In the bustling real estate market of Dubai, a couple’s journey to homeownership reveals a lot about the city’s residential landscape. Victoria Brouillet and her husband Marcel recently made a pivotal decision by purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Green Community West, located in Dubai Investment Park. Their story showcases the motivations behind buying a home instead of remaining tenants and highlights the advantages of investing in property in this vibrant city.

Discovering Their New Home

Victoria and Marcel, who both hail from Canada, have been residing in Dubai since 2008, establishing deep roots over the years. They chose to invest in a ground-floor unit that boasts one and a half bathrooms alongside a cozy garden space. Despite the absence of a garage, covered parking is provided, ensuring convenience for their needs. Living in a quiet residential area has made their experience enjoyable; the couple only ventured away from Dubai Investment Park once, during the initial opening of Town Square in 2018, but returned to DIP in 2019, ultimately deciding to buy their current apartment in 2022.

This decision was heavily influenced by their desire to escape the cycle of paying rent and supporting someone else’s mortgage. After spending 16 years as tenants, they felt it was time to invest in their future. Financial stability became a priority, especially given the uncertainties that come with annual rent increases and potential landlord issues. This investment not only secures their living arrangements but also allows them to build equity.

Financial Aspects of the Purchase

The couple was fortunate to buy their unit at a favorable price; the property market for similar apartments has fluctuated between Dh500,000 and Dh1.5 million, with them acquiring theirs for Dh750,000. This straightforward transaction was made possible by purchasing directly from their landlord. Both Victoria and Marcel have backgrounds in real estate, having previously worked as licensed realtors, which provided them with valuable insight into the purchasing process. Their efforts were aided by their family-owned real estate agency, making the transaction seamless.

Investing in their new home was also a strategic financial move. Despite a mortgage, they feel they are building a foundation for the future. As property values in Dubai continue to rise—especially with upcoming infrastructure developments—the couple views their investment as not just a current need but also a smart financial choice.

The Community and Its Benefits

The choice to live in Dubai Investment Park was driven by the neighborhood’s appealing characteristics. It’s known for its tranquility and close-knit community. Many residents are homeowners, fostering a sense of stability and belonging. For Victoria and Marcel, who are dog owners, the area is ideal for outdoor walks and leisurely strolls through garden spaces, supplemented by minimal traffic. The community is also resilient, showcasing well-built structures that weathered severe weather events without issues.

Location remains a strong point for their investment. The couple enjoys proximity to shopping malls, gyms, and essential services. With future developments expected to further enhance the area’s connectivity, they foresee continued growth and stability in property values. As avid animal lovers, they appreciate the neighborhood also houses the largest pet store in the Middle East, catering to their lifestyle.

Personal Touches and Future Plans

Since moving in, the couple has made various improvements to their apartment, including replacing the hot water tank, painting, and installing a digital door handle. They are also planning extensive renovations for the kitchen and flooring, ensuring that their home reflects both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, they have created a cozy window seat in the bay window, contributing to the warmth of their living space.

Looking ahead, Victoria and Marcel are committed to long-term investment strategies. They envision renting out their current home when they eventually return to Canada and aspire to expand their real estate portfolio with additional income-generating properties in Dubai. Their journey embodies the essence of making informed choices in a dynamic real estate market while emphasizing the value of community and personal investment.