Should You Buy in The Lakes?
The honest 2026 guide — prices, pros, cons, what to inspect, and what to renovate first.
Quick Facts
The Lakes at a Glance
| Developer | Emaar Properties |
| Freehold | Yes — full foreign ownership permitted |
| Property Types | Hattan, Forat, Deema, Ghadeer — 2 to 5-bedroom villas |
| Villas | AED 6M — AED 28M |
| Average Rental Yield | 4.5-5.5% |
| Metro Access | 15 min drive to Dubai Marina Metro |
Honest Assessment
Pros & Cons of Buying in The Lakes
✔ Why Buy Here
- Mature landscaping with lakes and gardens — one of Dubai's most established green communities
- Quiet, family-oriented atmosphere away from traffic noise
- Strong resale values due to limited supply and Emirates Living prestige
- Proximity to Dubai Marina, JLT and Sheikh Zayed Road
- Well-maintained community infrastructure with parks and walking paths
✘ Watch Out For
- Ageing villa stock — most homes need significant renovation investment
- No direct metro access — car-dependent community
- Limited retail within the community itself
- Service charges can be high for waterfront-adjacent properties
- Some villas have persistent damp issues from lake proximity
Lifestyle & Amenities
What's Nearby
🏫 Schools
Emirates International School Meadows, Regent International School, Dubai British School
🏥 Healthcare
Mediclinic Parkview, Saudi German Hospital
🛒 Shopping & Dining
Emirates Hills Mall (nearby), Mall of the Emirates (10 min)
Before You Sign
Property Inspection Checklist for The Lakes
After 34+ renovation projects in The Lakes, these are the things we always wish buyers had checked before purchasing:
- Inspect waterproofing on ground floor and around any lake-facing walls — moisture damage is the number one hidden cost in The Lakes
- Check the age and condition of the HVAC system — original units are well past their efficient lifespan
- Look for signs of tile lifting in bathrooms, which indicates failed waterproofing beneath
- Verify the electrical panel meets current DEWA safety standards
- Assess the pool equipment age if the villa has one — pump and filter replacements run AED 15,000-25,000
- Check boundary wall condition — many are showing cracks from settlement over the years
After Purchase
What to Renovate First in The Lakes
Based on our experience across 34+ projects in The Lakes, here are the renovations that deliver the most value — both for daily living and resale:
- Waterproofing remediation (bathrooms, pool area, lake-facing walls) — AED 25,000-60,000
- Kitchen modernisation with open-plan conversion — AED 80,000-180,000
- Master bathroom complete renovation — AED 45,000-90,000
- HVAC system replacement — AED 30,000-55,000
- Window and door upgrades for better insulation — AED 40,000-80,000
Already Bought in The Lakes? Let's Make It Perfect.
We've completed 34+ renovation projects in The Lakes. Free site visit, detailed quote, no obligation.
