A Dubai-based family is paying an annual rent of Dh200,000 (about $54,454) for a four-bedroom villa in Layan, a Mediterranean-themed gated community in Dubailand, in the latest example highlighting just how much long-term residents are willing to pay to secure the right home rather than buy. Catherine McEvoy, 43, who runs an events company, lives in the villa with her husband Ian, 51, a beverage industry consultant, their daughters Orla, 14, and Ayda, 10, their nanny Misiel, and four pets. The family has called the villa home for about two years, having previously spent a decade renting the same villa type in Al Waha.
The property comes with four bedrooms, a maid's room, four bathrooms and a double garage. Layan itself offers residents a pool, gym, padel court, a small football pitch and an on-site supermarket, all wrapped into the gated, Mediterranean-styled community layout.
In an unusual touch, the family transplanted their entire garden — including five mature trees — when they moved from their previous home. Their daughters attend Fairgreen International School, just a three-minute bike ride away.
Explaining why the family continues to rent rather than buy in Dubai, McEvoy said: "We love renting in Dubai because it gives us the flexibility to live in a home and community that works perfectly for our family." Benefits cited include new AC units, maintenance fully covered by the landlord, and freedom from the uncertainties of dealing directly with a private landlord. Instead of purchasing property in Dubai, the family has chosen to invest in a property in the South of France.