Lucy Gow, a public relations director, fell in love with the Estella neighborhood in Dubai’s Victory Heights nearly two decades ago. Back then, she was in her early twenties, residing in Horizon Tower at Dubai Marina, where financial constraints had her sharing a property. After being stranded in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucy returned to find that the property market had surged. Seizing the opportunity, she decided to invest Dh390,000 ($105,000) a year in the five-bedroom home she had long dreamed of within the same area she admired so much years ago.

Why Estella Is Special to Lucy

Lucy first discovered Estella when her parents visited and introduced her to a friend who lived in the area. It was an eye-opening experience for the young Lucy, who realized, “This is how the other half lives!” As life unfolded, Lucy got married in Australia, only to become stuck there during the pandemic, leading her to relinquish her previous home. When she and her family finally returned to Dubai, they found themselves in a tight real estate market.

Initially residing in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), they noticed escalating rents and few available options. They were paying Dh100,000 a year for a two-bedroom apartment in The Springs before prices skyrocketed to Dh300,000. With their growing family—two children and two dogs—they sought a bigger space but faced setbacks like floods in Al Furjan.

One day, during a casual browsing session on Bayut, Lucy stumbled upon a house that seemed perfect. It had everything they needed and was listed at a price comparable to what they paid in Al Furjan. The timing was impeccable, and they wasted no time securing the home.

Challenges in Buying a Home

While they longed to purchase their dream house, the current market prices made it nearly impossible. Lucy reflected that buying a property now means entering at the higher end of the market, where even renovation costs have significantly escalated. What once required Dh750,000 now demands well over Dh1 million. Despite the challenges, they feel settled in their dream home and have made various upgrades.

Lucy praised her landlord and real estate agent, feeling indebted to their flexibility, which has allowed them to negotiate their rent in exchange for enhancements to the property. They enjoy the comfort of their current situation but acknowledge that buying could be out of reach due to the rising costs.

Life in Victory Heights: A Family-Friendly Haven

Victory Heights stands out for its exceptional community feel. Lucy appreciates the gated environment that enables her kids to play outside with the knowledge that security personnel will keep an eye on them. The private roads reduce traffic, and the Els Club—just a short walk away—offers leisure activities for the family. With only an eight-minute commute to their children’s school and various amenities at their fingertips, Lucy feels fortunate.

The neighborhood also features multiple facilities, including community pools, gyms, parks, and sports courts. With three nurseries and a primary school nearby, it’s a haven for families. The plethora of amenities contributes not only to convenience but also to a strong sense of belonging within the community.

Reflecting on her life in Victory Heights, Lucy feels she wouldn’t change a thing. The small-town atmosphere enriches daily life, forging friendships among families and creating a wonderful social environment for her kids. While she wishes prices would become more affordable—enabling her the chance to own a home—her family continues to thrive in this well-established community.