The Meadows is an established villa community off Sheikh Zayed Road, part of the Emirates Living group of neighbourhoods alongside The Springs, The Lakes and Emirates Hills. Mature landscaping, lakes, and villas on proper plots.

What the area is

Independent villas in gated clusters, built around water features and green space, with schools and retail inside or immediately beside the community. It is one of the older family communities in Dubai and it has the tree cover to prove it, which newer developments will not have for a decade.

Who it suits

Families wanting a villa in a finished community with a short drive to Downtown, the Marina and the schools. It is not cheap and it is not new. What you are buying is a neighbourhood that already works.

What it costs

We are currently marketing 2 properties to rent here: 2 villas at AED 430,000.

Those are the units on our own books today, so the figures move. What they are useful for is establishing the shape of the market here rather than the exact price of the unit you end up buying.

What to check before you buy here

• Which Meadows. The numbered clusters vary in plot size, layout and how close they are to the lakes and the schools.
• Condition and renovation. These are older villas. Air conditioning, roofing and pool plant are the expensive items, and a survey is worth its cost here.
• Plot orientation and whether the garden is usable in summer.
• Community fees, and what the landscaping and security actually cover.