The Golf-Course Premium in Dubai's New Communities

Golf has become one of the organising ideas of Dubai's new residential communities. Emirates Hills surrounds the Montgomerie course and sits beside the Emirates Golf Club; villa communities across new Dubai are designed around fairways and lakes; and further projects with golf at their heart are being planned. For buyers, a recurring question is whether homes with golf views are worth the premium they command.

Why golf views carry a premium

• Open space: fairways guarantee that no building will block the view.
• Landscaping: green, well-maintained surroundings in a desert city.
• Prestige: golf-course addresses are associated with exclusivity worldwide.
• Lifestyle: easy access to golf, clubhouses and dining.

How large is the premium?

Without comprehensive transaction data, it is hard to measure the premium precisely. Developers typically price golf-view homes higher at launch, and resale demand for them appears strong. The premium tends to be largest for homes with direct, unobstructed views of the fairway and smallest for those with partial views.

What could reduce it

If many golf communities are built, golf views could become less rare and their premium could narrow. Maintenance costs for courses are high, especially given water requirements in Dubai's climate, and service charges may reflect this. Errant golf balls and the activity of a busy course can also be a drawback for some residents.

Who should pay the premium

For owner-occupiers who value the view and the lifestyle, the premium may be well worth it. For investors, the question is whether tenants will pay correspondingly higher rents. In our experience, senior executives and families often do, but the rental premium may be smaller than the purchase premium.

How to choose a golf-view home

Look at the position relative to tees and greens, the direction of the view, the risk of stray balls and the privacy of the garden. Visit at different times of day to understand noise and activity. And check how the course is owned and maintained, since its upkeep will directly affect the value of homes around it.

Our view

Golf views are likely to remain among the most desirable features in Dubai's residential market, especially in the established communities. Buyers should pay for genuine, lasting views rather than marketing promises, and should consider the long-term costs of maintaining the landscape.