Inside a Family's Dh200,000 Four-Bedroom Villa in Layan's Swanky Suburbs

My Dubai Rent takes you inside a reader’s home to examine what they get for their money, how much they pay in rent, and what they love and dislike about their living situation.

Events company owner Catherine McEvoy lives in a four-bedroom villa in the Dubai suburbs, situated within easy distance of her office and her daughters’ school. She and her husband Ian, 51, who runs a beverage consultancy, moved to the UAE 14 years ago before relocating to Dubai in 2014. They continue to rent because of the flexibility it offers.

They now lease for Dh200,000 ($54,4540) a year in Layan, a Mediterranean-themed residential gated community in Dubailand, having moved everything including the mature trees from their previous garden. Ms McEvoy, 43, shares the home with daughters Orla, 14, and Ayda, 10, alongside nanny Misiel, who has been with the family for 12 years, and their four pets.

The property features four bedrooms, a maids' room, and four bathrooms. There is an open living room and dining room, plus an upstairs living area opening on to a balcony, alongside an open double garage. The outdoor space is vital for their rescue dogs, Lucy and Mabel, and two rescue kitties, Sprocket and Smudge.

Having previously lived in Al Waha, the family transitioned smoothly to Layan when their old villa was sold. The location is ideal for Fairgreen International School, located a three-minute bike ride away, and Catherine's nearby office.

Renting in Layan through Dubai Properties provides a unique sense of security without a private landlord and with all maintenance included. Sustainable living is a key focus for Catherine, who utilized second-hand furniture and even relocated five large mature trees when moving to the community.

Community amenities include a padel court, small football pitch, 25-metre swimming pool, well-equipped gym, a Choithrams supermarket, and a beauty spa. While they plan to stay in the villa until they leave Dubai, the family chose to invest in a property in the South of France rather than buying in Dubai, balancing renting flexibility with long-term investment.