
No agency commission, one-month free stay, flexible payment plan in four to 12 cheques and three-year rent-to-own option with no hidden charges.
Current annual rentals
Studios: Dh15,555 - Dh23,955
One bedroom unit: Dh28,755 - Dh34,870
Two bedroom unit: Dh39,655 - Dh48,099
Tenant talk — Jordan Paul
I just rented a two-bedroom in Skycourts Towers and can say the rent and the location are definitely attractive. The apartment has class-A finishing with built-in wardrobes and a free cooker. Our building has a gym and two large swimming pools, which we use during the weekends.
Leasing firm: Harbor Real Estate
"Skycourts Towers boast two large swimming pools, a playground, gardens, six state-of-the-art gyms, 24-hour security and maintenance and ample parking spaces. It is already starting to attract residents from International City, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Silicon Oasis and neighbouring emirates who are seeking a better lifestyle and value for money. The current rent-to-own limited offer is truly incredible and we are topping it with a special innovative rent package, which makes renting an apartment here an irresistible opportunity," says Rosina Losub, sales and leasing manager, Harbor Real Estate.
Property's verdict
Affordable rents coupled with free stay and no agency commission could make this property very attractive. Additionally, the appeal of living in a brand new unit and a three-year rent-to-own option with no hidden charges or deposits can definitely be a deal to steal.
Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali
The deal
Tenants can choose to pay in one to 12 cheques (rates vary according to the number of cheques), with an extra one-month free rent offer. Payments can even be made using a credit card on a month-by-month basis.
Current annual rentals
Studios: Dh23,000 - Dh31,000
One bedroom unit: Dh31,000 - Dh37,000
Two bedroom unit: Dh51,000 - Dh68,000
Tenant talk — Naran Lal
The promotional offer in Discovery Gardens by Better Homes is an exceptional deal for expatriates like me, and it has helped me save some money. The different payment options make renting a home here very convenient.
Leasing firm: Better Homes
"The apartments in Discovery Gardens are attractive due to the low rental prices and the one-month free [stay]. The prices do go up a little, depending on the amount of cheques, but are extremely competitive," says Leah James, manager - residential sales and leasing at Better Homes, Al Barsha office.
Property's verdict
Discovery Garden's prominent location is sure to draw those who work in Abu Dhabi and prefer to live in Dubai or those working in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. Along with a flexible payment plan and the one-month free stay, the credit card option is definitely a major attraction as it offers the convenience of monthly payments. Also, use of your credit card could help you earn extra miles or points, as most of them come with reward programmes. This "Limited Early Summer Offer" is available until June 30 only.
Layan, Dubailand
The deal
One-month free stay for two-bedroom apartments or two-months free rent for three- and four-bedroom villas.
Current annual rentals
Two-bedroom villa apartment, Type C: Dh76,000
Three-bedroom villa, Type B: Dh135,000
Four-bedroom villa, Type A: Dh135,000
Tenant talk — Samah Ouf
If you want peace of mind, Layan is a lovely, affordable community to live in, away from the city. Finally, my dream to live in an oasis amid the desert came true when I moved here.
Leasing firm: Coldwell & Banker UAE
"Layan is definitely a fast-moving residential project. We get a lot of enquires for this because the offer is very attractive," says Tamer Hegab, senior real estate agent, Coldwell & Banker UAE.
Property's verdict
For those lured to a suburban lifestyle, this could be an ideal choice, though the community is a little way out of town (behind Arabian Ranches). Layan will also suit families looking for privacy and peace, coupled with facilities such as a pool, gym and play areas to keep your kids entertained. However, for your shopping needs you may need to drive to Arabian Ranches or MotorCity nearby as the community still lacks a supermarket. The additional free monthly rentals is an attractive option. If you don't mind the drive, living in these bright yellow-coloured Mediterranean-styled homes could definitely add some cheer to your life and your pocket.
Oasis Residence, Tecom
The deal
Payments in four cheques, one-month free stay, including white goods for a three-bedroom apartment.
Current annual rentals
Three-bedroom unit: Dh78,000
Tenant talk — Zainab Adnan
I love living in this building as it is quiet, peaceful and clean, plus it has a direct access to Shaikh Zayed Road, which makes it so easy to get to work in the morning. Quite simply, I am very happy living here.
Leasing firm: Coldwell & Banker UAE
"This is a fast-moving project. We received several bookings when we launched the units, and now with an excellent offer on a three-bedroom unit, people definitely feel it is value for money," says Mohammad Magdy, real estate agent, Coldwell & Banker UAE.
Property's verdict
Location-wise, this deal could attract tenants who prefer the live, work and play option, all within close proximity. Oasis Residence offers easy access to key motorways of Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road and the convenience of the Metro station near by. Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City are also in the vicinity. Furthermore, the tower is just a few minutes' drive from the vibrant community of Dubai Marina to keep you busy during weekends. However, you may need to brush up your navigation skills as the extensive roadworks in Tecom mean diversions and sudden change in routes practically every week.
Samari Residences, Ras Al Khor
The deal
Affordable rents within city limits, flexible payment plan up to six cheques and two-month free stay.
Current annual rentals
Two-bedroom unit: Dh40,000
Tenant talk — Dhanya Padmanabhan
wasl offered us a competitive rental deal, including a two-month free stay. I hope wasl continues with such offers in the future for residents to stay here in the long term.
Leasing firm: wasl
"Samari Residences is a charming, well-developed and family oriented community that has already attracted a large number of residents from across Dubai. The two months' rent-free offer will be of great help to families planning to move residence during the busy summer vacation period," says Abdulla Ishaq, head of leasing and customer service, wasl.
Property's verdict
A deal that cannot be missed, this summer promotional offer by wasl can be availed until July 1 only for new leases. However, renewals are at Dh40,000 as per the deal. With a flexible payment plan that could ease your financial burden and the attraction of two months' free stay, this affordable development could be a preferred choice for families in terms of price, location and facilities.
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