Jumeirah Golf Estates, more commonly referred to as JGE, remains one of the top family neighbourhoods in Dubai. Though it does have a few newer contenders in locations that might be seen as more central, JGE’s seclusion is part of its charm. In 2025, the community has continued to attract attention from expat families who are seeking a new long-term address and has seen a strong increase in both demand and transactions amidst a buoyant first quarter.
Of particular note is the sale of a seven-bedroom villa in Sanctuary Falls, which was closed for AED 39 million. Positioned to enjoy one of the best views across the championship Earth golf course, this villa perfectly represents the allure that JGE holds for families.
The sale was facilitated by Nina Swann and Peter Blenman, both Senior Global Property Consultants with Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty. Swann represented the seller in the transaction, while Blenman acted as the buyer’s agent. This holds the distinction of being the most expensive villa sold in Sanctuary Falls this year and is among the top 5 sales in Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Italy on the Outside, Bali on the Inside
The villa is a stellar example of contemporary architectural styling. Having been stripped back to ‘shell and core’ status, it was refurbished to an exceptional standard. The exterior facade of the home maintains its classically Mediterranean features from the front, while the rear features sharp angular surfaces and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Spanning an impressive 11,800 sq ft, the interiors push the aesthetic even further. Crisp white walls and minimalist aesthetics dominate each room, offset by bold wooden accents that imbue the space with a Bali-inspired charm. Formal and informal living areas flow seamlessly into each other on the ground floor, anchored by a futuristic presentation kitchen with sleek Gaggenau appliances and underlit counters. No matter which corner of this level you choose to occupy, you will find yourself surrounded by sweeping panoramas of the Earth golf course and a tranquil lake.
A finished basement is another key highlight and, in communities like JGE, almost an essential element. Offering a gym, games room and cinema, it is an ideal setting in which to enjoy relaxed moments with friends and family. The villa’s outdoor space completes its resortlike ambience, centred on a large swimming pool flanked by a patio deck, a pergola with BBQ station, and a sunken lounge with a bar counter.
Nina Swann, who took on the listing exclusively and worked closely with the seller, says: “Jumeirah Golf Estates is known for having some of the most well-designed and spacious family homes in Dubai. As buyer interest has increased, sellers have started to up the value proposition of their properties with bespoke upgrades. This home is a testament to thoughtful design, creating a space that is both impressive and inviting.”
A Home Away from Home
The philosophy behind the design of JGE was to craft a community that would evoke Europe’s sprawling country estates while incorporating features of Dubai’s natural landscape. A central element of its identity - and indeed its name - is golf, represented by two championship courses designed by Greg Norman. Named Fire and Earth, the courses offer much more than recreation: they are key to the community’s visual and spatial layout. Each home is oriented in such a way that it looks out over the fairways and the charming lakes that surround them.
From the time that JGE was first established, it has been especially popular with British families who were looking to set down roots in Dubai. The immediate aftermath of Covid lockdowns in 2020 saw Dubai opening back up while the UK remained roiled in uncertainty, which brought a fresh wave of expats who saw Dubai as a safe haven. JGE created a sense of home away from home for them.
Peter Blenman, who represented the buyer in the Sanctuary Falls sale, has seen this trend grow even more in recent months as a consequence of legislative changes in the UK. There has also been a rise in interest from American buyers who are seeking a lifestyle in Dubai that is a world away from its urban sprawl.
He says: “JGE is a real gem within the city. With wide green expanses and Mediterranean-style villas, it feels very like you’ve stepped out of Dubai and into the countryside somewhere in Europe. The homes are of exceptional quality, offering large interior and exterior spaces, and the surrounding infrastructure is fantastic. Some of the top international schools in the city are within a 15-minute drive, which is an attractive proposition for families.”
A Hive of Activity in Q1
The first quarter of 2025 has been buoyant, with a year-on-year increase of more than 50% in transaction volume. As we have noted in our recap of Q1, the bulk of buying activity has been at the mid-range of the super prime sector. This is largely the slot that JGE occupies, and the increase in transactions has also been notable here. When considering the period from January to early May, volume has gone up by 53% compared to the same period in 2024 alongside a 37% increase in the average sales price. In Sanctuary Falls alone, there was a staggering 120% increase in the number of transactions, with this recent sale taking the top spot so far
Dubai’s infrastructure is continually developing, resulting in smoother connectivity across the city and greater access to its best facilities. JGE’s perfect blend of seclusion and access has been key to its popularity and will continue to draw in families, particularly from around the UK and North America.
