Own freehold in Dubai, with off-plan payments held in escrow

Seven low-rise buildings set in their own park on the Dubai Water Canal, beside Al Safa Park, run in-house under H&H’s Eden House brand rather than by a hotel operator.

Hotel-style service shows up in the annual service charge, so ask for the budgeted figure per square foot and the cost of the on-request services before you commit.

Beachfront apartments and penthouses in three buildings at the centre of Palm Jebel Ali, between Fronds M and N, with direct beach access.

Palm Jebel Ali is still being developed, so check which roads, schools and shops will be open when you move in.

Apartments facing parks at the front and rear, in a masterplan where about half the land is open and green space.

Sobha Sanctuary is planned for around 20,000 families, so nearby phases may still be under construction after handover.

Near Al Jaddaf Metro station on the Green Line, with an observatory deck and telescopes for residents on the amenity podium.

The Etihad Rail stop planned for Al Jaddaf is a future project, so do not rely on it when you decide.

Four low-rise buildings around a sunken garden, with 4-metre living-room ceilings in select ground-floor homes.

It sits beside the first Arancia Yards phase, so compare prices and payment plans for both before choosing.

Four-bedroom townhouses on the ground floor with private garages, opening onto the landscaped deck and the beach.

You share facilities and service charges with a 212-home development, so ask for the estimated service charge.