What is luxury living?

When you open up a newspaper or drive down Sheikh Zayed Road, you are sure to be inundated with adverts screaming upcoming ‘luxury’ developments.

However, what constitutes the term luxury? In a cosmopolitan city such as Dubai where over 200 nationalities co-exist peacefully, luxury can mean various things for people depending on their ethnicity, upbringing or even their socio-economic status.

Here is a list of the factors that Dubai residents believe to be luxurious.

1# Uniqueness

High-end buyers look for expert architecture coupled with tropical and verdant landscaping that stand out from other property developments. Gated communities with beautifully designed villas offer privacy while also being exclusive.

2# Design

A designer pool, large windows that allow for natural sunlight, state-of-the-art equipped kitchen, smart home technology, panoramic glass elevators, spacious bedrooms with en-suit bathrooms, infinity baths and baths fitted with a jacuzzi or sauna are all luxurious elements that high-end buyers look for in their homes.

Houses that let in natural light and are surrounded by beautiful views provide a Zen like atmosphere, improve mood and also increase resale value.

Striated stone-front fascia detailing, timber roof cornices and pergolas, textured wall paint and rustic coloured roof tiles all add that extra distinct element that high end property buyers look for in order for their homes to stand out. Natural elements like water, sand and stone also play a part in influencing their purchase.

3# Space

Homes of 3, 800 square feet to 9, 800 square feet offer a comfortable living. Full height windows with sliding doors which lead on to terraces and balconies help in ensuring fresh air flow around the house.

High ceilings create wide airy spaces and natural stone flooring can be calming. These minimalist design elements are popular with high end property buyers because it offsets all the stresses in the world. Long hallways, stairwells, awkward columns are space wasters and are usually a huge turn off for these buyers.