What started as "just filming a viewing for content" turned into a life-changing decision within 48 hours.
We're moving from our apartment in Waves Grande, Sobha Hartland – where we've lived for less than a year – to a townhouse in Villanova La Violeta. Here's the full tour, the numbers, and our honest thoughts about making this call.
How Did This Even Happen?
Our friends in the building – two families who moved around the same time as us, also with kids at the same school – were both adamant they were moving when their leases ended.
I kept saying: "No, I'm happy here. I don't want to move."
They said: "Just go and have a look."
So we booked a viewing with Vanessa, our broker, thinking it would make good content for the channel. People want to see different communities, right?
72 hours later, we'd signed for the place.
The Numbers
| Property | Rent (AED/year) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Waves Grande, Sobha Hartland | 165,000 | 2-bed + maid apartment |
| La Violeta, Villanova | 180,000 | 3-bed + maid townhouse |
| Difference | +15,000 | Significantly more space |
For 15,000 AED more per year, we're getting:
- An extra bedroom
- A proper home office
- Indoor-outdoor living space
- A garden
- Community facilities on our doorstep
The Property Tour: First Impressions
Vanessa showed us around a brand new unit in La Violeta – the newest phase of Villanova.
What Caught Our Eye
- The bi-fold doors – They open completely, creating genuine indoor-outdoor living. Not like windows. An actual extension of your living space.
- Black hardware throughout – Very modern. Earlier phases had silver/chrome. This looks better.
- Build quality – La Rosa phases 3-6 used a different contractor (already better), and La Violeta improved again. Best quality in the community.
- Natural light – Windows everywhere, even in unexpected places. So many Dubai homes are dark.
- Wardrobe in every room – Including the maid's room, which could easily be a fourth bedroom or guest room.
The Layout
- Downstairs: Open-plan kitchen/living, powder room, storage, maid's room
- Upstairs: Master with balcony and ensuite, two additional bedrooms, family bathroom
- Outside: Garden space (artificial grass being fitted)
- Size: 1,600 sq ft built-up, 1,800 total
Solar Water Tanks
Something we didn't expect: solar panels for water heating. Vanessa said her DEWA bill in winter was about 1,000 AED monthly for a 4-bed – much lower than apartments because you're not paying for lifts, common areas, etc.
The Community Facilities
This is where Villanova really stands out.
La Violeta Pool (Exclusive)
- Kids pool and adult pool
- Only for La Violeta residents
- Changing rooms with marble finishes
- Never crowded because there are so many pools throughout the community
The Bolt Hole (Community Pub)
This sealed it for us. A proper pub with:
- Garden seating area
- BBQ facilities
- Pool right next to it
- Playground nearby
- Shows sports on screens
- Open to everyone (not just residents), but resident discounts coming
"Sometimes you just want to go for a drink and be able to walk. Having a pub with a garden on your doorstep, and the pool right there as the kids get older – that appealed to me."
The Heart of the Community
A massive central park area with:
- Multiple playgrounds (each one different)
- Football pitch with evening training sessions
- Basketball courts
- Tennis courts (with coaching available)
- Table tennis
- Mini golf (free – just bring your own club and balls)
- BBQ areas
- Gym
Community Events
Vanessa mentioned monthly events in the big green area:
- Farmers markets
- Christmas market (fake snow, Santa)
- Easter events
- Arabic festivals
- Indian festivals
- Food stands, entertainment, stage
That community feel is exactly what we were missing in apartment life.
Why We're Really Moving
What We Love About Sobha Hartland
- Walking to school (1km)
- Proximity to Downtown
- Beautiful building
- Nothing we actively dislike
What's Pushing Us to Move
- Home office space – Ducking and diving on Zoom calls in a 2-bed is getting harder as work gets busier
- Can't see us buying here – The apartment we'd want in Sobha Hartland would massively stretch us financially
- Community feeling – Apartment living feels transient. We want a hub to meet people.
- Space for the boys – Basketball, football, playgrounds all within the community
- Testing before buying – We want to buy in 2026. Won't buy without trying first.
The School Concern
This is Sara's main worry. We currently walk to school. Moving to Villanova means driving.
"I think it's a move for the boys – the community, the play areas, the football pitch. But the school commute... that's the sacrifice."
Our Plan
- Divide and conquer the school runs
- Explore car-pooling with other families (lots of Heartland International kids live in Villanova)
- It's not permanent – if it doesn't work, we move again in a year
The Deal Details
Costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Security deposit | 5% = 9,000 AED |
| Agency fee | 5% + VAT = ~9,500 AED |
| Total upfront | ~18,500 AED (plus rent) |
Payment Terms
The landlord (German investor, not planning to sell) is flexible: 1 or 4 cheques. Most townhouses demand 1-2 cheques only.
Timeline
- Move in: May 1st, 2025
- Waves Grande lease ends: May 22nd
- Overlap: Minimized to ~3 weeks
One-Year Warranty
Brand new unit = one year warranty. Any issues, call DP (Dubai Properties), they fix it at no cost.
Shell and Core: What You Need to Know
This is important for anyone moving from an apartment to a villa/townhouse.
Apartments typically include:
- Built-in fridge freezer
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Cooker/oven
Townhouses/villas are often "shell and core":
- Empty kitchen
- No appliances
- You buy everything
Budget: Approximately 15-20K AED for white goods (fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, cooker, etc.)
What's Next
We've got a lot to figure out:
- Ejari cancellation and transfer
- DEWA move
- Security deposit recovery
- Custom curtains situation
- Moving logistics
- School run optimization
- Buying all the white goods
We'll document all of it. If you're moving apartments in Dubai, these videos will help.
Sara's Honest Take
"I'm not 100% if I'm being brutally honest. I'm not all in. It went from 'let's just see what other communities are like for content' to actually doing it pretty quickly. I don't think I've fully processed it yet."
But here's the perspective shift:
"It's a two-way door. We're trying something different for a year. If we don't like it, we move again. At least we'll know whether we want to be slightly further from Central, whether the school run becomes a problem."
The Celebration
We took the boys to The Bolt Hole to tell them. Their reaction:
"I'm actually so happy!"
"I don't think I've fully processed it yet."
"Neither have I. I think I'm in shock."
Reggie summed it up: "Mommy was raging because Daddy missed the turning... and then he was like, we're actually driving to Villanova. We're celebrating."
Key Takeaways
| Factor | Our Decision |
|---|---|
| Cost difference | 15K AED more for much more space |
| Community | Massive upgrade from apartment life |
| School commute | The sacrifice – exploring car-pooling |
| Buying potential | Test before 2026 purchase decision |
| Risk | Low – it's a one-year rental |
Thinking About Villanova?
- Read the full Villanova guide
- Watch our community tour
- Take the neighbourhood quiz – Find the right community for your family
- Relocation Package – If you want hands-on help
Villanova, baby. Let's go! 🏡